Questions and Answers
Bronco TCC Problem?
Q. I have a 1992 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer, full size 4x4, with the 5.8 liter and automatic OD. It has 109,000 mile on it. The problem I am having is related to the transmission, which was completely rebuilt by a reputable local shop about 13,000 miles back.
About a month ago, I drove from my house to a local store (a five minute drive) during heavy rain. When pulling into the parking lot, it stalled. The vehicle would start in neutral or park, worked great in reverse, and would take off in low, but stall in Second or Drive. I had an appointment, so left the vehicle sit all day. When I returned, it operated normally. I was next door to a transmission shop (not the rebuilder), so pulled in and left it with them to diagnose what I thought would be a TCC problem.
After they changed the fluid and filter (because they thought the filter may not be seating properly), and not getting it to repeat, they asked me to take the vehicle and come back if it happened again.
I drove the vehicle every day for a month on short trips and up to an hour, and never had the problem again, until driving another short trip in heavy rain. I returned to the transmission shop (not the rebuilder) and they dumped the codes for the TCC and Manual Position Selector switch. After clearing the codes, I was able to get it to repeat the stall, and the TCC code was the only code to return. The shop did not want to work on it without performing a complete rebuild, so they could put their seal of approval on it.
I then went to the rebuilder’s shop, where I was able to get it repeat for the shop manager, and noticed that if I started the vehicle in Park or Neutral, and shifted directly into Low, then up to Second or Drive, it would not stall. However, if I shifted directly into Second or Drive, it would stall out.
I hope I am not being too long winded, but wanted to give as much detail as possible. The truck is in the shop. After it sat for two days, they can’t get it to repeat. They think it might be the TCC solenoid. My concern is that I don’t want to just start replacing parts. If it only happened twice in heavy rain, is it possible that the problem is electrical and not the solenoid itself? I saw your procedure for GM TCC problems. Shouldn’t either of these two shops have a similar procedure for Ford?
Thanks for your great web site.
GalenA. The procedure to check the TCC on a Ford is the same as a GM. In your case I think the problem is most likely electrical. Since there was a Manual Lever Position Sensor (MLPS) code, the first thing I would do is examine the transmission connectors and wiring very carefully. I would also trace down the ground wire and make sure it is good condition and securely attached. Adding a second ground wire is also highly recommended.
Ford had somewhat of a problem with these connectors and the seals to make them weather proof.
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