Tranny died?

M

magic_marker

Registered
Coming home from work tonight, on Interstate 5, at approx. 60 mph, I punched it to pass. The trans kicked down, engaged, and then the RPMs starting shooting up to the redline. Turns out I lost both 3 and 4, and had to drive home (46 miles) in manual 2.

My question is, has anyone ever experienced the loss of 3 and 4 due to a simple electrical (as opposed to mechanical) problem? The manual states that a shift solenoid assembly (specifically, SS2) that is failed in the OFF position will result in use of first and second gears only.

This is the original transmission, 110k on it, and the 1-2 accumulator was replaced along with a full Mercon V flush at approx. 79k.

The trans has been acting up on grades lately (probably vehicle speed sensor), and just went through a hell of a lot of abuse in the recent ice/snow storm.

I still have P/R/N/1/2 - third feels like it's still in 2, and fourth feels like neutral.

Any ideas (other than buying a new tranny)?

Thanks!

PS: No matter how good they are, please don't suggest a tranny from Dennis - I don't know of any reputable shops to install it, shipping is too expensive to Oregon, and I don't have the time to waste babysitting delivery issues. If the trans is a goner, I'm driving in to Cottman/AAMCO, getting a warranty, and driving out.
 
RE: Tranny died?

hey, I might have the answer, Go out to your car and turn off overdrive and see if it still happens. if it doesnt its a sensor, it happens on my old lincoln. Correct me if im wrong but i think its called the MLP sensor
 
RE: Tranny died?


"The first thing to check is your MLPS, (Manual Lever Position Sensor). They can cause what you're seeing, and are easily replaceable on the outside of the transmission."

I agree, I had the same problem with a Windstar and had to drive 25 miles in 2nd.

Replaced the MLPS and no problems for over a year.
 
RE: Tranny died?

hey, I might have the answer, Go out to your car and turn off overdrive and see if it still happens. if it doesnt its a sensor, it happens on my old lincoln. Correct me if im wrong but i think its called the MLP sensor
Click to expand...

Brett, with OD off, and in Drive, the trans shifts from 1-2, and won't shift out of second.

With OD on, and in Drive, the trans seems to go into Neutral after going through 1-2.
 
RE: Tranny died?

The first thing to check is your MLPS, (Manual Lever Position Sensor). They can cause what you're seeing, and are easily replaceable on the outside of the transmission.

John
[link:mark8.org/lodnca|NorCal Chapter Website]
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
Click to expand...

John, I will try this first. Is this part also called the TR (Transmission Range) sensor? The factory shop manual does not appear to list a MLPS.

Thanks,

Scott
 
RE: Tranny died?

Sorry man I had almoust an identical problem, the transmission ended up beeing replaced. Well at least yours lasted till 110k mine went out at 70.
 
RE: Tranny died?

The same thing happend to me twice. Your tranny is done. You'll need a complete rebuild.

The MLPS problem usually shifts the tranny back into 3rd from 4th.......I had that problem also.

btw - For whatever reason a bad MLPS sensor doesn't always show a bad code.

Also, if you need a new tranny DON'T go to AAMCO!!! My lastest rebuild was done by them and it is already giving me problems.....after only 30,000 miles. :( My first rebuild was done by a Ford dealer and lasted 100,000 miles, which is acceptable with my driving habits.

Factor into your tranny rebuild budget a new torque convertor. Even if it isn't bad, which it probably is, you should replace it with that many miles, and while the tranny is out.

Sorry :(
Ken
 
RE: Tranny died?

I would suggest the following:

1. Replace the MLPS. If that fixes it - great. If not, you have not lost any $$$ since that would have been replaced in a rebuild anyway.

2. If the MLPS does not fix it. You will be better off with either a new or PROFESSIONALLY rebuilt 4R70W. Unfortunately, that means mail order unless you happen to live near one of the FEW shops that can consistently rebuild these transmissions successfully. If you decide to take your car to AAmaco or some other local shop, make sure you remember how to get back because MOST of those who have done it went back at least once to give the shop another chance to rebuild it. It is unfortunate but true.

Hope the MLPS is the fix, if not good luck with whatever decision you make
 
RE: Tranny died?

If you are bound and determined to go with a Nationwide rebuilder, go with Cottman. I've had work done by both, and would never go back to (beep-beep) AAMCO. I watched Cottman rebuild my F250 E4OD and they did a good job.Had it done in Aug 2002 and no problems since. Oh, one more thing. Unless your tranny has been really abused, elect to rebuild yours and do not let them put in an already rebuilt one. You just don't know what you are getting.

Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: Tranny died?

Transmission shops are almost always owned by individuals, wether a franchised operation or not. The rebuild you get will only be as good as the owner-operator of the shop is willing to give. All of the franchised operations have a formula that they follow when dealing with customers and the franchisor will, on occasion check up on them to see that they are following the formula that is required. The franchised shops also pay a fee of at least 10% to the franchisor, which increases the base cost of any repairs done.

Anyone that has transmission problems has to rely on a shop or a skilled mechanic who may be able to recommend a qualified transmission mechanic/builder. If you can meet a transmission builder at a dealership that knows what he's doing, he may be willing to do your rebuild as a side job. Unfortunately most dealers are no longer rebuilding major components like engines or transmissions. The factories are very deep in the rebuilding business and the dealer only has to have a tech to do the R & R. The customer then has a warrantee at all of that makes dealersips, nationwide. Therefore the dealer seems to be the best option you can get for the money.

MotoMel
 
RE: Tranny died?

Good advice, all. Thank you!

I have an appointment with a trusted dealer for diagnostics tomorrow afternoon - I hope it's more throrough than the basic OBDI scanner stuff that I could do (if I had a scanner).

I'll keep you updated as I learn more.

- Scott
 
RE: Tranny died?

I'll second or third or whatever the agreement on the AAMCO trannies. My mom has a 1994 Chrysler tranny with on of those notorius ultradrive (OD) trannies. We took it in to have it rebuilt, didn't shift out of second. Took it in and turns out they never replaced the shift solenoid pack. Replaced that, after a week, she decides to take it on the interstate, 5 minutes, CRUNCH GRIND, tore up the sprag? gears. Took it back in, another rebuild, and on the 2nd day, she tried the interstate again, 10 minutes same thing, CRUNCH GRIND, tore up the same gears again. Now they say they'll do it one more time, and maybe were beating the tranny. We're fighting to get a refund right now, so beware!!
 
RE: Tranny died?

The first tranny that I rebuilt (AOD) wouldn't shift into 3rd or 4th either. After removing and disassembling it twice, I asked a tranny shop owner that I know. Immediately, he said, "Your torque convertor is bad!"

I replaced the torque convertor and it worked perfectly for 60K miles until I sold it.

I pray that the new MLPS fixes yours. Naturally, that will be much easier to replace than the torque convertor.
 
RE: Tranny died?

OK, question.......... I have 110 k on mine and assume its the original tranny.

I cant place my finger on it specifically, but I suspect im starting to have troubles with the tranny. I think Ive noticed some slippage but minor if any. (im taking it to get mercon V put in soon)

Is there a way to diagnose and repair problems early on befor the tranny is shot or is rebuilding it the only repair that can be done.
 
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