1994 Transmission - Advice

I am a newbie to this forum but have only heard good things on reading the listings. I hope someone can help or guide me in the right direction.

I have a 1994 Explorer Automatic that is having transmission issues I believe.

Once every 2 or 3 days I will shift into Drive and as I go to pull away - I have no drive just engine revs. A shift back into neutral or park and then a shift back into drive and away we go.

There does not seem to be any pattern as to when and where this will happen and there certainly no clues at the time of the problem.

Any ideas what is going on? - Is the transmission on the way out?

Please help - thanks

Ok first have you cjecked the transmission fluid in park, on a level surface, with engine fully warmed up? Low transmission fluid will cause it to not go into gear. If it is low check to see if there is any transmission fluid in your vacuum lines or in your oil. It could possibly be your mosulator if it is losing fluid. Good luck and keep us posted

Thank you for replying so quickly.
Having recently had the transmission fluid checked (about 1 week ago) - all fluid levels were where they were supposed to be. I am due a transmission fluid change in about 5,000 miles so I will check the levels again now and keep you guys informed.

I would however have thought I would see some sort of leakage if the levels is falling.

If it is the Vacuum modulator problem and there is fluid in the vacuum lines or oil - how big of a job is it to replace this part?

just replaced the modulater (32$ from Ford) took about 10 minutes once I found it and dont plan on using your eyes. I could barely reach it with my left hand and culd only turn the 10M wrennch 1/8 of a turn at a time. But it didnt fix my problem. *&^%@

When the modulator goes it burns the transmission fluid out the exhaust hence not causing a leak anywhere. How many miles are on you EXplorer? The trans may just be wearing out but like I said make sure it is at proper fluid levels and have it serviced soon. When I had my trans fluid changed one time the bolts from the valve body were loose in the transmission and I think one had fallen out. I paid a mechanic to change my modulator because it was burning like a quart in a week or less. When you have it serviced see about putting a trans conditioner such as LUCAS transmission stabilizer or SEAFOAM trans additive. Sometimes a valve or something sticks. You never know- Good Luck

Thanks for all your help on this one.

I have done as suggested - level surface, engine warm and the transmission fluid is fine.

My explorer has 114000 miles on the clock - so I will schedule an early transmission fluid change and get them to add a stabilizer/additive - if not indeed replace the modulator.

With the temperature currently at 25 degrees below here, I'll keep you posted.....

Regards

Changed Fluid
Modulator is okay
Two days and no problems - yet????
Temperature has risen to postive digits...
Thanks for the postings

Regards
Stuart

Thats good. I hope it all works out for you.