97 explorer automatic trans problem
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 392
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Many transmissions will hesitate a little when first put into drive. Make sure your fluid levels are good. Also, replacing the transmission filter and fluid with a complete flush is important every 30,000 miles. Clogged filters and weak fluid will cause a lag in developing the internal fluid pressures when placing the tranny into drive.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3
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thanks for the trans info
I had the fluid changed about about 1000 miles ago and then went on a trip which involved towing a trailer which according to vehicle specs was well within the vehicle's towing range. Before the trip I had a heavy duty trans oil cooler installed and the oil and filter changed. The vehicle has about 120000 miles on it. I checked the oil again after the trip and it smells burned.
I am wondering if these chain of events have caused the problem and if there are any fixes short of tranny overhaul.
Thanks
I am wondering if these chain of events have caused the problem and if there are any fixes short of tranny overhaul.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
That was a smart move, installing the oil cooler and changing the filter and oil before towing the trailer. With that many miles on your tranny, pulling the trailer might have add some wear. Do you know what type of fluid it was changed with? Type is very important (but I'm sure you know this). Do you know what type of tranny you have? Mine has the 5R55E which seems to be holding well, but still hesitates a little when engaging, and has done so for most of its life (currently 78,000 on mine). There are a lot of posts regarding the A4OL (or something like that), which many need to rebuild before 120,000 miles. If your fluid smells burned, better replace it again. Many posts claim synthetic is the way to go. I use semi-synthetic which is really not synthetic but a higher grade of oil.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
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more info on my transmission
Hi LV Dan,
I know that its not the typical fluid for Fords but a variation of it. I specifically asked the shop to replace it with the proper fluid. They said they did. The transmission type is 5R44/55E. I guess its the same as yours. I will have the fluid replaced with a synthetic type and see if it makes a difference.
Thanks
I know that its not the typical fluid for Fords but a variation of it. I specifically asked the shop to replace it with the proper fluid. They said they did. The transmission type is 5R44/55E. I guess its the same as yours. I will have the fluid replaced with a synthetic type and see if it makes a difference.
Thanks
