Transmission

JANEL FLYNN

MEMBER
1994 FORD EXPLORER
4WD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

Cannot accelerate past forty mph. Was told I need a transmission flush, took to a few places to do so. Places would not touch it. Said it was something wrong with the transmission. So took to a transmission specialist, they did a computerized scan. Guy said he did scan three times, said he could not find anything but thinks it is something called a governor (unit)?
Talking to a friend that works occasionally on cars and was told there is no governor (unit) in this make and model. That the transmission place is trying to rip me off. The place quoted me $2,400.00 to fix this. Car in fair condition body wise (It has seen two hit and runs) and not worth over $900.00.
So questions are, is my friend right about this part not existing? And could there be something else wrong?
I do not know enough about cars so any help or suggestions is appreciated.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Yes, your transmission has a governor valve. It responds to vehicle speed. It also uses a vacuum-controlled modulator valve that responds to engine load. Those two work together to decide when to initiate an up-shift and down-shift.

You didn't say what the problem is with the transmission, but if it's not up-shifting and you're forcing the vehicle to go 40 mph in first gear, the modulator valve is a good suspect. If it's slipping in one of the gears, the damage is already done. Continuing to drive it like that will overheat and damage more parts.