OK, I know this topic is covered in detail elsewhere but I was hoping to get a little more info on the topic . . .

Here's the situation -- 96 Explorer, 120K miles. About 20 miles ago (for me thats about two weeks because I take mass transit now), I had the transmission serviced (I assume this meant fluid flush and change and filter change). Then two days ago, for the first time ever, I backed out of my parrking spot, shifted in to drive and the vehicle seemingly stayed in neutral. I did not rev the engine, just went back to reverse (that worked), went back to park, then went back to drive and the vehicle shifted into drive normally (no hard "clunk", no delay, just normal). The same thing happened yesterday and I did the same thing, just said "darn" (or something a little stronger), shifted back into park or reverse, waited a moment and then rengaged drive and just drove off. When I say a moment, I mean it, no more than 20 seconds or so. This has only happened when starting from absolutely cold (overnight). My mechanic did not have the issue after starting the car after it had sit for two hours (I had dropped it off with him yesterday), nor have I had the issue if I have been driving it around, stop and shut off, and then get back in an hour or more later.

I guess I should also say that when I start my vehicle if it hasnt been started from the day before or longer, I generally wait a minute or two for it to warm up but no longer than that just a minute or two. So, when this problem occurs, the vehicle has been sitting at least overnight, has been warmed up for no longer than two minutes, will not shift into drive on the first try (maybe even the second try yesterday -- I may have tried it twice), but then shifts into drive normally after waiting about twenty or thirty seconds.

Any ideas? I'm hoping it is something so simple as the transmission service was not performed correctly (incorrect fluid level or perhaps a misseated filter). Is this possible? I am really hoping that this is not a sign of a rebuild in my future because I have a potential buyer for this truck. In the interest of "full disclosure" I dont want to saddle the buyer with a vehicle needing a rebuild (I dont need that kind of karma). Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

 

I guess I should have said that this is the V6, 4wd version of the vehicle.

 

sorry yall, I just realized this should be in one of the tech forums. I reposted over there. Can a moderator please delete this thread for me? Thanks!

 

Check the fluid level... if it is low, then that could be the cause of your problems. Also... if the o-rings were not used, or if the filter was not installed correctly, then it would also have the same problems.
When I first got my 99 used I did the trans service. I didn't seat the filter correctly, and in short order had a problem with trans engaging when cold. Once I was up and moving for there were no problems. I would bring it back to the shop where you had the trans serviced and get it looked at. Let us know what you find and we should be able to help out.