Engine stalling while shifting into gear?

1994 FORD RANGER
289,364 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SILVERLIFE1
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  • 3 POSTS
I just put in a transmission that I got from the junkyard into my truck. It was driving fine for a couple test drives then it just started to stall every time I put it in drive or in reverse and I’m not really sure what is the problem.
May 13, 2023 at 1:29 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

When you place it in gear, does it cause the vehicle to jerk before it stalls? If not, at what RPM is the engine idling? Is it a smooth idle? If it isn't, check to see if there are any engine vacuum leaks that can cause a low idle.

Here is a link that explains how to locate a leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know as much as you can.

Take care,

Joe

May 14, 2023 at 2:07 PM
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SILVERLIFE1
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My idle is that at 800 or 1,000 and I checked if there are any vacuum leaks, and do you think it could be the TCC solenoid? And i just ordered one.
May 14, 2023 at 2:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

It could be related. When you place it in gear, does the vehicle lurch before stalling? That is usually the sign indicating the torque converter isn't disengaged from the engine.

Also, a TCC solenoid should have set a code. Have you checked to see if any are present? If you follow the directions in this link, it explains how to retrieve codes from a Ford OBD1 system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ford-lincoln-mercury-obd1-1995-and-earlier-diagnostic-trouble-code-definition-and-retrieval


Let me know.

Joe
May 15, 2023 at 11:44 AM
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SILVERLIFE1
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When I put it in gear it does lurch it’s like I drop the clutch at idol and It’s the stock converter that was on the truck and I didn’t see any codes .
May 15, 2023 at 3:32 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like the torque converter failed. When the vehicle is at a standstill or idling, the torque converter allows the engine to rotate freely, and there is a slight slip between the impeller and the turbine. This slip allows the engine to continue running even when the wheels are not moving.

An impeller inside the torque converter is set in motion by the engine's crankshaft, causing transmission fluid to circulate. This creates hydraulic pressure that drives the turbine, which in turn rotates the input shaft of the transmission, delivering power to the wheels.

The problem sounds like the disconnect isn't happening. You said it best when you indicated, "It’s like I drop the clutch at idle."

Let me know your thoughts. However, I suspect the transmission needs to be removed so you can replace the converter.


Let me know.

Joe
May 16, 2023 at 12:25 PM
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