I posted a thread a while back about the problems I was having with my 2004, 4.6 V-8.These included hesitation on turns, rough shifting, bucking on upshifts, hesitation on upshifts and delayed engagement going from Drive to Reverse while parking. I had it to two dealers who seemed not to have a clue and of course, the problem was intermittent and it would behave perfectly within ten miles of the dealership.Many others agreed that they had a similar problem but no one had had much success getting it fixed.After last Friday's trip to the dealer. I am cautiously optimistic that the problem has been resolved so here goes. They told me a week ago that they had had some success with the delayed engagement issue by changing a solenoid on the V-6's but didn't know if it would work on the V-8 or whether it would help with the other problems. Any how they ordered the part and asked me to bring it back which I did on Friday. Here's what they did and I'm quoting from ticket,"checked control pressure,,checked pressure solenoid port, checked and replaced solenoid body (Ford part # 4L2Z-7G391-AA) R&R valve body and cleaned-changed transmission fluid-reprogrammed PCM."
In short it's running like a new vehicle, none of the above problems and shifts are smooth and seem better timed. Appreciate all the responses to my original post and hope this helps some of you who are as frustrated as I was.

 

thanks i've been noticing the delay in the shifting from drive to reverse also but i never brought it up...I have a 2002, I'm not in a rush since i do have the extended warrenty and the problem doesn't happen all the time.

 

John,
I have a 2004 Explorer with 10K mi with many of the same problems. Ive had it in twice. They have reprogrammed the PCM, changed the fluid, and changed a sensor assy for vehicle speed (4L2Z-9E731-BA). It seemed fine for a while(since Aug04). But now, the car, (on occasion only -of course!!) bangs into reverse. It feels like my old 70 Maverick prior to the tranny falling out.

The service department mentioned a solenoid change as the next step. im calling tomorrow.

How is yours holding up since your last fix?

I did not realize I was going to have this much fun when I plunked down 30 grand to replace my 94 Explorer which is running and SHIFTING fine!!!!!! which I still have.

 

Mine is still doing well. There are times I get nervous and think it's going to screw up again but it doesn't. If they're replacing the same solenoid they did on mine (see part # above) I think you're going to be happy. I traded a '96 V-8 Explorer and was really regretting it but I'm much happier now.Now I've got to take it back for some slipping in the front 4WD. When backing out of a space and turning the wheel all the way to one side or the other the front end shudders. Also my right front half-shaft is leaking something. Maybe they're related. Let us know how you make out. Frankly, I'm surprised there hasn't been more response to this post on " the cure" because quite a few people wrote in on the original post saying they had similar problems.

 

I have the front end shudder problem on my 2002 XLS 4x4. Let us know what you find out at the dealer. I am thinking that it may be a wheel hub/bearing up front.

 

Some months back, I struck up a conversation with a woman at a convenience store who was driving a new Explorer and asked if she had encountered any of the problems I was having. She mentioned the shuddering and said that her dealer had "replaced some clutches" and fixed it. I had a 1987 Bronco the big 2 door that was not supposed to be driven on dry pavement in 4WD and if you did, it felt the same as this shuddering only worse.

 

It goes in on Wednesday. They are going to change the solenoid and reprogram the PCM. Here we go again!!

Thanks everyone.. Ill let you know what happens

 

The bearings on these Exps are bad- and ford knows it. I had mine replaced at 33000 miles, because I noticed a squeaking when I went over bumps. When I asked the service manager if this was a common problem (The parts were on BACKORDER!) he said "I've seen a few..." which we all know means that it is a problem that Ford knows about. He said they improved them, but we'll see. At least then it was under warrenty...

 

I don't think bearings would cause the shuddering we're talking about. My 1996 however, squeaked going over speed bumps from about 20K miles to 150K miles when I traded it. Maybe I just found out the problem.

 

Well, I brought the Explorer in today. The Gods must have been shining down on me.. the stars must have been aligned!!! The reverse-bang actually occurred at the dealership for all to hear!!!

I came across TSB 17833 - Delayed/Harsh Engagement into Reverse on 2004 Explorers - June 1, 2004 and I pointed it out to them.

They checked pressures, replaced solenoid assy 4L2Z-7G391-AA, replaced fluid, and reprogrammed PCM.

Initial checkout is A-ok. We'll see how long it lasts.

I was looking at the 2005 Mustang GT. Man is that nice!!! Even my wife fell in love!!. I may trade the Explorer in for that!!