AOD has only reverse and first gear

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Oct 7, 2007 | 08:20 PM

wickedwindsor

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Joined: Oct 2007

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AOD has only reverse and first gear

I have an AOD behind a 351W in my '91 Explorer using mustang intake and TV cable. I had the tranny rebuilt 8 months ago and it shifted great until now. I have only reverse and first gear. I dropped the pan to discover a light frosting of metal powder on the bottom of the pan (should I be concerned with this?). Does this mean I'll have to remove the tranny for a possible rebuild or can I check something while the tranny is in the vehicle?
Wondering if the governor and/or 1-2 shift valve could be stuck?
This all happened during a 7hour 4wheeling trip that included rock climbing and mud and water. I checked the tranny fluid level and condition and it is red and seems fine (No obvious signs of water infiltration).

Oct 7, 2007 | 08:58 PM

kcb37

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Does it try to shift at all? I would think it needs rebuilt.

Oct 7, 2007 | 09:24 PM

blue beast

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Joined: Nov 2004

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From: sunny fla sometimes windy

Put a paper towel on the ground, take out your dipstick let a few drops fall onto one spot on the paper, wipe off the dip stick and put it into a fresh bottle of trans fluid at the same level on the stick, let it drip onto a different spot on the paper. You will see the new fluid spread nicelyfrom the center where it was dropped, If the old is still sitting in the same spot looking nasty compared to the new. Maybe a flush and refill will help it out, Seeing as how you were probably doing a lot of low speed driving and with a bit off TC slipping you may have just slap wore out the fluid!! A digital trans temp gauge($50.00) Is a lot cheaper than a trans rebuild, You can't imagine how much the temp goes up sitting in the drive thru waiting on that burrito!! I got mine from jcwhitney and I definately recommend the digital one it has a quick reaction time
is easy to install I put a T in the cooler line. An electric fan just for your trans cooler could be another worthy addition and is a lot cheaper than a rebuild, If your trail speeds are slow for a good portion of your wheeling time.