A4LD issue... interesting one

[honhon]

Hey all im new here... i posted a new thread because i seem to not be able to find the parameters on the issue im having that anyone else is having and/or be able to even search it....

so here it goes...

just picked up an 88 ranger xlt with the electronic 4x4 and the infamous A4LD trans...

the truck litterally just rolled 100k and it sat in the high 90k's for about 2 years or so, i found receipts in the truck to prove that... but anyways..

i also found a receipt in the truck for a 2k$ tranny rebuild... about 9k miles ago on the truck


so the issue im having now is when i put my truck in to drive (circled D) it doesnt shift and acts like its staying in first gear....

but if i start in first... start moving, then move the stick to 2, it'll shift into second and then into D (i assume for 3rd) it'll shift again, then into the circled D, it'll shift into over drive... if i do this 2 or 3 times i can finally just leave it in circled D and it'll act pretty normal... and the other day i went to autozone, went inside for a purchase, came back out and started it and it was normal....


i checked the kick-down cable and it seems to be pulling properly maybe? my dad and i adjusted it to the max at the firewall...

today i changed the fluid and filter in the tranny because my dad said it smelled old... not burnt but old... advance auto said 10qts... but i only swapped out about 5ish, i assume the 10 is for a fresh rebuild

any ideas? im willing to get a rebuild kit soon sinse tax time is coming, the truck has only 100k on it and is in really great condition, so i am willing to put some time and money into it...and plus it came in 700$ under my budget, so i do have some money to put into it before i even get to my budget for when i purchased it...

thank you for any and all help!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Sounds almost like you've got an issue with something in the valve body sticking from sitting for so long maybe?

 

[honhon]

im not sure... i was planning on maybe looking at the modulator today...

 

[LIMA BEAN]

im not sure... i was planning on maybe looking at the modulator today...

Do that and check vac lines and wiring.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Replace the rubber vacuum lines to the modulator if that dont work replace the modulatorbe careful not to lose the pin that pushes the throttle valve. If you get the driveshaft spinning fast enough then it should shift with the governor. It is not uncommon for the modulator that comes in a kit to go bad. There are two for your tranny non adjustable and adjustable. If you get the adjustable put it on and see how it shifts. It should shift into second around 12 mph with light throttle pressure, when adjusting turn it in clockwise one full turn and check the shift point one turn at a time until you like how it shifts. GL

 

[honhon]

so people's guesses right now is that the tranny may still may be good?

 

[b2tamer]

Tranny is still good, I've had this problem on almost every a4ld I've had. Its either vacuum line or vacuum modulator.

Sent from my VS910 4G using Tapatalk 2

 

[kimcrwbr1]

If it is adjustable you can try putting some loctite on the threads of the adjuster the last one on my C3 was sucking air at the threads it could be as it got hot the threads tightened up to seal the leak?

 

[b2tamer]

It could be just a small leak, but it needs attention before you keep driving it. The vacuum line would be my first check, I had one just pop off on my 90 ranger, hooked it up and it shifted great.

Sent from my VS910 4G using Tapatalk 2

 

[honhon]

ok cool. it sucks that the cat is right in the way... so im gonna have to get some penetrating lube to remove the section of the exhaust... my dad came over to help, and we went to start the engine to check it and the starter is locked up now.... and whom ever put the starter on when they rebuilt the tranny back in 10' of course they used an air ratchet and he didnt bring one over...

i love old vehicles lol....

ill keep this thread posted...

 

[LIMA BEAN]

ok cool. it sucks that the cat is right in the way... so im gonna have to get some penetrating lube to remove the section of the exhaust... my dad came over to help, and we went to start the engine to check it and the starter is locked up now.... and whom ever put the starter on when they rebuilt the tranny back in 10' of course they used an air ratchet and he didnt bring one over...

i love old vehicles lol....

ill keep this thread posted...

Grab the belt and crank pully and roll it over, should disengage the starter if the drive is stuck.

 

[honhon]

we tried that a few times... the starter is an all black motorcraft, so im sure its pretty close to if not the original so its time may be up...

 

[b2tamer]

You don't have to remove the cat to get to the vacuum modulator, pull the carpet up and there is a plate on the top of the hump where a 5 speed shifter would go in, just unbolt the plate and get a flash light. That's the best way I've found to get to it.

Sent from my VS910 4G using Tapatalk 2

 

[honhon]

awesome and cool thank you very much, we will have to try that out... which way would best to pull the carpet up? from the passenger foot panel?

 

[LIMA BEAN]

we tried that a few times... the starter is an all black motorcraft, so im sure its pretty close to if not the original so its time may be up...

And you checked the solinoid on the fender too?