Okay, '95 Ford Explored, Eddie Bauer edition, little over 100thousand miles on it- only just beginning to have occasional trouble. Today, it won't start- we jumped it, and it took us to town and back- as soon as it was shut off, it won't start again. We thought it couldn't be the alternator since the battery didn't die on the way, is it most likely the battery?
Also- the transmission has recently developed a problem.
It will not shift out of first on it's own, you have to let off the gas, wait for the tach to drop below the 2, and then press the gas again, and it shifts. Every other gear it does fine, just has difficulty leaving 1st. Any thoughts?
2006-08-16 04:06:39 · 18 answers · asked by imjustasteph 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Incidentally- for the transmission problem- the fluid is replaced regularly- in fact was replaced this morning before we discovered the dead battery- and the filter has been changed rather recently too. The 'clutch' answer sounds most likely. Can one clutch be replaced?
2006-08-16 05:22:23 · update #1
If you have an Auto Zone or Advance Auto nearby, they can hook it up to a machine that will tell you if it is the alternator or battery. Most provide this service at no charge. Sounds like the alternator because usually if it is the battery, it will charge up, if it is a bad alternator, it is running straight from the battery causing it to lose it's charge. Have it checked anyway.
As for the transmission, with that many miles on it, I would say it is probably wearing out. You can try just having the filter and fluid changed to see if that helps, but if the fluid isn't red in color, smells burned, or has metal shavings in the bottom of the transmission pan, then it may be time to have it rebuilt or replaced.
2006-08-16 04:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by pipi08_2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean the battery didn't die. If it would not start on its own but started with a jump start, it sounds like the battery was dead. Now you have to find out why the battery was dead. Start the truck, while it is running disconnect the positive side of the battery if the truck stays running your alternator is probably still good. If it stops you need a new alternator. If the alternator is good replace the battery. A battery is usually only good for 5 years. The shifting problem could be the transmission fluid could be low or you might need to change the filter inside the transmission, the filter should be changed at certain interval, depending on what ford recommends.
2006-08-16 11:20:20 · answer #2 · answered by Mark F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that your problem is with the battery. It may not be completely dead, but the alternator keeps it charged well enough while you are driving, but not enough to restart the vehicle. I would change the battery as soon possible. If you want too long, you will have to replace the alternator due to the extra work it has to do to try and charge a dead battery all the time. Also, many parts stores will have a battery and alternator tester they will do for free. Just pull up (leave your vehicle running), and they will come out and do a test to tell you what is going on with your car. But I would say your battery is bad.
As for the transmission problems, it doesn't sound like this is an easy fix. It may just be a stuck valve of some sort. But I can't say for sure. Most likely you will need to take the vehicle to a specialty transmission shop, let them drive the vehicle, and tell you what is wrong. Make sure you visit a reputable shop that is not going to rip you off. Talk to friends, neighbors, or other garages to get a good, honest transmission shop. Sometimes these problems can be as easy as changing the transmission fluid and filter (which should be done every 50,000 miles to make the transmission last longer). But other times they require a complete rebuild. But a good tranny shop should be able to diagnose this for you.
2006-08-16 11:16:41 · answer #3 · answered by Zef_66 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
alternator is fine it is running the car after you start , sounds like you do need a new battery
transmission could be a plugged or clogged filter - fluid not traveling through the pump. if it were vacuum related I would think it would not shift in all gears
2006-08-16 11:15:58 · answer #4 · answered by Norman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first start the truck up then place a multimeter on the battery. if the reading is greater than 13volt then alternator is fine and battery is shot. if less than 13volt then alternator is shot.
for trans problem, it sound like clutch going but not 100% sure. there is a clutch between each gear and one between first and second gear get the most stress and wear.
2006-08-16 11:21:48 · answer #5 · answered by sleepydo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely, it is the battery. More troubling is the transmission problem. You should get that looked at. Ever have the trans fluid changed?
2006-08-16 11:20:51 · answer #6 · answered by slyry75 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The starting problem is the battery definitly.
The transmission has a sensor on the right side, this sensor is how the computer tells it when to shift. that is what I would check first.
2006-08-16 11:37:53 · answer #7 · answered by smoke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a new battery or just need it charged i had the same problem not to long ago and i went thru the trouble and took off the alternater and found out that the batt just needed to be charged fully
2006-08-16 11:14:05 · answer #8 · answered by Heavy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take battery cable off while its if it dyes replace Alternater if not Battery sensor on Transmission
2006-08-16 11:18:36 · answer #9 · answered by AMGEO 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ford
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Dead
The first problem is probably the alternator, get it fixed soon, becuase if you keep mucking with it like that, you will need a new battery too
The tranny needs to be looked at by a professional
Fix
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Daily
2006-08-16 11:16:45 · answer #10 · answered by fairly smart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋