Help! My 4.65L V8 Explorer has an issue in low gear - RPMS rev high but car doesn't shift up.. eventually "catches" with a jerk but the OD Light started flashing and the Systems Screen reads Check Transmission. Light goes out and message goes away after turning car off and restarting. Had one Tech look at it - he said second gear is toast and need full transmission rebuild. Another Ford Tech looked and could just be solenoid needing replacement and advised to have a transmission service (not a flush) done.... any help anyone?

 

Start with a service and fresh fluid... Philip

 

It sounds like it is skipping second gear. It is common for the bands to break in this transmission and the servo bores to wear. The only hope you have to avoid a rebuild is if the servo itself has failed, you can remove them in the car but it can be a pain to get them out.

If I had to bet I would think the band is broken and the trans would have to be rebuilt and the servo bores will have to be sleeved. I see this transmission once or twice a week in my shop and its always the same old story.