1993 A4LD problems

[Flint311]

Just got a 93 Ranger that has tranny troubles. Everything else about it it great.

Anyway, it shifts from 1st to 2nd nicely, a little hard when into the throttle. It slips when trying to get into 3rd, but seems to get there if I back off the throttle, but won't keep speed. If I squeeze the gas pedal down, even lightly, it will quickly downshift into 2nd.

Fluid level is good and I replaced filter. What to check next? Thanks!

 

[01_ranger_4x4]

My brother in law just bought a 93 ranger with the same issue with his A4LD and his mechanic said he had one bad band and another on the way out. 1st and 2nd were fine but no third.

 

[nitrofan1]

Yuppers. Bands are a weak spot. You may opt to rebuild it if ya can do it yerself but to have a shop do it may get pricey. Reman units will run over a grand so you may look for a used one. When ya look check everything out (fluid, seals etc..) and pick one up for a few hundred bucks. Keep to original and down the road rebuild it.

 

[brinker88]

Dont just assume the worst. Try the stupid shit first. (I.E.- Vaccum diaphram on the passeger side of the transmission and a filter/fluid change) You'll have less than $100 into everything and you then know what you're going to be getting into.

 

[Flint311]

That's sorta what I was thinking of trying. I didn't explain it too well. At first, I could get it to go from 2nd to OD (no D), that's why it wouldn't hold speed I believe. After the filter change, it wants to go into D, but doesn't hold speed enough to go into OD. Either way, something to play with.

 

[brinker88]

Did you try the vacuum diaphram or check the vacuum line to the transmission?

 

[Flint311]

Just a quick check over from above. Have to pick up wife from airport and didn't wanna get too dirty first, bought it while she was gone ;-) I've read to pull line off trans and check for fluid in the line. Is this as good a sign as a vac gauge?

 

[adsm08]

Fluid in the line will mean the diaphragm ruptured and she is knocked up now. Those modulators have 2 modes of operation, working and spewing fluid into the vac system.

You may also just need the bands adjusted.

 

[Flint311]

What would be involved in tightening? Forgive me, I've not had a lot of experience in repairing trannies, even though I used to build some mild street rods. Also, I have more experience with Willys Jeeps....

 

[Flint311]

Ok, I re-read my response. Sounded pretty lame and I have about an hour anyway. The line was clean, not even a film......