97 Explorer 4x4
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: CANADA
97 Explorer 4x4
Hi Guys,
I took a 97 Explorer out last night and was just wanting to know about hte tranny in this model year. I took it out and man alive did she ever perform better than my 92 ex. Massive amount of improvement between the two. I wanted to ask though, the tranny when it shifted was soft at first while I was on the hammer, but then kind of locked in and jolted the truck a little bit. Not much, but you could distinctively feel the gear that it shifted into definately lock in. Is this normal for the newer transmissions that they put in these trucks? How's about that blend door problem? Is it easy to fix? Any other problems that you guys have encountered with this year that I should look into?
THanks a million for any replies. I am probably going to sign the deal this evening.
Hoppy
I took a 97 Explorer out last night and was just wanting to know about hte tranny in this model year. I took it out and man alive did she ever perform better than my 92 ex. Massive amount of improvement between the two. I wanted to ask though, the tranny when it shifted was soft at first while I was on the hammer, but then kind of locked in and jolted the truck a little bit. Not much, but you could distinctively feel the gear that it shifted into definately lock in. Is this normal for the newer transmissions that they put in these trucks? How's about that blend door problem? Is it easy to fix? Any other problems that you guys have encountered with this year that I should look into?
THanks a million for any replies. I am probably going to sign the deal this evening.
Hoppy
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Kelseyville, CA
97 Explorer 4x4
If you are referring to the 5-speed automatic, then the only way you could tell mine shifted before I installed my SuperChip was by watching the tacometer. It shifted that smoothly (soft). Mine has had a wierd 2-3 shift when under hard acceleration though since about 20K miles. Hasn't been a problem though since I now have a little over 98K on mine and it's shifting has not changed. I didn't like the soft shifts which was one reason I put my SuperChip in. It now shifts quicker with less slipping between gears. I can at least feel the shifts now.
Regarding the blend door, if YOu pay Ford to fix it it will run $900-$1200. The entire dash has to be removed to replace the $120 plenum. Make sure yours works before signing for it or see that they take the repair price into account if it is broken.
Regarding the blend door, if YOu pay Ford to fix it it will run $900-$1200. The entire dash has to be removed to replace the $120 plenum. Make sure yours works before signing for it or see that they take the repair price into account if it is broken.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: CANADA
97 Explorer 4x4
You mention the super chip. Where can i buy one and how much do they run cost wise? Does this chip also improve performance and such? Does it leave you with worse gas mileage? Is it easy to install? I am awaiting a reply from another thread for the fix on the blend door as well that doesn't cost anything to repair it.
Thanks,
Hoppy
Thanks,
Hoppy
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Kelseyville, CA
97 Explorer 4x4
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Dec-02 AT 04:19 PM (EST)]I think Ken has a link here somewhere. I know the SuperChips MicroTuner is shown on the right. I paid $175 for mine but used another supplier. I don't know how much they cost here.
Performance is better. The transmission will downshift quicker. Also, Ford programmed the 5-speed auto downshifts so that it goes through each gear until it gets to the needed gear. With the SuperChip it will go straight to the needed gear without going through all the ones in between. Engine rev-limiter has been raised to 6500 RPM (up from 6000 RPM). It also just has a better feel throughout the entire throttle range. My mileage didn't go up or down with mine, however premium fuel is required. Worth the extra .20 a gallon to me if for no other reason than the transmission shifting.
Performance is better. The transmission will downshift quicker. Also, Ford programmed the 5-speed auto downshifts so that it goes through each gear until it gets to the needed gear. With the SuperChip it will go straight to the needed gear without going through all the ones in between. Engine rev-limiter has been raised to 6500 RPM (up from 6000 RPM). It also just has a better feel throughout the entire throttle range. My mileage didn't go up or down with mine, however premium fuel is required. Worth the extra .20 a gallon to me if for no other reason than the transmission shifting.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: CANADA
97 Explorer 4x4
Wow, you have to run premium? I don't think I will even bother then when I pick up the truck next week. Here in Southern Ontario, gas prices are not too bad just now for regular. 0.64 cents per litre, but to run premium it would cost over 0.85 cents per litre. The cost would be atrocious. I may consider it if there is a chip that will allow using regular 87 octane though.
Hoppy...
Hoppy...
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Kelseyville, CA
97 Explorer 4x4
Go over to motorhaven.autoanything.com and do a search for "diablo chip". Ken will burn you one that will use regular. You won't get the added power benefits that results from the timing adjustments but you'll still get the better transmission shift strategy. SuperChips might also burn you a custom chip so that you can run regular. Check with Ken in regards to that. Over here in the U.S. gas is typically only .20 more per gallon as opposed to per liter. After converting liters into gallons it would cost an extra .76 per gallon for premium. I can understand your reluctance.
