1994 MK4 Automatic Transmission (damage/replace)

[CamperCaroline92]

Hi,

I'm hoping to gain some insight and information regarding my 1994 Transit. Recently the transmission oil hoses broke and my transmission fluid dumped. Luckily for me a was less than 100 meters from a service station, was able to pull in and get my van towed to a mechanic. They replaced the hoses and filled the transmission oil, saying that I was lucky I didn't drive very far and the transmission wasn't damaged.

Fast forward about a month and now it is missing 2nd gear. I checked the transmission fluid levels (overnight cold engine), and it was well above the max. fill line. A quick google suggested this could cause gear changing issues etc. I called up the mechanic who did the repairs the month before, they have said the transmission needs replacing, which is going to cost me between 3-4K AUD. I questioned the transmission fluid overfill and they fobbed me off saying this would never cause an issue.

Does anyone have any experience with this kind of thing and can give me some insight into whether they are being honest with me?

Also, I've got a mate who can help me replace the transmission, but I need to source a 2nd hand one (there aren't many 94 models in Australia and sourcing parts is a challenge), and I was also hoping someone might know what other models would have a transmission that would be compatible with my van?

Please help.

[dumper]

Usually you check the oil with the engine running when the engine as being stop for sometime the oil flows out of torque converter and fills the gearbox up this may not be your problem but that’s the way to check the oil level.
the only other thing you could do before changing the box is remove the gearbox sump pan and change the internal filter and a oil change.

[MinorMatt]

To check the fluid level the gearbox has to be hot.

Get the engine warm, manually select each position on the gearbox (P, N, D, 3, 2, 1 etc) pausing for 2 seconds in each, and then return back to park, again stopping for 2 seconds in each position. Then pull the dipstick out, wipe it and put it back again.

Unfortunately though, I'm siding with the garage on this one. The gearbox was run without oil (or with a much reduced level), which could have caused a reasonable amount of damage in a few seconds. I would have fixed the leak, refilled it, tested it and said it appears to have survived (if it drove ok) but warned there may be unseen damage which could become evident in the future.

Once the level has been checked properly - and if its still significantly over full, you could suck a bit out and re-try to see if matters improve.

You may also find the gearbox needs the brake bands adjusting (sorry I don't know how but the info is out there), and/or drop the sump and change the filter (messy job!).

The gearbox variant is an A4LDe which was fitted to Transits from 1988 - 1994 (late mk3 & mk4), the mk5 (94 -2000) version is different. There is some confusion regarding mk3/4/5 nomenclature, so its definitely worth confirming what you have. This gearbox was fitted to numerous ford cars, but AFAIK the transit is a unique variant. Any info regarding maintainance and adjustments you can find relating to the other variants will almost certainly apply to yours.

Another option is to find another garage or take it to a transmission specialist?

[CamperCaroline92]

Thank you for your responses. I spoke to the mechanic yesterday and they said it has the A4LDe transmission.
I've always been a little unsure as to whether my transit is an MK4 or 5, but I'm almost certain it's an MK4 as it is a 2.4D (non-turbo model)

[Altransit]

It should be a 2.5D, but as to the Mk4/5 thing, put up a piccy of the front of the van

This is a Mk5

CIMG2797.JPG

This is a Mk4 (different grille, bonnet, square orange side repeaters, no air vents on rear pillars)

L457WLF.jpg

[Fredchevall]

Hello does anyone know where i could find a torque converter for the
1994y ford transit MK4
2000cc gasoline automatictransmission
In any case i can buy it , it will be to send to japan

Thank
You very much

Fred