Transmission Rough Shifting

[omnia]

My 1995 Ford Explorer started rough shifting between 1st and 2nd gear on Thursday morning. The OD light also started blinking and I disconnected the battery cable and let it reset then drove it less than 1/2 mile and the light started blinking again. I took it to a transmission shop and they checked it and told me it had a code for slippage (which it wasn't doing) the guy cleared the code, and told me to drive it that it would not get any better but shouldn't get any worse. The guy said the only way to fix the problem was with a rebuild or buy a used transmission. Aside from the fact that I really can't afford either right now, I don't think the transmission is toast because it runs to well in all the other gears. I do have many, many miles (255,000) on the vehicle but I have done regular transmission service every 25-28,000 miles since I've had it (2002). Once the vehicle gets out of low (1st ) gear it runs perfect. But from 1st to 2nd it will rev the engine up to 3-4,000 rpm and still not change unless I let off the gas then it changes and runs fine.
My regular mechanic (not the transmission shop) says it needs a filter and fluid change. He told me to get 4 quarts of transmission fluid and one bottle of Lucas transmission treatment, which I did, and he is going to service it and add the Lucas on Monday.
I would like to hear from the group as to what exactly you guys think might be the problem and any suggestions for fluid, additives, etc., would be greatly appreciated.

 

[unDummy]

255k miles and your wondering what the problem is?

I know many that WISH that their Ford transmission lasted that long.

Save your money for the rebuild. Practice releasing the gas pedal to force that 1-2 shift always.

Unless line pressure is low caused by thin fluid or clogged filter, I doubt that the Lucas and new filter are going to help.

That 3-4k rev IS slippage.

Start by making sure ATF level is perfect and the correct fluid.

And, get a factory service manual so that you can test the electricals/electronics like VB solenoids, sensors(speed, throttle, rpm), and make sure there is no connector corrosion.

 

[Gary Allan]

in addition to what undummy said ..you may consider adopting a manual shift technique to see if you can avoid the runaway between the shifts. You can do it with your foot ..but you're applying different elements in the trans in Low/1st as opposed to DRIVE/OD.

Auto-Rx may be an option for this situation if you've got enough mileage left in it for the treatment to liberate any item that may be causing this to occur.

Do you think anyone can afford a rebuild? Most of us are in the situation of "we can't afford NOT to rebuild" due to the alternatives in avoided added costs. I couldn't afford a $2300+/- long block for my 15 year old minivan ...but $2200 wouldn't buy me as good a ride for what I need it for

There's always too much month left at the end of the money.