Slow engagement

jasonl · 01-13-2009, 03:10 PM

I have a 96 4.0 auto with a slow reverse and forward engagement when it's cold. It has the proper level fluid and shifts fine otherwise. Is this a symptom of the valve body gasket ??? Thanks

koldcustoms · 01-13-2009, 03:43 PM

Replace the filter and change the fluid.

1wicked88 · 01-18-2009, 06:30 PM

Sounds more like a hard seal. If it gets better when its warmed up is because the rubber is more pliable then and makes a better seal. Valve body gaskets tend to make all kinds of havoc and creates shifting problems usually causing a flashing OD light and codes. Start simple and easy, if the fluid looks and smells decent change it and the filter, if you feel confident in your skills get a new valve body gasket and pull the valve body down. It may or may not fix your problem, if not you are looking at a rebuild to replace all the seals and o-rings.

Matt

Bent Bolt · 01-19-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koldcustoms

Replace the filter and change the fluid.

LOL !! Why ???

jasonl · 03-09-2009, 05:33 PM

Well I dropped the pan and figured I would replace the filter. I checked the torque of the valve body bolts and they were all about 1/4 turn under torqued. I am wondering if I don't have a gasket that is starting to blow because of this. The engagement is only slow after the truck sits like over night. I start it and put it into gear and have to wait like 5 seconds and it engages. After wards it runs fine and the engagement is spot on if I don't let the truck sit for more than a few hours. It just feels like the fluid pressure bleeds off. Does my theory make any sense??

Bruce · 03-09-2009, 11:28 PM

I hope you put the O rings on the filter and or didnt cut 1 of them.

Just my 2 cents(which sometimes means nothing)

jasonl · 03-10-2009, 02:27 PM

Yeah the O-rings were installed. At first I thought the engagement was normal after I torqued the bolts and installed the new filter, but it still does it. It only seems like it has to sit for longer periods of time now to make it happen.

01-13-2009, 03:10 PM	#1
jasonl Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Year: 2008 Make: Ford Model: F-150 Engine: 5.4 Posts: 91 Rep Power: 9 iTrader: (0)	Slow engagement I have a 96 4.0 auto with a slow reverse and forward engagement when it's cold. It has the proper level fluid and shifts fine otherwise. Is this a symptom of the valve body gasket ??? Thanks
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01-13-2009, 03:43 PM	#2
koldcustoms Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Year: 1987 Make: ford Model: ranger xlt 4x4 Engine: 2.9L Class: stock 4x4 Posts: 67 Rep Power: 9 iTrader: (0)	Replace the filter and change the fluid.
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01-18-2009, 06:30 PM	#3
1wicked88 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Altoona, Pa Year: 1988 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.9L V6 Class: 4x4 Used For: weekend trail rig/inclement weather Posts: 47 Rep Power: 12 iTrader: (0)	Sounds more like a hard seal. If it gets better when its warmed up is because the rubber is more pliable then and makes a better seal. Valve body gaskets tend to make all kinds of havoc and creates shifting problems usually causing a flashing OD light and codes. Start simple and easy, if the fluid looks and smells decent change it and the filter, if you feel confident in your skills get a new valve body gasket and pull the valve body down. It may or may not fix your problem, if not you are looking at a rebuild to replace all the seals and o-rings. Matt __________________ 88' Ranger - 6" superlift, super runner steering, 4.10's, 35's, and lots more. Currently working on swapping in my 8.8/D35 with 4.88's 2008 KX250F with lots of goodies
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03-09-2009, 05:33 PM	#5
jasonl Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Year: 2008 Make: Ford Model: F-150 Engine: 5.4 Posts: 91 Rep Power: 9 iTrader: (0)	Well I dropped the pan and figured I would replace the filter. I checked the torque of the valve body bolts and they were all about 1/4 turn under torqued. I am wondering if I don't have a gasket that is starting to blow because of this. The engagement is only slow after the truck sits like over night. I start it and put it into gear and have to wait like 5 seconds and it engages. After wards it runs fine and the engagement is spot on if I don't let the truck sit for more than a few hours. It just feels like the fluid pressure bleeds off. Does my theory make any sense?? __________________ I'm JasonL, and I approve this message.
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03-09-2009, 11:28 PM	#6
Bruce Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Southwest Missouri Year: 2002 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Super Cab XLT Engine: 4.0 SOHC Class: 4x4 4:10 gears Used For: Daily Driver Posts: 383 Rep Power: 11 iTrader: (0)	I hope you put the O rings on the filter and or didnt cut 1 of them. Just my 2 cents(which sometimes means nothing) __________________ 2002 Ranger Supercab 4x4 4 door 4.0 with 4:10 gears.
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03-10-2009, 02:27 PM	#7
jasonl Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Year: 2008 Make: Ford Model: F-150 Engine: 5.4 Posts: 91 Rep Power: 9 iTrader: (0)	Yeah the O-rings were installed. At first I thought the engagement was normal after I torqued the bolts and installed the new filter, but it still does it. It only seems like it has to sit for longer periods of time now to make it happen. __________________ I'm JasonL, and I approve this message.
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