Not shifting

The only thing he found wrong is oxygen sensor, because engine light was on but O/D and 4wd light wasn't blinking.I'm going to change the speed sensor when I get time.I hope it is not hard to change.

I found a previous question that you helped with which was very similar to the issue I am having. The transmission will stay in first gear and only after moving the gear selector in and out of drive and /or repeated pushing of the OD off button will it shift.M once it shifts the first time it is fine until it is put back in park the next time. Meanwhile when it is working the OD off light flashes rapidly. The other question I saw said he got the code read and it came back as a faulty shift solenoid. I am having the codes pulled this week and my question is where is the shift solenoid located and do I need to drop the transmission pan to get to it? I will not be able to work on it until this next weekend so I am trying to prepare.

Got the codes read at autozone and nothing came up related to this problem. They only noted the O2 sensor and the mass flow meter were giving codes. I gues it is back to the drawing board to figure out what is causing it not to shift. Any guesses?
Thanks,
Joe

I think the TCM is integrated into the PCM.

The torch went to college with my daughter and she is bringing it home this weekend. The nearest Aamco is 35 miles away from my house. I am gonna check the mechanical pieces when she gets here, because the problem stops when you jiggle the gear selector. Thanks. I will check in this weekend when I get further.

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer 4x4 which is having shifting problems. The problem I am having seems to be somewhat common, since I have seen the exact same scenario posted on other sites. However, there weren't any answers.

First of all my fluid is good and is filled to the proper level. It has no problem going into reverse or forward gears and it does not slip a bit.

The problem is: my Explorer stays in first gear too long (usually) and I have to take my foot off of the accelerator for a moment and wait for it to shift into second gear (usually at about 25 MPH). Sometimes it works like it should, but not often. Once it shifts from first gear to second gear, it seems to be fine with shifting into the other gears. Another thing that I have noticed since this problem started is: my "check engine" light stays on and my "OD off" (overdrive) light flashes constantly. I have pushed the OD button on the shift lever and it seems that the overdrive is working, since I can notice a difference (I think it is working - maybe not). However, whether the OD button is off or on on the shift lever, the "OD off" light in the instrument cluster still flashes constantly

Could it possibly be a malfunctioning shift solenoid? If not, what is the problem? Can someone please help. Thanks and have a blessed day.

Hi Joe,

I did take my Explorer to have it scanned at my friend's repair garage. It came back with a DTC of "P0756" which is "shift solenoid 2" failure. I went to Ford and bought a new shift solenoid, gaskets and etc. Dropped the pan on my transmission. I found the adjustment ear and tensioner for the "intermediate" band in the bottom of my pan. I went ahead and replaced the shift solenoid anyway, but still the transmission shifts like it did before, due to the intermediate band having no tension on it. I guess what my transmission is doing is: starting in first, skipping second and then shifting into third and so on. Other than the inital shifting problem, the transmission shifts through all the other gears and works perfect. Looks like I need the intermediate band replaced or have the tensioner ear welded back into place. The original spot welds broke loose. It can be seen and gotten to easily, with the pan off, with a "stick welder" if only I could find someone to do it, it would be a relatively easy fix. Otherwise, It would have to be taken apart. Any ideas? Other than a rebuild. Thanks.

Hi Joe,

Thanks again. I am going to try to find someone to weld the ear back on, but I doubt if I will be able to. If I had a stick welder (still) I would do it myself because I am sure with a couple of zaps from a stick welder, it would be as good as new. Though I am a little concerned with the combustion of the fluid residue, I am sure that will be the biggest obstacle in finding someone to weld it for me. I will let you know the final outcome. The bad thing about it is I spent $1200 having the transmission "fully" overhauled 3 years ago and the warranty just ran out last month. Gee whiz! Anyway, you have a great Easter too. Thanks again,

Mike

My 1996 Explorer XLT takes a long time to upshift. The car stays in 1st until the rpms are pretty high then you have to take your foot off the gas pedal to get it to shift. What is causing this and how can I correct this problem?

Transmission problem
1996 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

It seems like our Explorer is stuck in overdrive. Around 45MPH & above it sound like the transmission/engine is in a lower gear. When I push the overdrive switch the light go on and off but nothing changes. Changing the gear does nothing to help. They all seem to function OK.

Hoping to squeeze a few more miles out of the car.
Thanks

email update:
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately things are only getting worse. I got in
the car to complete your test and I started shifting into first and second.
I was actually thinking earlier that the transmission was not changing
gears. So I push the gears around a few times and got them to start
changing. Then I got lucky and my overdrive started to work. I could see the
rmps change as I pushed the button. Boy was I a happy camper
. For one block. I stop for a light and the tranny would
not go it just slipped. I turned the car on and off and I was able to drive
it away. Only to have the original problem back. I parked it in
front of the house, shut it down and the tranny fluid started gushing out a
small drain pipe next to the tranny.
Sad, I might have to start car hunting. Any hope?