Tranny Problem 93 Aerostar>please advise

[demarpaint]

I have a 93 Aerostar I use for work. It has 140,000 miles on the original transmission, its been serviced every 25-30K miles. Drop pan fluid and filter.

Problem: On the cold mornings it delays going into reverse, at least 5 seconds. If I warm it up for a few minutes it goes in w/o delay and slams. Fluid is not burnt, full not over filled, and no slippage. This morning my wife said it delayed going into drive, something its never done.

Is there some additive that will help? Or is it time to start looking for a good transmission rebuilder?

Thanks
Frank D

 

[unDummy]

Toss a bottle of lubegard red in it now.
Cut your pan drop interval in half.
Use a synthetic or blend that'll flow better in the cold weather. If too expensive, use a high mileage ATF.

 

[punisher]

A4LD- reverse servos were of particular concern. The seal/o-ring would harden up, sometimes you would get bore damage. I think Ford might have released a sleeve/piston kit for this problem, but don't guote me on it, I just worked next to the transmission guy. If you are having other problems, it might be time to go through it. A4LDs aren't known for really long lifetimes in the best of circumstances.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

There's a double-lip reverse servo O-ring available, that will help the reverse engagement. Check with your local Ford parts department. It's not too dificult to replace; just drop the pan and remove the reverse servo cover.

 

[demarpaint]

If I allow it to warm up in the morning I am fine. Would this situation damage anything if I leave it until it gets a little warmer?

I disconnected the line for the ATF to the radiator and drained about a gallon of fluid today. Added back fresh fluid, and Lube Guard red. Seems a little better now.

I am up to my eyeballs with a problem with an E-150 van now, and would rather not drop the pan on this right now. Once the spring comes I will look into the reverse servo O-ring. If I am going to ruin it by leaving it till spring I will have to bite the bullet and drop the pan now.

I checked my maintenance log, the transmission was serviced about 10,000 miles ago.

Thanks
Frank D

 

[Gary Allan]

Problems cold ..no problems warm ...to eliminate the symptom (not the problem necessarily), I'd use a synthetic ATF.