96 Explorer shifting issue?

[MajSki]

I have a 1996 Explorer (automatic) with 106K miles. When accelerating the engine revs up and won't shift out of first until I've backed off the accelerator. After that I have no problem with shifting until I stop or slow down significantly. The "check engine" light is constantly on and the O/D light usually lights up after the first round of "surge, back-off, re-accelerate".
The dealer tells me I should have a rebuilt transmission put in as hydraulic fluid has leaked into the transmission and probably trashed the valve body as well as causing some other internal failures.
A friend suggested I try replacing the transmission fluid, and also get a new filter and gasket before commiting to a rebuild.
Any advice / comments on this issue would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Opera House]

Poor engine performance can cause shifting problems. As far as the dealers story, I think you remember it wrong. At this age I would just do a pan drop and a filter change. At this age the transmission can be pretty dirty and adding more than a few quarts of new fluid can be a problem. Get the check engine light fixed first!

[MajSki]

I did get a bit more info from the tech at the dealer. The diagnostic showed error codes P0756 and P0732. He tells me the one-way clutch is damaged as well as the valve body. He also believes the torque converter is damaged. He tells me when they tear it down they will have to put some upgraded componants in it as well.

[RexNfx400]

Been seeing alot of broken 2nd gear bands with these. Your codes point to this also. I'm sure someone could/should try to adjust the band and the adjuster will go all the way in...Hence, broken band. You desribe it very well. Its actually shifting from 1st to 3rd gear and sets the 2nd gear code at the same time.

Transmission has to come all apart. When it is opened up, that tech knows, he will see a lot of other damage parts that are only worth recyceling. (If he wants another 100,000 miles out of that tranny) .Like overrun drum, front planet, OD planet, center shaft, valve body, converter, low ring gear hub, the case. Thats, just, to name a few parts for the 4R55E.

A second opinion is a good idea though. Just like the doctor.

Stay cool

[islandsnow]

Not to take away from the original thread, but my 95 is also not shifting and revving up to 5000rpm until i let off the gas and it will shift, but it sounds like the tranny is clunking and spinning and not getting much out of it. If i drive really slow i don't notice it as much only when i try to go fast it starts slipping and making weird noises. I did measure the tranny fluid and it was above the mark, but it was clean the dealer just did a full tranny flush. Should i re-flush and put new fluid again, or just drain off some of this fluid that's there now? Or just take it to the AMCO transmission already???

[NoXferCase]

I have a '96 5.0l that just turned 100K. About 6 months ago I had a similar experience (very hesitant to shift 1-2). Ultimately, I will have to have the transmission rebuilt/replaced (it still shudders during the 1-2 shift under load) but a transmission flush (not just changing the fluid), new fluid and new filter helped tremendously!

My personal opinion is that I caused some of this myself. The factory settings generate a very slow, smooth shift. If you have a heavy foot (like me) transmission wear while you aren't quite in either gear is much higher. I've heard there is a mod to the tranny that would make the shift much quicker. Doing that is probably a good idea. Otherwise, the "new" transmission will wear out in exactly the same way.

Your mileage may vary...

[poseydl]

Originally Posted by RexNfx400

Been seeing alot of broken 2nd gear bands with these. Your codes point to this also. I'm sure someone could/should try to adjust the band and the adjuster will go all the way in...Hence, broken band. You desribe it very well. Its actually shifting from 1st to 3rd gear and sets the 2nd gear code at the same time.

Transmission has to come all apart. When it is opened up, that tech knows, he will see a lot of other damage parts that are only worth recyceling. (If he wants another 100,000 miles out of that tranny) .Like overrun drum, front planet, OD planet, center shaft, valve body, converter, low ring gear hub, the case. Thats, just, to name a few parts for the 4R55E.

A second opinion is a good idea though. Just like the doctor.

Stay cool

RexNfx400... If this problem really was a broken 2nd Gear band, would the transmission just NOT go into 2nd gear? I am having the same trouble with my 96 Explorer V6 2WD, except I only get P0756.

I initially changed SS2, and Filter + Fluid. However the symptom still exists...

Thanks,
Dave

[speedshop2]

Originally Posted by poseydl

RexNfx400... If this problem really was a broken 2nd Gear band, would the transmission just NOT go into 2nd gear? I am having the same trouble with my 96 Explorer V6 2WD, except I only get P0756.

I initially changed SS2, and Filter + Fluid. However the symptom still exists...

Thanks,
Dave

im having the same issue. did you fix yours or can someone tell me if i need to rebuild the tranny