1997 Explorer transmission jerking.

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Mar 22, 2014 | 05:46 PM

SgtHch

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1997 Explorer transmission jerking.

Hello all. In the last few days I've noticed that my transmission has developed a nasty habit of jerking slightly, when Im at about a steady 40 mph. I have to let up of the gas pedal, then accelerate in order for it to stop. This is starting to happen at other speeds as well. Also, Im finding that I have to let up off the gas pedal in order for the transmission to shift into the next gear when I first start driving, otherwise the RPM's go up before it shifts on it's own. The truck is a 97' 4.0 6 cyl. SOHC E.B. 4x4 (which I've disabled) and I believe it has a 5R55E transmission. There are no leaks coming from it & no smell of burnt tranny oil. Also the fluid level is correct. Since its been a while since the transmission has been serviced, Im hoping that it's only a question of changing the filter & fluid. Also, is there a possibility that the Transmission cooler has failed and needs to be replaced? Not being a transmission person, I've no clue, so Im kind of grasping at straws here. Also, there's no "Check Engine" light or "OD" light showing either, so there are no codes to read. Does anyone have any idea whats causing this, or has had a similar problem? Thanks in advance.

Mar 22, 2014 | 06:13 PM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

I would take it to a transmission place and see if there are any codes. A trans service may help for a bit.

Ours is a 98 mountaineer. We did a tranny overhaul at 173K I think. Now up to 232K, maybe a bit more. So a good 60K on the rebuit. Well worth the money if you are going to keep it for a few years.