Hi guys, I'm new to this forum.
I've just bought a used 2002 Explorer Sport Trac (Automatic) 120k+ odo and what I've noticed whenever I shift from Park to Reverse or to Drive it takes about 3 seconds before I feel a slight jerk moving forward before I can step on the accelerator for the vehicle to move backwards or forwards but if I step on the accelerator right after shifting to any gear except Neutral it won't run immediately as if the clutch is disengaged and after about 3 seconds it will suddenly engage. Is this normal or is there something wrong with the transmission? Need your help.

 

Be sure you check the transmission fluid with the engine running. The transmission dipstick is on the passenger side of the engine (yellow). Fluid could possibly be low. If fluid level is within range on the dipstick you'd want to do a pressure flush at the very least. With time and a lot of miles the fluid passage ways inside the transmission become blocked and cause that delay you're describing. That exact same thing happened with my 2003 Ranger Edge a few years ago (same tranmsission). Did a filter change and then had my local dealership flush it afterwards the same day and she ran like a champ again after that.

Some may say you don't *need* to replace the filter if you do a flush. I always recommend it. Some say not to do pressure flushes if you've got a lot of miles on it and just drain what you can then refill. I pressure flushed my 2002 (just recently) and had the filter replaced at 173K miles and it's still running fine. I had my transmission flushed due to not having a maintenance history on my truck when I bought it with 163K miles in February 2015. The fluid was black and smelled burnt. Now that the cooler weather set in here in Florida after a cold start in the morning pulling out of the driveway I was having to gas it more than usual. Once I straightened out on the street to get going there was nothing for several seconds and the gear would finally catch. Fluid level was within range on the dipstick when I checked it. Runs great now.

 

Thank you so much Sir Helmut Roner that was some clear explanation of the situation. I will sure check the ATF tomorrow and I do hope it's just a matter of changing the ATF, Filter and some good pressure flushing. I'll post the results here when I'm done having it serviced. Very much appreciate your reply Sir.

 

Most important thing to look at is the color of the fluid. It should be bright red to red. IF it is brownish red to black, it definitely needs to be changed. Make sure you are only using Mercon V fluid in it...nothing else! Transmission fluid is very specific between years and manufacturers...always use the proper fluid...no universal fluids.