MLP Sensor

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Feb 1, 2007 | 11:34 PM

Owl

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 48

Likes: 1

From: Thunder Bay, Ontario

MLP Sensor

My 92 clubwagon (302 with automatic overdrive) is making hard downshifts sometimes for no reason. It does it intermitently and not on the upshifts. Trans is smooth otherwise and no other problems. Trans was rebuilt 40,000 miles ago and has been good since.
From reading these foums I think it might be the MLP Sensor and I would like to change it out. My question is.. is this a hard job and what is involved?
Thank you all in advance.

Owl

Feb 2, 2007 | 07:39 AM

95bogginbronco

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 177

Likes: 0

From: minnesota

The MLP is not hard to replace. It is easier to explain in steps.
1. Put truck in nuetral and block the tires.
2. Disconnect plug from MLP
3. Hold linkage with pair of pliers and break nut loose.
4. Take the 2 little bolts the align it loose.
5. Clean all the mud out from behind the sensor.
6. make sure the white or black tab on the new sensor is lined up with the other tab on it. This is nuetral on the switch and you need to install it in this position.
7. Put MLP on tranny and install linkage nut.
8. Install both nuts. Use a 1/4 inch ratchet. they don't have to be that tight.
9. Test drive and make sure every gear on your selector column works. If not loosen those 2 nuts with teh truck in nuetral, move it a little and try again. What this does is align the insides so they are correct without using that super expensive tool ford has for them.
Good luck buddy.

Feb 2, 2007 | 08:41 AM

Clubwagon

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 2,182

Likes: 7

From: Saint Augustine, FL

Well, my first thought is that your '92 doesn't have one. Most '92's with 5 liters have AOD's in them. This is a non-electronic transmission and therefore doesn't have an MLP.

The way to tell is if it has an OD On/Off button on the end of the shifter. If there is a button, its a 4R70W and indeed has an MLP. If there is no button then its an AOD and doesn't.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

Feb 2, 2007 | 09:18 AM

Owl

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 48

Likes: 1

From: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thanks for the help. Mine does not have a button on the shifter so I guess I don't have a MLP. What would I have then to change out for controling the trans? Would I have a modulator?

Owl

Feb 2, 2007 | 11:29 AM

Clubwagon

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 2,182

Likes: 7

From: Saint Augustine, FL

AOD's don't have a modulator, they have a TV (Throttle Valve) cable instead. Un-forced downshifts sound more like its falling out of gear. That's a line pressure problem. You need to have the problem professionally diagnosed. It may be the TV cable is too tight or the TV valve is hanging.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

Feb 4, 2007 | 08:53 PM

Owl

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 48

Likes: 1

From: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thanks for the help clubwagon. My downshifts are not un-forced. I should clarify, when I punch the accel. to pass, the trans will drop out of OD to the lower gear very hard. Also sometimes when I let go of accelerator and coast to a stop the trans will go into its lower gears with a clunk.
all forward gear shifts are smooth otherwise. Do you think the tv cable adjustment might be the source of my problems? It has been the same way now for about a month. And just recently the van is idling high and I think the IAC is dirty or in need of a replacement. Its been -22F here the last while so I haven't been able to look at it. (don't have a garage).
Any help very much apreciated.

Owl

Feb 4, 2007 | 09:22 PM

Clubwagon

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 2,182

Likes: 7

From: Saint Augustine, FL

If the problem is as you described, I doubt its the TV cable adjustment. That usually shows up on the upshifts first. Harsh downshifts, as you described, are usually an internal problem.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT