94 with several issues, plz help

[Seaford]

I'm new here so PLEASE hear me out. I truly need you guys help and hopefully can pay it forward in time. I have a 94 automatic that at the moment is the only truck I have and I need help to get it right so I have something then to my 5.4 I hope. The Ranger transmission gets hot or something and starts leaking on warm days and then I start losing fluid out the front bad and the smoke starts rolling. What do I need to do there to start? Also the engine dies when I come to a stop sometimes and I was told that was because of torque converter locking up? The engine (4.0) runs like a new machine sometimes and is awesome when it does BUT...it likes to stall out usually in the mornings when I leave for work and hit the gas. If I push through to the floor sometimes it backfires back through the throttle body but then the truck wants to run out from under me like a funny car!! Then it will continue to act up for the rest of the trip to work??? Now rarely, it starts, runs like a brand new truck as far as the engine goes and it's like nothing is wrong...but that's getting more rare with the passing days. Sorry I have the transmission AND the engine issues in the same post so feel free to divide and conquer. I really need help and hopefully can get back to where I used to be with healthy trucks soon. Stay safe out there. Thanks for listening

 

[gaz]

Seafood, (94 automatic Ranger 4.0L)

I have only ever experienced an automatic transmission vehicle stall for 2 different reasons:
1) the torque converter gave out
2) the MAF sensor died (or MAP if speed density)

Have you checked your transmission fluid level and what it looks like? Pull any codes?

 

[Tim_2020]

I am just a backyard mechanic, if the fluid is leaking from the front of the tranny it could be the seal. If that is the problem you have to pull the tranny. There are other issues with the al4d tranny google it, my truck the tranny leakage is from solenoids, but is small leak and the truck is not far from the boneyard anyway with rust.
https://www.transmissionrepaircostguide.com/a4ld/
I think in this forum there is also a very good write up on the al4d and its common problems.

 

[Seaford]

Seafood, (94 automatic Ranger 4.0L)

I have only ever experienced an automatic transmission vehicle stall for 2 different reasons:
1) the torque converter gave out
2) the MAF sensor died (or MAP if speed density)

Have you checked your transmission fluid level and what it looks like? Pull any codes?

I have talked to a mech that I think is going to get me in sometime in the future but not sure when. Fluid level is usually good and I top off when it gets low but I always do my best to keep that on the mark. He thinks the converter is locking up and stalling the truck as far as the engine issue but I'm not absolutely positive the engine is problem free so I think the tranny will be first and then go from there. As far as codes there aren't any that has shown up yet but....I haven't had them read in the last couple months (3) either so I may have something now. I will show him your reply about the sensor. Thank you very much!!

 

[Seaford]

I am just a backyard mechanic, if the fluid is leaking from the front of the tranny it could be the seal. If that is the problem you have to pull the tranny. There are other issues with the al4d tranny google it, my truck the tranny leakage is from solenoids, but is small leak and the truck is not far from the boneyard anyway with rust.
https://www.transmissionrepaircostguide.com/a4ld/
I think in this forum there is also a very good write up on the al4d and its common problems.

I will read it and thank you very much for your help. The fluid is for sure from the front seal and blows on the exhaust when the tranny get hot and then the smoke starts rolling!! I have a mech that will help me but just not sure when he'll be able. Again Thanks Much!!

 

[RonD]

On the passenger side of the A4LD transmission is the Vacuum Modulator

It will have a black vacuum hose attached to it, pull off that hose to see if there is ATF inside it, if so that will cause shifting issue AND stall the engine, when high idle vacuum sucks in the ATF

That hose to check is connected to the vacuum modulator, seen in this picture: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/a4ld_labeled.JPG

 

[sgtsandman]

 

[Seaford]

On the passenger side of the A4LD transmission is the Vacuum Modulator

It will have a black vacuum hose attached to it, pull off that hose to see if there is ATF inside it, if so that will cause shifting issue AND stall the engine, when high idle vacuum sucks in the ATF

That hose to check is connected to the vacuum modulator, seen in this picture: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/a4ld_labeled.JPG

Thank you and I will try to get to that tomorrow and see what I have. Thank you very much.