This is a repost from the Ford V6 room, but got no feedback. I have a 2007 Explorer XLT, 4.0L V6 (not sure which version), approx. 94K miles. Previous owner is retired mechanic (and my father-in-law). Preventative maint. performed regularly, including transmission services (pan dropped, filter changed).

Car has always had "hard" shift into reverse...assumed it was just the way a truck shifts. Went to dealership for transmission flush (told I couldn't get filter change service, tranny sealed) as regular maint. Had noticed hesitation in power around 35-45, but didn't impress me as a slippage. Service advisor informed me tech observed hard shifts between 2-3 and 3-4...and also the hard reverse. He expressed what occurred or is occurring, as Internal Transmission Failure. He said I have to get a new (rebuilt) transmission. Broke down the pricing for me...$3500! He said the ATF was clean, smell was normal, never got O/D warning light, and there was no code pulled from the FORD diagnostic scan. BTW, advised a scan after the tech's driving impressions.

Went to a transmission shop today in hopes they could squeeze me in for free tranny check. Tech test drove and ran a scan. His impression is I do not have a bad transmission, but a computer issue. Something about the wrong msg being sent, causing improper pressure to lead to rough gear changes. Asked me to bring it in tomorrow at specified time, so he can do further tests, assisted by another tech...mentioned getting real time readouts while truck being driven.

So, does anyone have experience with the symptoms I've described? How about the possible reason described by the transmission shop tech? While I haven't been on this site long, I place great value in the impressions and feedback of other consumers. So thanks for any and all feedback.

SmittyVIP
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In 2007, your 4.0 is the SOHC version. Your trans, one of the 5R55 models, has had troubles it's whole life.

Lots of older, but some newer transmissions discussed here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...k-here-40.html

 

85e150six..., thx for the link. I am half done with that thread. Sooo many possible tranny issues with this family of vehicles with similar and overlapping symptoms. Hoping to find the accurate diagnosis before total tranny rebuild/replacement is only option left.

Again, thx for all feedback.

SmittyVIP

 

When mine broke, it was easy. First, broken input shaft--no questions there. Second: ESP, no charge.

 

No charge?

I had ESP on 2 of my cars, and one had a $25 deductible, and the other had a $50 deductible. I figured I broke even with the original cost on the first, and did better on the second with all the problems I had to convince them to fix.