1997 Aerostar issues
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1997 Aerostar issues
I have a friend who owns a 1997 Aerostar XLT, and the O/D light at the end of the shifter always shows off. The check engine light also came on when this started happening. If i try to turn O/D back on, it will turn back off within a second or two. However, the light isn't flashing, so i'm puzzled about what to do 
. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks! 
. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Rochester, NY
I've seen cases where failure of overdrive to engage was a precursor to transmission failure. The 5R55 in the '97 was the same basic unit as the Explorer/Ranger. My mother's '98 Explorer did exactly that. The thing wasn't worth rebuilding.
I believe that the overdrive engagement and torque converter lock up are intertwined. If the OD won't engage, it could be a torque converter issue rather than a larger transmission issue. Has he checked the condition of the ATF?
I believe that the overdrive engagement and torque converter lock up are intertwined. If the OD won't engage, it could be a torque converter issue rather than a larger transmission issue. Has he checked the condition of the ATF?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
have him take it to an auto parts stores that loans the use of an OBDII code reader, Autozone is one....call ahead.
post codes to forum
several engine performance failure issues prevent the lockup of the torque converter and/or shift into Overdrive.
post codes to forum
several engine performance failure issues prevent the lockup of the torque converter and/or shift into Overdrive.
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Hi,
Thanks for everyones help! I'm going to go with him to autozone soon to get engine codes.
@ Torsen Rick- Are you sure this Aerostar has the 5R55? I had always thought it was the 4R44E. Not that it really matters, but i've never heard it shift into more than 4 total gears, so maybe this has been an ongoing problem.
Anyways, Thanks for the help, and I'll post back as soon as I can get some codes out of it.
Edit: Yes, we checked the ATF fluid, and it looked just fine.
Thanks for everyones help! I'm going to go with him to autozone soon to get engine codes.
@ Torsen Rick- Are you sure this Aerostar has the 5R55? I had always thought it was the 4R44E. Not that it really matters, but i've never heard it shift into more than 4 total gears, so maybe this has been an ongoing problem.
Anyways, Thanks for the help, and I'll post back as soon as I can get some codes out of it.
Edit: Yes, we checked the ATF fluid, and it looked just fine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
look/color of ATF means nothing, much as the color of diesel engine oil
what does it smell like.
if only a light hydraulic sweet odor, it's ok
if strong acid odor like cat pee in the hot sun, overheated and oxidized with acidic products.
what does it smell like.
if only a light hydraulic sweet odor, it's ok
if strong acid odor like cat pee in the hot sun, overheated and oxidized with acidic products.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Rochester, NY
I should qualify - the '97 had the 5R55 with the 4.0L engine, had the 4-speed with the 3.0L. I tend to assume that everyone has a 4.0L AWD van, because that's what I've got...
Also, I would think that if the ATF was black and full of so many particles that it looked like the metallic black paint on our new company Malibu (like it was on the Explorer I mentioned before), it would not mean "nothing"...
Also, I would think that if the ATF was black and full of so many particles that it looked like the metallic black paint on our new company Malibu (like it was on the Explorer I mentioned before), it would not mean "nothing"...
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I just ended up having to do another trans rebuild because i overloaded my van and wiped out the forward clutches. They turned into dust and did not change the color of the fluid, though there was a slight smell. The powdered clutches were spread all through the valve body and torque converter. You can't always tell by looking at the fluid. The fluid is supposed to be replaced at least every 30,000. More often if you tow with it.
The sooner you address known problems the better. If you ignore the OD problem, the trans may further self destruct and get to a point where it is even more costly to repair.
Have someone pull the codes, there should be a trans code stored if OD won't stay on. Unless its a wiring thing like a short in the OD button.
The sooner you address known problems the better. If you ignore the OD problem, the trans may further self destruct and get to a point where it is even more costly to repair.
Have someone pull the codes, there should be a trans code stored if OD won't stay on. Unless its a wiring thing like a short in the OD button.
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