transmission modulator
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
My policy regarding the modulator, is this:
Replace the modulator at every other fluid change or at 60,000 miles.
Reason:
A blown modulator can cause other problems, that are much more expensive than the modulator itself. Much of the time it is caught before it causes any serious problems, but if the fluid level drops too low, transmission damage can occur, and it can also contribute to overheating.
Exceptions:
If the exhaust system has been modified to keep the heat away from the modulator, (beyond the factory heat sheilds, if any) such as relocating the converters, the addition of extra heat sheilds, or the use of double wall exhaust pipe. The 4.0L can probaly be safely extended to 100,000 miles or every third fluid change without worry. If you have a 3.0L and a factory exhaust system, my recommeded replacement interval should be followed.
Replace the modulator at every other fluid change or at 60,000 miles.
Reason:
A blown modulator can cause other problems, that are much more expensive than the modulator itself. Much of the time it is caught before it causes any serious problems, but if the fluid level drops too low, transmission damage can occur, and it can also contribute to overheating.
Exceptions:
If the exhaust system has been modified to keep the heat away from the modulator, (beyond the factory heat sheilds, if any) such as relocating the converters, the addition of extra heat sheilds, or the use of double wall exhaust pipe. The 4.0L can probaly be safely extended to 100,000 miles or every third fluid change without worry. If you have a 3.0L and a factory exhaust system, my recommeded replacement interval should be followed.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
What about the fluid condition. When was it last changed? The fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on how the vehicle is used and driven. As a general rule, if you need to change your oil at 3,000 miles, you should change your tranny fluid at 30,000. You can push it beyond that, but doing so may compromise the additive blends in the fluid. It is better to change it more often and protect the transmission than to leave it till it starts to break down.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Ok, but I would look into making sure that the entire system is gently flushed. The TC on these does not have a drain plug, and the transmission cooler can hold a lot of fluid as well. A gentle flush takes about 10 quarts of fluid. You keep adding fluid as you drain the old fluid out throught the cooler return line. Old fluid can cause slipping, sticking, late shifting, and other things. A modulator can contribute as well. If in doubt, replace it.
FTE Community Team
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 260
From: Oak Harbor, Washington
A failed modulator -- by itself -- will not cause slipping starting out, so if you have that symptom (and your fluid level is correct), look elsewhere for the problem's cause. A failed modulator can cause hard upshifts, early downshifts, and if you have one leaking, it can cause the fluid level to get too low, and that can cause slipping starting out.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
Originally Posted by ranger714
The tranmission seams to slip starting off and somtimes when changing into other gears. I wasnt sure if the modulator would cause this.The fluid level lokoed fine.
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I agree with bertha. A transmission exhibiting mechanical problems needs more than a flush. I am not a believer in regularly adjusting bands but in the event of obvious problems, I would do this.
Proper transmission maintenance is a must and changing the filter is the magic part. If the suction filter clogs (hydraulicly speaking, a suction filter is poor design but they all do it) the trans burns up shortly thereafter from fluid starvation and lowered internal pressures.
Getting the old oil out is not that important as long as it is not burnt. If it is burnt smelling, the trans is dead anyway. Burnt fluid gets that way from burnt clutches, not a trailering overheat. Putting 75.00 worth of new oil into a burnt trans is a waste.
Anyway, adjust the bands, replace the filter and pan oil if that hasn't been done to maintenance standards and if the trans starts behaving itself, go ahead and do the slow flush. It definitely won't hurt. New oil will not fix a burnt trans.
Never, Never let a car shop power flush the trans and not change the filter. The filter is life of death to a trans.
Ken
Proper transmission maintenance is a must and changing the filter is the magic part. If the suction filter clogs (hydraulicly speaking, a suction filter is poor design but they all do it) the trans burns up shortly thereafter from fluid starvation and lowered internal pressures.
Getting the old oil out is not that important as long as it is not burnt. If it is burnt smelling, the trans is dead anyway. Burnt fluid gets that way from burnt clutches, not a trailering overheat. Putting 75.00 worth of new oil into a burnt trans is a waste.
Anyway, adjust the bands, replace the filter and pan oil if that hasn't been done to maintenance standards and if the trans starts behaving itself, go ahead and do the slow flush. It definitely won't hurt. New oil will not fix a burnt trans.
Never, Never let a car shop power flush the trans and not change the filter. The filter is life of death to a trans.
Ken
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: metro atlanta
how do you adjust the bands, actually the transmission is still under warranty (from the work we had done on it )but as life goes the business is no longer there or any sign of where he went!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
There is a extrenal ajustment on the side of the trans, lock nut and a center stud. I do not know the specs on the ajustment, My son did the job, he tiegthen it down until things started working ok.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: metro atlanta
Thanks for the information,I did change the filter and the modulator.The van seemed to do ok on a short test drive,I will drive the van on a 70 mile trip tuesday for a real test drive.
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