1994 ranger a4ld problem

[kennethn777]

i have a 1994 ranger with a a4ld trans. when the truck first starts, it hesitates to engage in reverse and when range selector is in od. if i bring up the rpm's it will slam into gear. after it is rolling it appears to be ok. i had heard something about accumulator rings being bad. could it be this or the modulator? i am new to the forum and to owning a ford. i really like this truck and would love to be driving it. any ideas would help and be appreciated.thank you!!!

 

[Bent Bolt]

A4LD's always had and always will have a delayed reverse engagement. 'Tis the nature of the beast. How much of a forward delayed does it have and is it the first engagement of the day or all the time.

Also, check the fluid level.

 

[kennethn777]

the fluid is at level, and the delay is extensive(10 secs+longer)in forward and reverse. the fluid is not bad as far as condition. as it warms up it tends to get better, but still what one would consider excessive.

 

[F150hybred]

it's sounding to me like you may have a valve body issue. If you leave it the way it is, it's only gonna get worse and more than likely trash the transmission. Myself, I would get the "update" kit from Ford that consists of a separator plate, gasket and necessary solenoid valves and springs.
Shouldn't take any longer that an afternoon and a six of beer to do. Just make sure you keep track of the valve body bolts as they are all different lengths... ask me how I know... LMAO!!

 

[kennethn777]

so these units are prone to the same problems as the 4r44e's? i read that the separator plate assembly has been an issue in those pieces, too. what can i expect to put out in cash for this sh-tuff?

 

[mhughes165]

for the money i would say a 5spd swap would be ur best bet, doesnt take a world of fabrication knowledge and can be done in a weekend, i just dont see the point of fixing the a4ld, they just arent built to last

 

[kennethn777]

thanks, but i prefer an automatic due to work traffic. its food for thought, if it begins to feel like a money pit. theres a place around here called pic-and-pull that has 1/2 price wednesdays where i can get a whole trans for $25.oo

 

[F150hybred]

Last time I checked on the price, it was about $240 cdn. Sounds like the pick and pull might be a more cash friendly idea.
The below links are some food for thought for an A4LD.
http://www.transmissioncenter.org/a4ld.htm
http://www.turbotbird.com/techinfo/AutoTransFix/A4LD_Fix.htm

 

[kennethn777]

thank you for the info f150hybred.

 

[Bent Bolt]

it's sounding to me like you may have a valve body issue. If you leave it the way it is, it's only gonna get worse and more than likely trash the transmission. Myself, I would get the "update" kit from Ford that consists of a separator plate, gasket and necessary solenoid valves and springs.
Shouldn't take any longer that an afternoon and a six of beer to do. Just make sure you keep track of the valve body bolts as they are all different lengths... ask me how I know... LMAO!!

That service kit is for the 4R44E/5R55E trannys from 95 to mid 01. He has a A4LD. If you can't give good advise, don't give any. There is too much mis- information out there as it is.

kennethn777,

Yes 10 seconds is too much. To be honest, it's probably due to the age of the trans. The seals and pump do wear over time and KM's and these trannys are not known for their trouble free history. Especially if the concern gets better as the trans warms up.

 

[kennethn777]

thank you all. the web sites will be helpful as i intend to go over the whole inside. if i cover all of the trouble areas, i believe i'll get it working right.