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  #1  
Old 10-14-2018, 12:25 PM
Brotio Brotio is offline
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Default transmission, shutdown issue

My truck is a 1998 2WD 4.0 auto

I was towing a light trailer, and had to make the same trip twice in one day. On the first trip, truck performed perfectly. I was able to cruise at 70mph with only occasional downshifts out of OD.

On the second trip, truck started to struggle and couldn't even hold 60mph. Transmission downshifted to 2nd gear, and then completely shut down.

When I got to the side of the road, I tried to restart, and it wouldn't crank at all. A few minutes later, coolant started steaming. It had not overheated at shutdown.

The next day, after getting the truck home, I tried to start it, and it would crank, but it would not start.

Any ideas as to what happened, and how expensive it might be to fix would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
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1998 2WD 4.0L auto trans. Extended cab 168,000 miles.
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  #2  
Old 10-14-2018, 06:08 PM
tomboy tomboy is offline
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Default Re: transmission, shutdown issue

Steaming coolant could mean low coolant, bad thermostat or water pump, or belt, what did the temp read at shutdown? have you checked the oil for coolant?
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Old 10-14-2018, 06:25 PM
Brotio Brotio is offline
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Default Re: transmission, shutdown issue

Temp was normal at shutdown. Steam was several minutes later. I’m wondering if it was due to transmission overheating, but I am truly baffled by this.
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1998 2WD 4.0L auto trans. Extended cab 168,000 miles.
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  #4  
Old 10-14-2018, 06:29 PM
Dirtman Dirtman is offline
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Default Re: transmission, shutdown issue

Blown head gasket or cracked head would be my first guess. A common issue on the 4.0 unfortunately. Also sounds like the engine may have vapor locked as a result. Like Tomboy said check the oil for coolant but also pull the plugs and check for one or more that is drastically cleaner than the rest. The temp gauge is next to useless since its just a switch. You could easily overheat before the stupid thing reads hot. Obviously steam is a sign something overheated or coolant going where it shouldn't, i.e inside the combustion chamber.

Also check the trans fluid, what is the level, color, and smell. A trans issue wouldn't lock the engine up though which is why I'm leaning towards gasket/head.

Last edited by Dirtman; 10-14-2018 at 06:32 PM.
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