A4LD not shifting up

[saab900]

Good morning!

I recently picked up a 1994 Explorer with a A4LD, electric shift transfer case, and a whole mess of miles (+300k). Trans occasionally hesitates to go into first or reverse for no more than 2 seconds, haven't quite found a pattern of cold/hot. The main issue is that the transmission does not want to shift up, 1st to second is problematic but not terrible and I can usually coax it in by feathering the throttle, but shifting to 3rd/4th is very difficult. Once its up in those gears it works great!

I have a A4LD from a 1991 2wd that worked flawlessly but I would rather pull parts off of that than replace the whole thing, just pulled my trans in my B2 last month and really don't want to do it again..

I have been reading a lot on diagnosing and swapping out parts for similar issues but I am unfamiliar with the language and part names on autos past the torque converter, so if y'all could be of any help in dumbing down the language and helping me diagnose this issue that would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!
Alex

 

[wildbill23c]

The answer you won't like but is the correct one is REBUILD. The A4LD is or seems to be the worst automatic transmission and failures are so common there's a dedicated thread of hatred of this transmission here on the forum LOL.

Figure about $2400 for a rebuild. Also if you decide to do so, make sure the shop does the updates and upgrades during the rebuild otherwise find a different shop.

Just had the transmission in my 88 B2 rebuilt last month. I also had them add a larger 6 row transmission cooler, and I plan on adding a temp gauge once I figure out how to do so LOL.