'96 Aerostar,4.0,125,000 Mi. I've been having a delay problem when backing out of the driveway and put it in Drive-it takes 3-4 seconds before engaging in first. . . for about two years now. Only, the problem has recently got worse. In the last 6 mos., it will sometimes slip in and out while backing down the drive, and sometimes delay 30-50 seconds, sometimes not at all, before going forward.
( I've learned to back out to the curb so I'm not sitting in the middle of the street when a car is coming ). Then whenever I come to a stop, I'm watching for another delay in engaging, for the first few miles until it warms up. Then it operates normally, and I don't have to worry about getting rear-ended when the light turns green.
I added Lucas Trans Fix 3-4 mos. ago. No change. The ATF is right up to the top of the crosshatch on the dipstick. This only happens when it's COLD. I can shut it off for an hour or two in cold weather and the problem is right back again. When it's warmed up, I can jab it at the start and she goes. Any ideas?

 

Hi Eddie:

Welcome to our FTE forum.

 

hi spikeddie,


delayed forward engagement click

start with filter change and total fluid gentle flush 10 quarts quality brand name ATF per directions on Aero forum=search

 

Can't find directions for doing a 10 qt. total fluid gentle flush.How is it done? Need steps to navigate this forum. Thanks.

 

Sadly, I think the transmissions are the most troublesome components in our Aeros.

Take my advice with a hefty grain of salt, since I have never actually done this procedure. I believe that I know the basic steps though.

On a level surface, do the following...

1) Disconnect the ATF return line from the radiator assembly.
2) Remove the transmission dipstick and put a funnel in.
3) Start the engine and place the van in neutral with the parking brake engaged.

As the van runs, ATF will begin pouring out of the ATF return line, which you should be catching in a 5 gallon container. As the ATF comes out, add an equal amount through the dipstick tube. When the fluid coming out of the return line is consistently pink and new looking, let it run out for a couple more seconds (5?), then shut down the engine, thoroughly clean the ATF return line of debris, and reconnect it. Replace the dipstick, restart the engine, and perform a fluid level check. Add fluid as needed to get a good reading.

I think letting some extra fluid run out will make getting the ATF level right when done much easier, as it is much easier to add ATF than it is to remove it.

What say the pros, do I have it down?

If so, all the poster should need is some direction on which line is the ATF return line, where it is located, and what tool(s) are needed.

Good luck!

 

I'm getting the idea for a total fluid gentle flush. I do
need to know which is the ATF return line.I called Ford service to ask about doing this procedure and he just laughed. Then I did my daughter's '99 Sebring disconnect trans coolant line to make room for a qt. of Lucas Trans Fix and it sprayed a high pressure stream all over the engine front and garage floor in a few seconds. Ended up doing a suck and blow with a clear plastic hose down the dipstick tube. I thought that explains the laugh. Real helpful fellow!
How about the filter? Do I need to drop the pan and change that? It was done just about 6 months ago, but I have Lucas in the system now. BTW, it was successful in the Sebring, but nada in the A'Star.
How about also using Sea Foam TransTune with the flush? Their recommendation is to add 1/2 to 1 pint to trans, drive at least 5 miles, shift through all gears, then do a flush. But since I have Lucas already in the mix, do I drain and refill first? change the filter, too? Then add Sea Foam,drive 5+ miles,drain, change filter then do a 10 qt. Toatal Fluid Gentle Flush? Thanks .

 

gentle flush and Ford service laugh
Ford dealer shops use the same general technique but with a $4000 machine so they can charge you $149 plus ATF costs $80 and filter costs $29....the laugh is on who when a DIYer saves $250

i would myself not use Sea Foam flush in an auto tranny....it's a harsh strong solvent.....auto trannys have delicate seals and neoprene diaphrams....the friction material on bands and clutch packs could be damaged
use full bottle of Lubeguard "Red" or "Platinum" with fresh new ATF....available at most auto tranny shops and many auto parts stores
add an inline filter

do you have an inline ATF tranny cooler in front of the radiator? if so, makes the flush easier....just connect a rubber line to the out flow fitting or bend the outflow neoprene line down and into a bucket
neoprene rubber lines run to cooler under the radiator...easy to get at

 

Cut the return steel line and splice in a three-way ball valve you can buy from Home Depot.

That way, with the engine running, you can open the ball valve to bleed some ATF out of the tranny (I recommend one quart at a time). Then refill and repeat. Do that about ten times and you have flushed out 10 quarts (more or less). Put a little copper tubing on the ball valve and run it into a container so you won't make a mess.

 

I do not believe I have an inline ATF tranny cooler in front of the radiator. I think I do have two metal lines running to the rad. backside. Is the RETURN(low pressure?) the upper or lower? How would I catch the exiting ATF since the line is facing the radiator. And, How fast could I expect it to flow out? Would it be a dribble or a pulsating jet stream?

 

flow spec for properly operating auto tranny pump is more than 1 qt per 30 seconds in a steady stream

memory in old age is bad but believe return line is bottom one in cooler lower section of radiator tank

pull line off and check for fluid flow direction

put in a plate and fin cooler aux tranny cooler in front of radiator...makes the A4LD last much longer....the secret to long auto tranny life is cool below 180d F ATF temps....will last longer than most manuals if properly cooled and ATF changed....
also gives you a neoprene rubber line to pull off for drain and change

 

GENTLE FLUSH
HOw about if I drain the pan, change the filter, put on new gasket,remove coolant return line, start engine, begin the flow and add 1 quart fresh ATF at a time till I run ten of 'em . Shut down engine, check fluid level, bring up to snuff with Lubeguard Red or Platinum?
Will empty pan at first running be injurious to trans internals? I would think I would want to keep from mixing old and new fluids as much as poss. Appreciate your advice.

Does TC fluid mix with trans supply? I understand capacity is 7.5 qts. without Torque Converter.

 

sounds like you have a plan
fill to full mark after changing filter/pan
put in the Lubeguard after 8 qts so whole bottle goes in
yes, auto tranny pump will pump out old fluid in TC also....only partial flow goes to front cooler

all on Aero forum in search
just most of us have gotten tired of typing it out repeatedly

 

I would love to see the official directions for 'Total Fluid Gentle Flush' but it's like looking for a certain wave on the ocean. I need help navigating this forum. Anyone?

 

Very simple:

You should do this after you've already drained the pan and changed the filter. Fill to capacity and drive around a little to mix the old and new fluid.

Then, with engine idling, drain about a quart of fluid from one of the coolant lines, then refill. At this point, others have described a different procedure, but I would drive around a little to let it mix.

Then repeat about 9 times. With each iteration, the old fluid is diluted a little more. The total capacity is about 10 quarts, and you've run about 13 quarts through.. It should be MOSTLY clean.

 

spikeddie,

The "official" directions for 'Total Fluid Gentle Flush' are as follows: Take your van to the closest Ford dealership service department and pay about $258 plus taxes and shop fees to have them do what you can do for the cost of a trans filter kit and several quarts of fluid.

The reason that you are seeing so much variation in this procedure is that everyone does it differently according to their preferences of how much time, money, and blood they are willing to put into it.

In brief, I'd say to thoroughly read this thread and sketch the key points out on paper. Then take the paper, organize the steps, and drive to the local parts store.

Good luck...