Rear ABS got anything to do with A4LD transmission?

[Paisano]

92' Ford Ranger XLT with 2.9 V6
Does the Rear Anti-Lock braking system module and sensor in the differential, have any bearing on the operation of the A4LD automatic transmission?
Or is that a entirely separate system?

 

[RonD]

RABS is a separate system no connection, not even connected to the computer

In 1998-2000 Rangers Ford did high jack the rear axle ABS sensor to also use it as Speed Sensor via GEM module

 

[Paisano]

Ok. That's what I thought Ron. I just wanted to make sure. I read on some make/models, a faulty vehicle speed sensor could cause abnormal behavior with the transmission.
Does my 92' Ranger with 2.9 V6 even have a vehicle speed sensor...........and if so is it incorporated into the A4LD transmission?

 

[RonD]

Yes, it is on the speedometer cable hook up on driver's side of tail shaft housing(or on transfer case if 4x4)
2 wires

Gear driven, looks like this: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/speedsensor.gif

2 wire plug for VSS and then speedo cable hookup next to it

Looks like this with gear in place: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/speed/vss_withgear.JPG

 

[Paisano]

Ok. Cool. My mechanical speedometer in the dashboard has been faulty for years. I could never get the speedo cable fully seated in the back of the speedometer. Would that cause a problem with the automatic transmission?

 

[RonD]

In a 1992 no, unless the problem is at the transmission end, i.e. a bad gear on that combo unit in/on the transmission

 

[Paisano]

Ok. That makes sense. Thanks

 

[Paisano]

I've been reading everything I can about the A4LD. But you don't always find the answers.
I'm still troubleshooting this issue. Would a failing engine coolant temp sensor cause that delayed shift into 2nd gear with cool engine and cool morning? Does the 1992 2.9 V6 version of the A4LD have it's own built-in temperature sensor?

 

[RonD]

No

The A4LD only has 2 computer controls, TCC and 3/4 shift, and no internal sensors
So nothing from computer would cause what you describe

It's only connection to the engine, besides the crank shaft, lol, is the Vacuum Modulator
Check its hose for water or ATF

 

[Paisano]

Ok. And what you're saying is consistent with what I have been reading............only 2 EEC related controls for torque converter and gears 3 to 4 shift. The rest is hydraulic. It seemed like temperature was a key factor with this shifting symptom.

But if there is no temperature sensor screwed into the A4LD transmission...then it seems to me that something is delaying build up of fluid pressure. Yesterday, I did my first drive of the day when it was about 90 degrees, and it delayed in 1st gear again.

 

[wildbill23c]

Welcome to the normal A4LD crap transmission world. Most likely a valve body issue, or some failing seals in the transmission itself, outside of a complete rebuild nothing you can really do to fix it either unfortunately....possibly some of the various snake oil fixes might help a while if its a failing seal, but it'll just buy you a little time before it fails completely.

The transmission itself is pretty rudimentary outside of the torque converter lockup and 3-4 shift controls.

I haven't had much luck with the A4LD myself, and not sure if many shops will even work on them anymore LOL.

 

[Paisano]

It's getting worse now that it's at the point where it is reproducing the symptoms every day. As a matter of fact, I'm taking it back to the shop today where they will see it malfunction in person. They're going to have to tear it down and rebuild it. That's all there is to it, even if they have to use the better parts from the 4.0 V6 version.

 

[Paisano]

The transmission shop owner took it for another test drive late Friday afternoon. Sure enough, it got stuck in 1st gear as usual. He agreed this needs to be fixed. And he is guessing faulty valve body or governor

 

[Paisano]

The transmission repair shop is still having delayed shift problem after replacing the valve body.
I just called them and they are going to replace the governor now.

 

[Paisano]

Ok. They replaced the governor. I picked up my truck yesterday. The delayed shift into 2nd gear is fixed. But now it has no 4th gear overdrive.
I know there are several causes for this. Is there a simple road test I can do to rule out any problems with EEC (electronic engine control)?
Or is that not likely to be a cause? I know A4LD uses a 3rd to 4th gear shift solenoid also.