97 Explorer Transmission Problems

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Sep 11, 2014 | 04:11 AM

zrford3

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97 Explorer Transmission Problems

okay, i wanna get someones take on what i may have wrong with my trans on my truck... this is what its doing, i am able to put in drive and drive it for so long then its like the truck is in neutral and doesn't gain or maintain speed. but i can turn the truck off and put it in park and restart the truck and it will go again?? that is how i got it home

the fluid is burnt now but wasn't that bad until the trans started doing this
i have pulled off the pan and inspected the filter and it does have metal debris in it, pulling the valve body off tonight before work (work 3rd shift) to inspect that, i think it has something to do with the solenoids or valve body because it actually moves but then quits until i restart the truck but if anyone has advice or has had this happen please chime in! always looking for some more knowledgeable advice

also does the transfer case use fluid from the transmission? or are the fluids separated between the 2

truck has
4.0L SOHC with a 5R55E in it 4WD

Thanks

Sep 11, 2014 | 05:06 AM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

I think you have burnt the clutches now and will need a rebuilt.

What is causing it to slip once warm I do not know.

Sep 11, 2014 | 05:23 AM

zrford3

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well it does it when the transmission was cool as well, did it while trying to drive it up on the ramp after letting it sit for 2 days, what would the clutch material look like? if thats the case then there should be some of that material in the filter? i'm stumped and ths is the first automatic i have ever owned...

Sep 11, 2014 | 05:35 AM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

Metal debris and like a paste, grit. That is the best way I can describe the material. Burnt fluid means it was slipping.

As to the filter, I am not so sure that the filter will catch is all but as the fluid is sucked through it then it probably did catch most of it. Does not matter at that point anyway.

Something internally let go to allow the clutches to suddenly slip like that.

I am not an expert. But your description of events is how mine let go.

I had mine completely rebuilt but a local guy I know.

Sep 11, 2014 | 05:43 AM

zrford3

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alright thanks, are these hard transmissions to pull out? i want to know what i have in store for this weekend... lol hopefully i can get it done in the next week

Sep 11, 2014 | 05:45 AM

zrford3

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do you know if there is any kit to make to make the trans stronger than stock or reliable? i have read a lot about these transmissions not being very reliable

Sep 11, 2014 | 06:17 AM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

For this tranny I do not know if there is a upgraded kit.

I put 173K on the first tranny before the rebuild. That seems good enough.

I now have almost 70K on the rebuilt using the basic kit.

Not a difficult task to pull.