Hello. I have an 04 Explorer with the 4.0, AWD (no 2wd option). It is and XLT with 85000 miles. Last night I was on a small trip and I was running around 75 mph for about 150 miles when I had to stop at a rest area. On the way out of the rest area, we noticed that the trans was leaking out of what I believe would have been the pump seal. It seamed to be a pretty good leak but fluid was not running out of the trans, just a good drip. I drove a couple of more miles down the road and checked it again and the drip started going away. I was fearing that I was running low on trans fluid but since the genious that designed the trans forgot the dang dipstick I was out of luck for checking it. Anyhow, I talked to a friend that works at a Ford dealer and he suggested to back off the speed a little bit and ease it down the road for a while and watch for my engine temp to go up, slipping of the trans and my OD light to start to flash. Neatless to say, I backed down to around 65-70, set the cruise and stopped to check the leak several times. The leak pretty well went away, I have no slipping issues, no lights coming on and no sign of problems now. I know that I will be checking and filling the fluid today but what would have caused this? The total trip was about 420 miles, the leak started and went away withing the first 150-200 miles. The temp was around 25 degrees outside on dry clear roads in 4 Auto. Thanks for your input in advance.

Troy

 

It may have been overfilled and leaking from the vent system. The end of the vent tube vents to the inside of the bell housing, (another brilliant design), this can make it appear to have a front seal leak. When fluid get hot it expands and if it expands to much it will come out the vent, and leak from the front area.

Make sure the fluid level is correct. It might have been overfilled at one time, if the fluid is installed back into the trans when its cold it will be overfilled when it gets to operating temp.

Engine running, operating temp, on flat ground in park, remove the inner tork screw from the drain nut, if fluid comes out let it run until its just dripping. Put the plug back in and it should be "full" of fluid.

You may want to install a external cooler also.

 

Thank you for the information. This whole ordeal scared the crap out of me. This is the first time in the 30k miles we've had this thing that I have had this problem. Thanks again! Reps added!