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2004 Explorer automatic transmission will not engage

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Old Jan 3, 2015 | 11:44 AM
  #1  
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2004 Explorer automatic transmission will not engage

Hi folks. I have a 2004 Explorer 4.0 4x4 with 130,00 miles that started with the transmission periodically going into neutral while driving and sometimes while stopped at an intersection. Engine running, but no reverse or drive gear. After shutting down engine and restarting, I can drive again only to have it happen soon again. I have changed rear speed sensor, throttle position sensor, dropped the tranny pan and changed the ATF as well as tranny filter. I also attempted to replace the transmission range sensor but was unable to remove the nut that holds the shift level onto the sensor. Sent 5 hours one day.... nut will not budge. Now the shifter inside the truck does not feel the same when shifting through the gears. Now the transmission will only engage in reverse but the truck will not move. If I wait 30 sec or so the truck will move in reverse. No engagement in drive, 3rd, 2nd, or 1st. Really, really need HELP PLS.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2015 | 10:02 PM
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You should inspect the internal linkage, it might be bent or broken on the inside.

It probably got damaged when you tried to remove the large nut on the outside. I have seen this happen.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2015 | 11:21 PM
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That trans has multiple issues, and you are probably in need of a rebuild. The way it acted before you worked on it is typical of the trans.

They are made to shift smoothly, and as a result, they contaminate their oil with clutch material somewhat quickly. Once the oil is contaminated, the servo bores wear rapidly. These and some other issues make them a short lived trans unless you change the fluid on a regular basis.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2015 | 09:39 AM
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Hi guys, sorry I haven't replied back until now. It's been a little hectic lately. I tried to engage truck into reverse and drive this am with no luck. For the heck of it I went underneath truck and tapped the shift motor with a hammer. Vehicle engaged into all gears. Drove truck in neighborhood, after about 1/2 mile, truck neutraled out again. While truck was coasting I put gear selector in neutral and back into drive and it engaged. Drove back home with no problem. Also noticed truck will not engage into 4h or 4l. The light on the 4L button will flash 6-7 times when I press it and then go out. No engagement. Also a neighbors son has a nice scanner and he scanned truck yesterday. Scanner said "electric clutch relay circuit not responding." Any ideas ?

hdel
 
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