02-04 Explorer Transmission

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Oct 31, 2004 | 09:13 PM

Heated

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02-04 Explorer Transmission

I've been reading about peoples 02-04 Explorer transmissions not switching gears smoothly and jerking when put in reverse and drive. My question is, is there a fix for this because I have a 02 Explorer Xls and I took it to the dealership because I noticed it switched gears kind of rough and when I turned corners the transmission seemed like it lacked power. So the dealership did a transmission flush and fill and I believe reset the computer in the truck and it seemed to have for the most part taken care of the rough gear shifting but now sometimes when I put the truck in reverse and then switch to drive the trucks jerks very hard before I even let off the break. I've been seeing that alot of people on this board have had this problem but does Ford have a fix for this or is this something Im going to have to get used to. This is a nice truck in all but its really starting to **** me off because in the last three months I've had it in the dealership 6 times for various problems, and it only has 32,000 miles on it. Built Ford tuff my A**

Nov 7, 2004 | 07:04 AM

emba129

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My 2004 Explorer has the same problems

I have a 2004 Explorer with 10,000 mi on it that is doing the same thing!!!

I'm having the same problem. Back in July, I had it in for "clunking" when the wheel was turned and you pulled out into traffic and also sluggish shifting into reverse. They updated the transmission software and found a bad speed sensor.

Now, when you shift into reverse, only sometimes, it "bangs" into reverse. This reminds me of my first car I bought.. a 1967 Mustang with 100,000 miles on it. The tranny eventually blew up.

I will be bringing it back to the shop. Does any one know of a fix that Ford has?

Nov 7, 2004 | 08:51 AM

CTford

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My 03 has some of the same problems, but i don't notice the bang. see "2003 tranny" for more details

Nov 15, 2004 | 10:22 PM

viper48220

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The 04 Explorer 'clunking' into reverse is a known problem, and Ford has a fix for it. Go see your dealer. Don't let them give you the run around. It is a known problem, and there is a fix for the selenoid body. I know because mine had the problem and they fixed it.

-Steve

Nov 16, 2004 | 03:45 PM

CTford

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Steve-

How much did that fix cost, or was it under warrenty? I've started to notice mine clunking when it is in drive and I step on the gas

. If I'd known I'd have all of these problems with it, I would have just replaced the ball joints, bearings, and stablizer bar on my '97, which was great execpt for the humming noise...

Nov 16, 2004 | 08:09 PM

blueharley

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We have an 04 XLT V-8 with about 18K on it (since purchasing). No tranny problems that I have experienced. My wife said she has experienced the no reverse a couple of times but think she just did not have it in gear. I have found that you have to make sure it is in gear otherwise you could experience the symptoms. Have had it in the shop twice for minor issues, bad speaker in one door and trim piece that was cracked. Otherwise running good. Knock on wood. Good luck.

Nov 16, 2004 | 08:36 PM

bigsbetter

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the v-6 explores are the ones having problems with the 5r55 trans... the v-8 uses the 4r70 trans. some 5r55's are fixed with the new shift selanoid packs and comp. reprogram but some are wearing out the trans case on the shift accumulator which Ford will prabably eventually recall...

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Nov 17, 2004 | 06:25 PM

bigsbetter

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ronnieb ... are you sure the 4.6 gets the 5r55? I have for sure seen them with the 4r70 . maybe the 4r70 was availble for the tow package or something like that and the 5r55 was the base 4.6 choice.

Nov 19, 2004 | 02:53 PM

#10

RonnieB

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100% positive. the current Explorer (2002 - 2004) has always used the 5R55 auto, with the exception of the manual version that was available until 2003. 2002 - 2002 1/2 used the 5R55W, 2002 1/2 to present uses the 5R55S. The only differences being the 2nd and 5th gear ratios.

Nov 20, 2004 | 11:12 AM

#11

CTford

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Ford might recall the 04 Explorer, mountaineer, avaitor, and licoln LS because of transmission problems... apperently the transmission fluid they used in the factory isn't compatible with the solenoid, however for people like me with the 2003 and 2002, there is no word yet, even though they have the same problem. Did they really change the fluid used for the 2004 from what they were using in the 2002 and 2003? here is a link:

http://cbsnewyork.com/topstories/top...324112924.html