1991 Ford Ranger HARD/LATE UPSHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR

MCAUTODOC

MEMBER
1991 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
50,257 MILES

VIN #1FTCR10U8MU31142

This transmission has a hard & delayed upshift that slips in from first to second gear and then shifts normally up and down from there. I serviced the transmission because the fluid had a slight brown color; the fluid level was good and the existing filter was also good. There was some mush on the pan magnet but no metal to speak of and none in the bottom of the pan. After I serviced it I drove it but had the same problem. I vacuum tested the modulator and it held vacuum but pumped up slow so I replaced it and drove it again; I got the basically the same experience as before. I noticed the replacement modulator had an adjustment inside it but no instructions in the box; can you give me some insight on adjusting the modulator and also on any band adjustments this might have?

6 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Screw the adjuster in (clockwise looking at the screw) to make it shift sooner. Try a few adjustments before anything else

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Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 AT 9:42 AM

MCAUTODOC

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33 POSTS

I tried to adjust the modulator but that didn't help. Could you image me the band adjustment; I see the adjuster on the left/drivers side of the transmission.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 8:06 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Does it act the same as it did before the new modulator or did it make a difference?

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Thursday, April 9th, 2009 AT 9:26 AM

MCAUTODOC

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33 POSTS

Installation of the modulator didn't affect the shifting one way or the other. I acquired the bands adjustment & set them exactly where they should be but it continues with the same exact problem. I looked back on my descriptions to you and found I gave you the wrong info on the mileage; it's 150,257 not 50,257. I also gave you the wrong info on where the hard/delayed upshift is occurring; it's from second to third, not first to second. I'm assuming the band is wearing out and that's what's causing the problem; would synthetic ATF help this in any way? I'm trying to save the tranny for a friend and welcome any other suggestions you can give me, thanks.

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Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 3:29 AM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

You can try an additive if you want, sometimes they can help them last a little bit longer. Lucas oil makes good additives. At 150k it has lasted longer than most of those transmissions