Transmission Slip
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 64
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Transmission Slip
Anyone ever experience a very long transmission slip on their late model Explorer (2004, V6 AWD)? We're noticing it more often nowadays, primarily at a stop sign, when its at normal operating temp. Reverse is also very "clunky".
We had the recall on the fluid additive done some time ago.
I did a search but didn't get any good returns.
We had the recall on the fluid additive done some time ago.
I did a search but didn't get any good returns.
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7
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Don't know if this is relevant to your tranny, but the older ford electronic autos had a range position switch that would go bad and cause what you're describing. I had to service my Crown Vic twice for this. You would swear the tranny was failing when it acted up. Fortunately for me I had a very honest tranny shop diagnose the problem. Cost me nothing but my time to fix it.
New User
Joined: Dec 2006
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I have had the solenoid in my 2004 Explorer replaced twice now. It seems to fix the problem for a little while, but it came back. If you search the Internet for this 2004 Explorer transmission problems, you will find lots of people are having problems.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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What you have to do is a COMPLETE transmission flush using the NEW FORMULATION MOTORCRAFT MERCON V fluid, and THEN replace the solenoid. If you do not do this the solenoid will get trashed again.
I've seen dozens that go bad a few weeks after a "Jiffy Lube" transmission flush special was performed.... the old motorcraft formulation and most aftermarket brands will cause a brass bushing in the solenoid to swell, making it stick.
If you insist on using a different brand of fluid, you can purchase an additive from the ford dealer that will fix the existing fluid (but will not repair the sticking solenoid).
I've seen dozens that go bad a few weeks after a "Jiffy Lube" transmission flush special was performed.... the old motorcraft formulation and most aftermarket brands will cause a brass bushing in the solenoid to swell, making it stick.
If you insist on using a different brand of fluid, you can purchase an additive from the ford dealer that will fix the existing fluid (but will not repair the sticking solenoid).
New User
Joined: Dec 2006
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I have read several fixes for the Explorer transmission problem, but none fix the problem long term. There is actually a potential class action suit about the Explorer transmission problem.
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New User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Transmission problems
I have a 97 Mountaineer AWD and just replaced the transmission at 180,000 miles. It was slipping occasionally, then more often and finally wouldn't shift up into 3rd gear. I put in a used tranny (about $600-700) and, with labor, the total came to $1100. Works great now, very solid.
When I did a transmission flush and filter change (before the replacement), the guy at the shop told me that unless you have regularly flushed the transmission (every 60K or so), they have a lot of problems with high mileage cars starting to slip after a flush. I guess there is crud in there that gets loosened up during the flush and clogs the tranny.
When I did a transmission flush and filter change (before the replacement), the guy at the shop told me that unless you have regularly flushed the transmission (every 60K or so), they have a lot of problems with high mileage cars starting to slip after a flush. I guess there is crud in there that gets loosened up during the flush and clogs the tranny.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 96
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From: Elkridge, MD
I just dropped the pan and replaced the filter and about 4 1/2 qt. of trans fluid (Penzoil Mercon V) in my 96 explorer (The fluid smelled and was burnt real bad but never missed a beat before the fluid change). I keep hearing about all of these problems people are experiencing with changing their trans. fluid and thought I would try just replacing half of the fluid to see how it reacted. I have 143,000 miles and I'm not sure if it has ever been replaced. Now, after changing the filter and fluid, in the morning or when the car is cold, it will intermittently take up to 3, 4 maybe 5 secs. to engage into rev. or drive. Once it's in gear it works fine for the rest of the day. I guess I should have went with the complete flush and refill. Has anyone every experienced this same problem and how did you correct it?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 96
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From: Elkridge, MD
When I drained the pan I measured how much came out so I could re-add the same amount. Exactly 4 1/2 qts. came out so I re-added 4 qts., drove around the block (Couple of miles) and checked the level. It looked a little low on the dipstick so I added a 1/2 qt. Now when I check the level it's hard to read but it appears to be on the high side. Would too much fluid cause this problem? I've been told that it won't. What do you think?