A4LD Problem...

[Jraymer360]

Just to let everyone know..i've tried researching this and i don't seem to get very many results...mostly nothing that helps.

my transmission randomly lost reverse...and anything over first gear pretty much. before it would just kinda slip into 2nd but be fine everywhere else.

It will shift to 2nd if i go from 1 to 2 on the shifter but it feels like it's constantly slipping while in 2nd and won't keep speed if kept at the same rpm. also won't accelerate unless brought to about 4000 rpm ( at about 35-40 mph) . feels like it downshifts to 1st.

not sure if the trans is completely gone or what.

checked all fuses, did a filter kit and filled it up with the correct fluid/amount...Kind of at a loss at what to do now troubleshooting wise.
When i pulled the pan there was a ton of sludge around the magnet.
The fluid smelt like burnt popcorn and was pretty black.

 

[pcollins]

Transmission is basically toast. Everyone will say changing the fluid killed it but from what you say it was 3/4 dead already. I'm No transmission expert but it sounds like theres nothing left in your clutch packs. When the fluid is burnt and discolored then its already been in there wayyyyy to long. 30k is a decent interval for changing the fluid or maybe shorter if you do any heaving towing or wheeling. For a DD with no hauling/wheeling and a decent length drive to get the tranny up to temp you could probably push 60k miles.

My stepdads F150 has 65k on it with original fluid. I'm trying to convince him to get it flushed but its still pink and smells like trans fluid.

 

[579]

The burnt smell on the fluid means its probably dead. Mine has the same symptoms with 2 exceptions:

My fluid doesnt smell burnt
And my tranny was fully rebuilt less than 3 months ago.

Still trying to figure it out- is it a fluke Or did I get swindled ?

My advice is to go to a very reputable shop and pay a little extra for good work

 

[pcollins]

Your best bet if you can swing the $$$ is a Remanufactured trans from a reputable business. Soft rebuilds (just clutch packs and bands) often won't get you very far.

 

[Jraymer360]

Your best bet if you can swing the $$$ is a Remanufactured trans from a reputable business. Soft rebuilds (just clutch packs and bands) often won't get you very far.

I'm just gonna either find a 5 speed to swap or get this one transmission i found for 100 bucks and hope it lasts until i have the cash to get a rebuild.

 

[pcollins]

5 speed swap would easily be the most reliable route to go.

 

[Jraymer360]

5 speed swap would easily be the most reliable route to go.

i don't have 500 to drop on a swap though. i need to rebuild the front end ( calipers, rotors, pads, u-joints for good measure, i have a diff to put in it...possibly 1 more hub...)

need to do rear brakes..i think the bearing is going out in my rear end ( like a grinding shake at like 1-9mph)

i found a 91 explorer with a 5 speed trans...750 for a complete running truck. i might try to swap that in or just drive that and use the ranger for parts/sell it as a project.