Five speed auto trans (90k) has been slipping when shifting from second to third. Seems to shift smoothly under normal or heavy acceleration, but slips under low acceleration. Ford dealer did diagnostics, no codes and the tech couldn't feel the slip. They flushed and changed fluid and filters and said transmission was operating normally. Fluid and filter has been changed by dealer every 30k, the X has never been off road or used for towing. Lots of stop and go driving though. Is there a chance this could be anything but a transmission rebuild?

 

you could try some of those additives but i reccomend b&m trick shift synthetic fluid

 

Go to www.gearsmagazine.com/2003-05/2003_5_50.pdf if that doesn't work do a google search for, 5R55E 2-3 shift flare. For information on your shifting problem.

 

Thanks Billy and Redranger. The gearsmagazine had great information and describes my problem, but I'm not getting any codes. Does that point to a mechanical (bands?) problem rather than an electronic problem? Would I get a code if one or more solenoids were bad?

 

My 1999 Explorer Sport had the same problem as yours, only did it under light acceleration and no codes showed up. I got rid of the vehical shortly after it started to 'flare'. Maybe the condition is not bad enough yet, to trip a 'code'?

 

Maybe. I'm also considering trading this vehicle in to cut my losses. I dropped almost $300 at the dealer for five quarts of fluid and a report saying the transmission is fine. Transmission shops are getting $2500 to $4000 for a rebuilt installation. I really expected the Explorer to last more than 90k miles.