Automatic Transmission Help

[d98gt]

The problem all started today. I was taking a turn (not far from where I was heading) and the RPMs shot up but the car didn't seem it was into gear. When the RPMs hit 4000 the car kicked into gear hard and seemed normal from that point, though it sounds/feels like its in neutral until the higher rpms which it then kicks into gear. It rolled while in drive to my destination which is where it still sits now

When the car is in Drive, it makes a highpitched whine noise, though doesn't do this while in Park or Reverse. Reverse still works as it should, though the forward gears do not.

What could be my problem here? Someone told me that it could be a pump which is messing up (hence the loud whining noise).

What are your opinions? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[03ghoststang]

how long ago did you change your tranny fluid? the pump would make the whining noise even in park

 

[sgarlic]

Sounds like low fluid, or really really overdue for a change fluid.

I'd pop a nice fat tranny cooler on it if you haven't already.. great preventative maintenance item.

 

[d98gt]

I checked the fluid and everything seemed alright fluid wise. It's as if it has a stall or something.

The guy which was talking about the pump mentioned something about it having gears and overtime the gears "weld" together. He couldn't explain it well over the phone, so I really had no clue what he was talking about. Anyone have a idea what he was attempting to say?

Transmission shops love to stick it to people without using lube, though i'll get it towed to the shop tomorrow.

 

[nyuk98gt]

d98gt:

Fluid level and condition are often the problem like the other guys said.

Easy hardware check: pull out the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) and see if the driven gear has teeth. If there is no VSS signal (no teeth left on the driven gear) then the shifts will be way off. The problem could be a faulty MLPS (manual lever position sensor) - this was a problem with T-Birds. Lastly, it could be the output shaft sensor (OSS). Like the VSS, it is easy to check with a voltmeter. If it isn't the fluid (level and/or condition), then the first two mentioned are the most likely, imho.

Chris

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Sounds like you are running on the original fluid that was installed in 1998. This probably means you need a new transmission now.

 

[d98gt]

Where would I find a torque converter at? What would be a price for one?

After looking at some prices (159+ shipping for rebuild, 145+ shipping for pump). I have a family member which works at a dealership and can do the labor for $250, which I feel is cheaper then I'd find from any tranny shop.

What all should be on my list for this? The rebuild kit comes with the gaskets, seals, sealing rings, alto clutches & steel plates, front band, bushing kit, thrust washer kit, and the filter.

 

[nyuk98gt]

d98gt:

Zip on over to TCCoA.com and find "Transmissions 101" in the Tech Articles/Transmissions section. These are tech articles written by a former Ford tranny engineer (now tuning wizard at SCT). There are a couple of articles about building a bulletproof 4R70W. The parts are all Ford and easily available (at the right price, since you have a connection!).

My advice: PM "Darrin" or "dirtyd0g" at modulardepot.com, they can help you out in terms of t/c recommendations.

Chris

 

[Kilgore Trout]

+1 and this time change the f'n fluid...

 

[d98gt]

Thanks for the help NYUK98GT and everyone else.

I'm not looking for anything agressive, just trying to piece it back together . Might change it up a small amount, though nothing major.

 

[VicRattlehead]

alan and darrin can help you out, give em a buzz and let them recomend something.

 

[DarrinB]

Stay the hell away from Alto clutches. If you could only see what I have seen...
I sent you a PM over on MD
Darrin

 

[d98gt]

Darrin has been helping me tremendously

The car gets brought to the shop later on today and i'm not quite sure how long it'll be there. This is my only vehicle currently so im left bumming rides and so on