[danxd]

I have a '93 Mustang, 4 cyl., with an A4LD automatic transmission.

Just installed two used transmissions in this car. Both had the same problem. I am not sure I have done the proper troubleshooting as transmissions are not my expertise. Anybody with experience with this transmission, any transmissions, please help!

The first one I installed made a lot of noise when I started it up. There were no gears. It had about 4 quarts of fluid at start up. Figuring I needed more fluid for the torque converter (TC), I added more. Nothing.

A suggestion on another forum was to disconnect the output fluid line at the radiator and check for pressure. There was nothing there. Also, when the vehicle was running, the fluid level did not go down from engine off. I determined from this that the fluid pump was no good.

Went to the junk yard and got another transmission.

The same thing! I started and the fluid level did not go down. No gears. I haven't done the coolant line check yet, but I suspect I'll find the same thing.

What am I missing here? Is there something else I should be checking? What about electronics or vacuum? My limited understanding is that for first gear, those are not an issue (it's all mechanical). Is that right/wrong?

Anybody with transmission experience who can help, please contact me. Thanks.

[muck89s10]

Failed to state wether the torque convertor has been changed?

[ExtrmZ]

change torque convertor.. and buy one from a quality place, not a jy

[ih8nosno]

i agree that it is the torque coverter or front pump. either one will give loss of drive in all gears. if you have any question then you can verify with a pressure guage. on the driver's side of transmission right by shift comb (driver's, middle, 1/2" above pan gasket) there is a 1/8' pipe plug that you need to remove to diagnose system pressures. use a 1/8" pipe thread (npt) to barb fitting. connect barbed end to flexible length of fuel or emmissions hose around 6 feet (so you can drive and see). connect a barbed to npt fitting to your guage. if you are on a budget use a cheap water pressure guage (less than 10 bucks @hd or lowe's in sprinkler section). watch pressures or a lack of them as you drive and not have to guess. if case you go for a rebuild, make sure the transmission shop uses the internal friction parts for a 4.0 v6 a4ld and installs a shift modification kit (i only use trans-go kits when i rebuild my a4ld's), and a ranger high stall torque convertor (strong convertor with the same stall speed of 2.3 turbo's).good luck and keep up the questions.