My 04 explorer has on a few occasions now not wanted to go into reverse. It seems to happen after a long distance drive. It is as follows:

1) Drive a long distance (30+ miles highway)
2) Go from Drive into Park (without shutting off engine)
3) Go from park to Reverse

Once you shift into reverse on step 3, it will not go into gear. Even though the shifter is in reverse, you can tell the tranny is not in gear. Pushing the gas causes the engine to rev, just like it would if it were in neutral. After about 5 seconds on being in reverse, it'll finally kick into reverse hard. Almost like a neutral drop.

Has anyone seen this before? Are there any silent recalls or TSBs? I am still under warranty, only 13k miles on it. I am going to call the dealer, but wanted to be informed before I go. It is an 04 XLT with a limited slip, v6. Off-road package if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

-Steve

 

Hey Steve, just an observation from a newbie if you haven't had the problem fixed yet. I have noticed a couple of TSBs on this website for the specific problem you have or hopefully by now, had. Good Luck

 

hopefully the tsb's mentioned above fix your problem. If not, read on.
When my 98 was new, I had a very similar problem/symptoms. I have the 5r55E trans. basically, they found a teeny metal shaving which blocked a port in the AT. Here's what the final work order said:
" Pinpoint test per shop manual. removed trans pan, valve body and inspected valves. All working properly. removed trans and disassembled. found aluminum shaving stuck in rev high piston against seal. resealed and overhauled trans. flushed cooler and converter. overhauled valve body. mounted trans on bench. road tested 15 miles."

 

I have an 04 also same exact pkg you have!
Mine has done it once !

As you know there is no dipstick on this tranny ,good for a 100,000 so they say
I'm taking mine in soon !
let us know what they find!
Rich

 

I called the dealer and they said "Hmmm, we have 2 others that just came in today with the same problem. We'll call you when we figure it out". So, they called me last week, and I took it in today. The ticket says they performed SSM 17833 and replaced the selonoid body. It also says they reprogrammed the PCM.

Hope this helps guys. I swear my car was shifting funky too, I hope that is gone now. Are any of yours shifting strange since you had the reverse problem?

-Steve

 

Oh, does anyone know what SSM means? I'll have to google it.

Any of you have problems with the RDS on your radio? Mine is all messed up, they replaced the radio, but it didn't fix it. Oh, and they don't put in new radios, they put in refurbs, so now my CD player rattles if there isn't a CD in it. Sometimes I regret buying a Ford.

-Steve

 

Hey viper,
I bet that SSM is prolly dealer language for TSB because I have the same problem and I went searching online for TSB's. I found one that details a harsh or delayed engagement of reverse gear and its id is the same code/number that is on ur service invoice. Hope this helps .