Hello all,
I'm currently driving a 99 Explorer Sport w/ 66,700 miles. About 3 weeks ago the Check Engine light came on. About 2 weeks after that the engine started to race (RPMS would jump to 4,000) between 20-30 MPH (felt like the trans was slipping going into 2nd). Anyway I proceeded to take the Explorer to the local Ford Dealer. They hooked it up to the computer and found that the check engine light was on due to the Lean Intake Manifold. They said it was covered for 5 years and replaced it free of charge. However they said they then took it out and road tested it and the O/D light began flashing. They told me that the trans was bad and I needed to replace it. They quoted me $2,400 (and of course I no longer have a warranty on it!!). The questions I have are these:
1) Is it common for and Exlporer's trans to go before 70,000 miles?
2) Is it possible that there another problem with it that mimicks a trans issue and maybe cheaper and easier to fix?
3) Can I still drive it short distances (to and from work 20 miles total) or will that cause more damage?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance for everyone's time!!

 

We had one complete and one partial rebuild on our '95 Explorer in the first 71,000 miles. [And that was when they were only 4 speeds in the trans!] Our '98 Limited's 4wd & OD lights have been flashing intermittently since 55,000 miles. Dealer replaced shift motor, but didn't make any difference. We've been back a couple times since, but they can "not duplicate" problem. We always buy an extended warranty when we buy Ford products, and most of time with other brands--they have always paid for themselves.

None of this helps you of course. I'd look for a junkyard transmission and swap it in myself. If you can't or won't do this, then it's time to ask everybody you know about their experiences with the various transmission shops in your area. Maybe you'll be fortunate and find a truly great one--I have on occasion. Otherwise, check with the Better Business Bureau for the ones with the fewest unresolved complaints.

I'd drive it until it quit. You're already looking at $2400, and the most I've heard of anybody having to pay was $2900. There's not much downside there, and you might get lucky and drive it on out (or have a "good" accident). Good luck.

John

 

Is it normal for the trans to go bad at 66,700 miles you ask? Ha at least you got 66,700 out of yours...at 17,300 I needed a new one. Just a month before lease was up, trans began slipping bad on my 2001 Sport and O/D light was flashing. Thought I could hold out a month with it slipping since I only drive to school, work, and home..less than 15 miles a day. I was wrong since the trans totally dropped and the truck wouldnt move in drive..had to manually put it in "2" and drove to dealer. They told me it needed a new trans (under warranty), I told them they can have it a month early. Turned it in for a 2002 Eddie Bauer. No surprise when I had to take the EB back with less than 300 miles because of a clicking noise..something to do with left tire bridge..dealer fixed it. Thank God for warranty..I dont know where I would be without it!