Transmission Woes
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New User
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Transmission Woes
Hello,
I have a 1996 Ford Aerostar 3.0l. With a A4LD transmission. When driving the transmission shifts nicely from 1-2 but when accelerating the engine revs very high before a rough shift to 3rd. If I let up on the gas just as it starts to rev, then it shifts smoothly. Then she shifts smoothly after that.
Any ideas??
Shane
I have a 1996 Ford Aerostar 3.0l. With a A4LD transmission. When driving the transmission shifts nicely from 1-2 but when accelerating the engine revs very high before a rough shift to 3rd. If I let up on the gas just as it starts to rev, then it shifts smoothly. Then she shifts smoothly after that.
Any ideas??
Shane
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
how long since fluid and filter changed? what color is present fluid? should be nice red new color with no black or brown and no particles on white paper sampling, compare side be side with new fluid. absolutely no burned odor.
A4LD's are sensitive to fluid level, check at operating temp only, never overfill and no more than 1 pint below full mark.
how long since modulator was changed? pull off vacuum line on modulator and look for auto tranny fluid dripping out. if fluid in vaccum line, replace failed modulator. erratic shifting on acceleration can be sign of failed modulator. if modulator has been leaking fluid into vacuum, decarbonize engine and change engine oil because of contamination and dilution.
check both band adjustments.
A4LD's are sensitive to fluid level, check at operating temp only, never overfill and no more than 1 pint below full mark.
how long since modulator was changed? pull off vacuum line on modulator and look for auto tranny fluid dripping out. if fluid in vaccum line, replace failed modulator. erratic shifting on acceleration can be sign of failed modulator. if modulator has been leaking fluid into vacuum, decarbonize engine and change engine oil because of contamination and dilution.
check both band adjustments.
Last edited by 96_4wdr; Aug 2, 2005 at 12:51 PM.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Do a complete tune up. Another thing that can happen, is if the engine is not produceing as much power as it should be, you will have to use more throttle, and the vacuum will naturally be lower, the result will be delayed shift due to a percieved engine load. Tune the girl up, which includes new plugs,wires, filters, and make sure the vacuum lines are ok, and that the modulator is not leaking. Check the ignition timing (always a good idea after replaceing plugs and wires, but not necessary on the 4.0) Replace the oil (part of a tune up anyway)
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Houston,TX
how much difference would the band adjustment make? I had one rebuilt and afterwards seemed to shift very hard. in addition to failing before it should have...but of course after the warranty was up
Gary
Gary
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Mitchell, SD
savvy5473, you technically don't have an A4LD, you have a 4r44e (electronically controlled A4LD) so I would first go have your codes pulled and see if that will enlighten us some. Sorry khantyranitar & 96_4wdr, no modulator.
xuzme720, future advice, if you have a tranny rebuild and it does not "feel right" take it in and have them check it. Keep the documantation and be clear on what it is doing and make sure they put it on the service ticket. That way when the tranny goes a month after the warranty expired, you can fight them saying that you confronted them with the issue durring the warranty and it should be repaired under warranty. If they refuse, the judge will see it your way when you produce the service ticket stating the issue during the warranty period that they did not rectify.
xuzme720, future advice, if you have a tranny rebuild and it does not "feel right" take it in and have them check it. Keep the documantation and be clear on what it is doing and make sure they put it on the service ticket. That way when the tranny goes a month after the warranty expired, you can fight them saying that you confronted them with the issue durring the warranty and it should be repaired under warranty. If they refuse, the judge will see it your way when you produce the service ticket stating the issue during the warranty period that they did not rectify.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
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From: Washington state
if bands are adjusted too tight, causes some drag friction while "disengaged", band and drum overhead, band friction facing glazes, fluid turns to liquid toast.
if too loose, band/drum slips while engaged, especially while under heavy load. same effects.
if too loose, band/drum slips while engaged, especially while under heavy load. same effects.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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My 1992 Aerostar SUV transmission has been rebuilt but it's still not shifting in first or second gear and has no power. What should i do next. I was told to have the vacuum modelator check but where does it sit? How can it be adjusted?
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Elder User
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From: Houston,TX
thanks night...actually I did take it back and tell them about it, but neglected to have it documented... and what they told me was I was probably used to the bands slipping somewhat and that the "tight" shifting was normal. and of course, rather than appear not to know what I was talking about, left it to the "experts", only later to find that the shop was in the process of changing owners. probably didn't want to do anything so close to bailing out. at any rate, live and learn. also, I'm not trying to imply that any repair shops are dishonest or anything, just that if I feel there is a problem, I will now pursue it to a satisfactory outcome, or just do it myself. [rant off]
Gary
Gary
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Brett Foote
Elder User
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From: Houston,TX
marvin..modulator should sit near the rear on the passenger side of the transmission. it will be the round thing with a vacuum hose sticking out, in case you didn't already know. 
not sure about adjustment though, have to dig my manual out and let you know.
Gary
not sure about adjustment though, have to dig my manual out and let you know.Gary