Access to transmission internals

[DRW1000]

I recently bought a subscription to Alldata to try and get some clues to solving my transmission issue on my 99. In particluar I wanted to read a TSB that talked about the P0741 code and the torque converter.

While I was looking at the transmission section it suggests removing the pan and looking for metal and then it suggests removing the control body cover. It mentions nothing about removing the transmission from the vehicle first.

Is the control panel cover remove-able without removing the transmission from the vehicle?

I would tend to think that a lot of the problems in a transmission is in this area.

FYI for those thinking about a subscription:
I think there is a lot of good information on alldata and probably worth the $25 but I find it to be very difficult to manuever around.

[12Ounce]

Removing the valve body, and the pump shaft are listed as "in vehicle" repairs.

I think I remember both servos as being "in vehicle" ... I know the lower one is.

[RexNfx400]

The valvebody is removable through the side cover. You then will probably have a defective pump shaft, shaft bearing, pump shaft sleeve, shaft seal, boost valve, 1-2 capacity valve, and converter regulator bore wear. Depending on milage on van.
Also the torque converter clutch seal on the input shaft could be damaged, not letting the TCC hold well enough. THere is another big problem. If trans has been replaced with a used or reman shelf unit, theres a possible of wrong gear ratio parts, either with wrong chain sprockets or final drive ratios. So then when its time for calculations in the PCM for gear ratios, they won't match programming, so 741 code sets.

[DRW1000]

Thanks for the replies.

I realize that I probably have a worm transmission but I have been testing the torque converter regularily and it seems to be working. The only real problem I think I have now is a rough shift from 1st to 2nd. I was hoping there is something accessable such as a valve that might cause the problem.

I will admit that I don't know much about transmissions but I am learning more every day.

I have 200 000 km on my van and as far as i knoiw it is the original. If I knew for sure that nothing short of a re-build and overhaul would solve it then I most likely have it dones but I am not quite convinced yet.

Is the side cover towards the firewall or the front of the vehicle?

[RexNfx400]

Most of your complaints with the transmission operation point to the control valvebody. As the components I listed in the previous post. Are the parts that wear at rapid rates. They wear, then cannot retain or deliver the proper fluid pressure to the valves in the complete system. Most transmission shops know this, but will not repair just the valvebody. As, once they open up the side cover and do $600-$800 in major valvebody repair. The shop, in essance, owns the transmission, and is responsible for future failures. Even if the part they work on has nothing to do with the current failure. Say, the final drive fractures the case, or the intermediate clutch goes out. Most people only understand, "the transmission failed" So, the guy that saved you thousands of $$$ by doing valvebody repair, now is responsible for the other failed components. BTDT. So most shops will go through the whole transmission to make sure its all correct because of liabilty. Thats why, it seems, most shops will say. "It needs rebuilt" And, 95% of the time, it does...

Sorry for the long story

Anyways, your cover is on the drivers side. You will need to lower the frame on the drivers side also. Its tight but the cover comes out. The transmission will also need to be lowered on this side also. 1/4" drive tools and air tools are the best here and swivel sockets to get cover off. Then once you split the valvebody to repair the pump shaft and such. You should use alignment pins to keep valvebody on centerline with the transmission and such. Or very premature pump shaft wear happens. Its a big job, I can give you some insights along the way when possible, if you dig into it. Though, the PO741 is still possible a completely different problem. This is where data recordings from PCM come in handy...

[garync1]

DRW what problems are you having. Just curious. My 2001 Windstar had the coil to go bad which after replaced made it run better but every now and then I get a hesitation like its not getting fuel or missing spark but I get no code and fuel pump checks out perfect. But its kinda the same symptom before the coil went bad. I had the fluid replaced as a caution and to see if it would change but every now and again it will do it still.. Just wondering if your trans just went out or did you have a tell, tell symptom.Mine shifts fine maybe I am just to worried about the trans and over looking something simple. 101,000 now on original trans. Thanks, Gary
Oh when i took shop years ago I took a cram in trans.. To me there a lot easier to rebuild as far as time and parts than an engine but you need space a lift and special tools to rebuild a trans and to put the money out for the equipment unless you plan on doing it every day its better to put a rebuild in or have a shop to rebuild it.But I do know these newer trans they tend to keep the case and replace every thing else.Not in all cases but from what i was told..But I like to stay above as much as I can so I just forgot about the tranny ... Just my 2 cents on that.

[12Ounce]

DRW, if you're having 1st to 2nd shift issues ... tackle the low range servo firstly. Fairly easy. Do a search and you will see where I fixed mine.