Possible transmission problem with 93 Aerostar

[demarpaint]

I have been noticing more fuel consumption in the 93 Aerostar I use for work. The shifting seems to be less pronounced than it was in the past, and I think at times its not shifting into OD. When I back off the gas the car slows down a little more than normal as if it was in 3rd gear instead of OD. To test it I then move the shift from OD to D and I can feel the downshift, which is confusing me. The less pronounced shift has me a little bugged too, but it is felt from 1 to 2 to 3, OD is very hard to detect, and leads me to believe it might be intermittent in the nature of the problem.

I have about 161,000 miles on the original unit, the fluid looks good, and has been serviced every 24-30,000 miles. It doesn't slip. The brakes are functioning properly and not hanging up.

Any suggestions would be appreciated,
Frank D

 

[Donald]

So when you say serviced every 24K - 30K miles, does that mean a total fluid replacement or just whats in the pan? The pan holds around 1/3 of the total capacity in most vehicles (you can check on the Amsoil website). So if all they did was a drain and refill or drop the pan and replace the filter then refill, you have a lot of miles on the ATF.

If you have had the filter replaced in the last 25K miles, then I would try some Auto-Rx in the transmission and then when you have driven the miles they say in the inst., I would do a total fluid replacement, and you can do it yourself via the cooling lines or bring it to a place and have them do a flush. Or do several drain and refills of the pan in a row (like 4).

Upgrading to a top tier ATF like AMSOIL might be a good thing to do also after the Auto-Rx.

 

[-Clayton-]

Sounds like the torque converter clutch isn't engaging.

 

[01rangerxl]

Have the bands ever been adjusted?

 

[Steelhead]

Pink/blk lead into transmission is the torque converter control lead

Orange/yellow is the 3rd/4thOD lead

tap into both with test leads and measure voltage while driving

14v on lead indicated not engaged
0v indicates engaged TC clutch or 4thOD

the PCM grounds the leads to actuate the internal shift solenoids

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks for the replies, to answer the questions:

The pan was dropped cleaned and new filter installed every 24-30,ooo miles. I would then drive it and either suck out fluid or disconnect the cooler line and drain out another 10-12 quarts doing 2 qts at a time for 5-6 sessions. At around 12,000 miles I would remove and replace about 6 qts of fluid, same procedure as above.

Not sure about band adjustment, I always had a local guy drop the pan and swap the filter. I did the fluid replacement mentioned above myself. I know engines and MT's fairly well. Does the 4 speed AT in a 93 Aerostar have a band adjustment?

Frank D

 

[Steelhead]

yes
usually all that is required is factory OEM setting and good to go for life since there is more than sufficient movement range in the servos to handle any wear.

get a Chilton's if you want to try the band adjusts.

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks, I can probably handle the band adjustment, or my new mechanic can, I have faith in this guy.

The electrical testing is a bit confusing (electric is my weak point), what is the fix if a problem is found, is the TC bad, or would it be a wiring problem?

Frank D

 

[jdean]

Ford experienced problems with this transmission in the past. Ford had many warranty issues. I am surprised your transmission lasted this long without an overhall. I would do as Donald suggests( transmission flush and a really good synthetic transmission fluid).

 

[PT1]

161k on that trans is pretty good wear IMO. Lots of earlier failures on that model under 100k. You should be happy with it. BUt I believe there is a rebuild in the near future. You may want to look into it now before a major failure wipes out the entire unit.

 

[01rangerxl]

The A4LD isn't known for reliability, but I think many of its problems came from the types of vehicles and owners that used them.

A4LDs that receive excellent maintenance and are driven easily can last for over 200K in some situations. Most don't get that treatment though. Your typical A4LD is in an Explorer or Ranger that gets beat to [censored] by the owner and receives sporadic maintenance at best. That's why so many are toast at 120K-130K.

There is some good info on these transmissions in the tech library at therangerstation.com.

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks for all the information, honestly I am somewhat surprised that the transmission lasted as long as it did. I took pretty good care of it and didn't abuse it. I will print the info given to me here and do some searches and take it to my mechanic friend next week and see what he says. If its an adjustment and reasonable cost I will have him do it, if it means a rebuild I will have to weigh options.


I had to put my 12 year old dog down and I don't have the energy to fool around with it now.

Thanks as always!

Frank D

 

[01rangerxl]

Sorry to hear about your dog.

 

[demarpaint]

Thanks!!!!!!!! The pain has been coming in waves.

I hope this transmission is an easy inexpensive fix, and my mechanic friend is up to the task. I'd love to see 200,000 miles out of it!!!!!!!!!!! It will have 162,000 miles tomorrow, and I am changing out the oil from the A-rx clean phase, going into the rinse.....

Frank D

 

[raaizin]

I have a 1996 explorer,which I bought new. I never towed or took it offroad. I changed fluid every 20k miles and it was toast at 130k. Most of those were hwy miles. I dont think it gave me good service.

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: raaizin
I have a 1996 explorer,which I bought new. I never towed or took it offroad. I changed fluid every 20k miles and it was toast at 130k. Most of those were hwy miles. I dont think it gave me good service.

No, that's not very good. It is unusual for a 4R55E to go that early with that kind of maintenance though. My 1995 Explorer was maintained, but also used hard (frequent towing, some off roading) and it still shifted great with 158K miles on the original transmission when I sold it. With millions of these transmissions in service, there will be the bad apples.

 

[oldmaninsc]

Originally Posted By: jdean
Ford experienced problems with this transmission in the past. Ford had many warranty issues. I am surprised your transmission lasted this long without an overhall. I would do as Donald suggests( transmission flush and a really good synthetic transmission fluid).


I have a 95 Aerostar with over 200K. The original transmission stills shifts fine! I bought this vehicle with about 20K on it. Never any problems with it. I wouldn't be surprised if this transmission makes 300K! But I think the body will probably fall apart before then.

To the original poster, you might want to check for codes. Also is the engine running at normal temperature? If the engine does not reach proper temp. or if the coolant temp. sensor is bad the torque converter clutch will not engage.

 

[demarpaint]

According to the dash gauge I am reaching normal operating temperature, nothing is different as far as I can tell. I am going to suggest to the mechanic to check that the TC is getting the signal to lock up, check for codes, and adjust the bands. I am keeping my fingers crossed that its something simple. Wish I had the energy to mess around with it myself.

Thanks for the replies,
Frank D

 

[Donald]

Many mechanics do not want to mess with a transmission beyond doing a pan drop and filter change. You may need to take it to a trusted transmission place.

 

[demarpaint]

My mechanic friend said he had a good transmission guy if he couldn't handle the repair. I'll see what happens. If I am told I need a rebuild or something along those lines, I will either sell the car, stating it needs transmission work, or get the Chiltons out and try messing with it myself, when things settle down here.

Thanks,

Frank D