Transmission disengages between 1st and 2nd

[northern piper]

thanks Serge and 12ounce... I know that the servo work can be done with the transmission in the van but what about the boost valve and springs? Are they able to be replaced with the trans still in the van? I haven't got a good picture in my head of where they are in relation to the transmission.

[serge_saati]

Yes you can remove the valve body with the the trans in the van.

[12Ounce]

Using terms relative to the vehicle:... the servos are on the rear of the tranny, ...the valve body is under the sheet metal cover on the left end, up close to the left wheel well metal.

[northern piper]

that's great news Serge. Is there any documentation about how to do this? I realize I should have taken a good look before asking all these questions but right now my van is in the garage letting snow melt off of it.

All the trans info I have shows a complete tear down.. which is out of my league. My impression is the whole valve body needs to come out to replace the boost valve springs. Is this a do-able diy job? I've tackled full suspension, exhaust, brakes, diff, po174 jobs etc.. but never a trans.

[serge_saati]

The body valve removal is a very hard and complex job (level 5). It's not a DIY job. Not recommanded to do it if you have never do it.

[northern piper]

ugg.. that's what I was fearing, but hoping wouldn't be the case.

So, I guess I'm back to just doing the servos and crossing my fingers?

[12Ounce]

When my tranny was well worn and finally giving up the ghost, but I was still in denial ... I removed the valve body cover, and I think I remember dropping the valve body and doing some work on the bench. I know I spent over $300 (back-then dollars) for varous pressure regulators, valves, ect. .... and I got nothing for my effort. (The successful servo repair was a different event.) The tranny at this time had over 200k miles on it, had already had a pump shaft replaced earlier .... it was just worn out. And I was not up to replacing the various disc packs myself. So, for less than $2000, I swapped trannies with Ford ... did the replacement myself. So far, am a happy camper some 150k miles later.

[northern piper]

well, I dropped the pan, replaced the filter and pumped out the fluid (full fluid exchange). I used Ford Mercon V and at the advice of the Ford service dept added 2 bottles of AT-205 seal slip repair fluid. The fluid has to be in the van at operating temp for 5 hours and 30 km.

I've driven the van a little bit (5-8 km) and honestly only noticed a marginal difference

I can only hope that upon hitting the 5 hr/30km mark things will improve. Time will tell. Particular thanks to Serge and 12Ounce; really appreciate the help you guys gave. I owe ya both a beer or 3..

[scubacat]

I've always been told to give any transmission-related "fix" like that 250 miles (400 km) to take full effect. I'd definitely drive it a bit more before giving up and swapping for a rebuild.

[northern piper]

yup...100% agree. I just hope that this solves the slipping. Funny, the tranny has never given any problems until 5 days ago. Never pulled a trailer, generally light loads always, fluid changed regularly, 190,000 km (126,000 miles).. crossing fingers and toes here..

[northern piper]

would any of the symptoms I'm having possibly be VSS related?

[serge_saati]

No it's not. It's not electonics, it's a purely hydraulic problem, low pressure arriving on the piston clutch. It's probably the circlip of the servo like 12Ounce said, or the o-ring seals or springs of the servos, or piston accumulator, or o-ring of piston accumulator or the regulator valves of the valve body. Or maybe the seal of the piston clutch.
And yes, if I go to Toronto we can have a beer!

[northern piper]

thanks Serge... I was almost 100% certain that's what you or 12Ounce would say... I'd heard from someone else that my problems might be the VSS... (I wasn't convinced at all ...). I'm doing the servos tonight... and hoping for the best.

and yep, a beer on me anytime is good!