This is an automatic engagement solution for an early type A4LD 2 wire lock-up. The pressure switch is installed in the governor portion of the transmission body. When the fluid pressure reaches the switch tolerance the switch closes completing the circuit and energizing the solenoid. This should occur at highway speeds (45+ MPH) when shifted into overdrive.
On the passenger side of the transmission toward the back at the bottom near the tail extension locate a protrusion with a hole in the center which resembles a bolt boss. This is the governor area of the transmission. Using a 3/16″ drill bit coated with grease to collect shavings carefully drill in the center of this hole until it punches through into the internal chamber.
Start the engine and let it run for about a few seconds which will force out any remaining shavings (transmission fluid will stream out forcing the remaining debris out).
Using an 1/8″ pipe thread tap, tap threads into the boss about 1/2″ deep. It may be necessary to open up the hole a little prior to tapping. Use the size drill bit recommended on the tap. Run the engine again to force out remaining debris.
Thread in a 44 to 52 PSI pressure switch into the hole.
Run a hot wire to one side of the transmission plug and the other wire to the controlled ground pressure switch. Drive the vehicle and once you reach highway speed (45+MPH) shift into overdrive and pay close attention to the feel of the shift. If it feels firm and you don’t experience erratic “in and out” OD shifting then you were successful. If it does shift “in and out” erratically you may need to experiment with different tolerance pressure switches until you find what works best for you.
Link:
Transmissioncenter.net sells the pressure switch HERE.
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.