C4 - Wont shift into 3rd gear - FIXED = STUCK 2-3 SHIFT VALVE

[kayakersteve]

@Phil - I know and did refer back to post #2. Guess it's time to get it to tranny shop as this is where I get out of my comfort zone. I still suspect it is in the valave body and have contemplated a rebuild from broader performance. Wish I had an easy way to run a diagnostic on it to sort out where the issue is.

In the end, at least I am happy to have a functioning kick down, but gotta get 3rd because I cant go very fast with 4.56 gears in second gear!

 

[Viperwolf1]

You could air test the direct clutch. The valve body has to come back out to do it.

 

[kayakersteve]

Ok- valve body back out. Will try air test on direct clutch and make sure all valves look good on valve body. Really appreciate any and all tips. I know that sometimes us rookies can be frustrating to someone who knows this stuff cold, but I am willing to learn and expand my skills.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Sorry, I lost track of how the thread started or I would have to told you to check it when the VB was off earlier. 40-50 psi should be enough to make the drums clunk. If you just hear leaking air and don't hear a clunk the clutch seals are done.

 

[kayakersteve]

Will try air test when I get home from work today - thanks

 

[kayakersteve]

Hey Phil - On the schematic you show above, is the direct clutch the same thing as the forward clutch?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Hey Phil - On the schematic you show above, is the direct clutch the same thing as the forward clutch?

Get ready to become confused. No. It is the same thing as the reverse/high clutch. High refers to high gear or direct drive. It is also used in reverse. The forward clutch is applied in all 3 forward speeds.

The confusing part is the direct clutch (rev/high) is located in front of the forward clutch and has the intermediate band (2nd gear) wrapped around it.

 

[kayakersteve]

Ok, the air test seemed to go well utilizing Phil's schematic he linked. The only one I question was the governor test because I also watched video the applied air in the "out" port instead of "in" port listed on schematic. Video was on "badshoeproduction" channel and was called "making air checks on ford c4 transmission. I put air in the "in" port, but will try outport tomorrow because I didn't get quite the same sound as video did.

I took apart valves in valve body and cleaned real well....found the 2-3 shift valve stuck. After cleaning well and replacing it the valve works smoothly, so I am hoping this will fix the lack of 3rd gear I am having. For this I used schematic off transgo.com website.

I will try to get valve body in and tranny filled tomorrow and post results of my test run. Thanks for help so far

SteveB

 

[kayakersteve]

Transgo schematic I referenced

Here it is

 

[Viperwolf1]

I recommend not doing the governor checks for a couple reasons. 1) You know it works now. 2) Air checks can dislodge the washer on the primary valve spring and cause the governor to quit working.

The stuck 2-3 shaft valve would be the problem. Do not overtighten the valve body screws. 20 in-lbs (that's about nut driver torque) for the VB screws and 60-80 in-lbs for the mounting screws. Over torquing can cause the valves to stick.

 

[kayakersteve]

Phil - Thanks again - I will skip retest of governor - Will assemble later today....fingers crossed

 

[kayakersteve]

Ok .... Final verdict! All it together and did test ride. Cycles through all 3 gears, kicks down nicely and shifts are crisp. Very happy and really appreciate all of the advice and tips given, especially by Phil.