4EAT Tranny: Flushing and other maint ?'s ...

[12Ounce]

1997 TRACER. 140K MILES. 4EAT TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE ANY GEAR ONCE WARMED-UP.

Maintenance has been a bit lacking on this tranny, I'm hoping a flushing, new filter and new fluid will help.

#1. Which hose feeds the tranny oil cooler, and which is the return to the tranny?

I plan to replace the seals on the servo, but if that doesn't do it ... I'm facing an overhaul. Would like to do it myself. Haynes makes a Ford tranny repair book ... but it doesn't cover the more modern electronic trannies such as mine.

#2. Other than buying a Ford shop manual, does anyone know of a good publication that outlines repair procedures for the 4EAT? ... one for Dummies?

#3. What is the best source for a good overhaul kit?

[GTP Dad]

If the cooler goes from top to bottom on the side of the radiator then the top line is the one coming from the transmission. The bottom is the return line. I suggest you look for a new tranny. Try the local wrecking yard since you should be able to pick one up for a couple hundred bucks. There really aren't any trans rebuild books for dummys since they are quite complicated and they often require special tools to rebuild. Also don't flush the transmission since it is already beyond that. A rebuild or replacement is probably your only recourse.

[KimMG]

You can try your local library for a manual.
See about taking a class at the local junior college. Talk to the instructor before signing up. The advatage would access to special tools and the availabilty of hands on expert help.

[12Ounce]

Well, to update:
#1. The return hose back from cooler to the tranny ... is the one at the end of the tranny, near to fender well.

#2. I've spent some bucks, but have not gotten a good manual for this tranny.

#3. I may just go for a Ford rebuilt.

So far, I've flushed the fluid (replacing with Mobil1). Replaced the filter, cleaned pan (noticed aluminum chips in pan ... not many, but more than you want) and magnets. Rebuilt the servo ... replacing the piston seals ... easy enough to do while tranny is in car. RESULTS: Wasted time and money! ... but it was worth a gamble.

While cold, everything is OK. But as soon as everything gets hot .... Drive and Reverse are lost!

[GTP Dad]

You may want to save some money and try car-part.com to see if you can find a good used tranny. A new one will run you around $1700 or more plus installation costs, whereas you can purchase a warranted used one for around $700 or less. Just a thought.

[Arnoldtheskier]

Hi..

I bought an ATSG (Automotive Transmission Service Group) manual I bought mine on Ebay..it wasn't cheap..and it is thin. I think it was about $30 or so.However..it IS a VERY! good detailed manual. I don't think there is any detail..or anything that is not in this book. This is really a manual for someone who is either a transmission mechanic/rebuilder..or a mechanic or someone who is VERY skilled with a lot of knowledge,tools and expertise. There are many special tools required.

After I bought and went through the manual..I priced rebuild kits..around $200..and a convertor..at least $150 or so. Then I priced good used units..some with very low mileage..for around $150 if I go there and take it out..or around $250 if they do it. A very large and highly reputable and respectable place near me will do the job for $1500-$2500..and the same size and reputation for a scrap yard will do the job with a warranty and a used one for $700.

Mine..with about 300 on it was shuderring...shaking in o/d...getting to the extent where I was taking it out of o/d a lot when the engine was loaded..downshifting it..over revvving the engine a bit before engaging the o/d.

I changed the fluid. Same.

My next door neighbour is a Seafoam rep and said.."Seeing as how the trans is done..why not try some free Seafoam Trans stuff"

What did I have to lose? Put 1/2 the can in as reccommended..drove the 5 miles as reccommended. Changed it again..put the other 1/2 the can in. Drove about another 5 miles..and the transmission started to seize up in o/d. This was SERIOUS shaking!!..I thought the Seafoam had cooked it. I could not use the o/d for a while..tried it now and again..and it was not as bad but WAAY worse than before I put it in. This took several days..and finally I was back where I was..and then better. Then it was PURRFECT!..And it has been since last year.

My few cents. I am not involved with Seafoam.

[12Ounce]

Thanks for the info ... especially on the manual source... I'm still in the "decision" process.