1998 Explorer (Exploder) Transmission

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Apr 11, 2007 | 12:46 AM

RoziBud

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1998 Explorer (Exploder) Transmission

Hi Guys,
I have a simple questions.
When I'm driving my explorer.......it feels like the transmission is slippin, trying to go into 2nd. Only when I am driving slow. But if Im going over 40 or better it's fine. The fluid is still red, not red red, but red........
We've tried everything, and me being a female

and taking my truck to a Mechanic is like telling someone they can have all my money.

IS there any suggestions out there before I take it to the shop??

Apr 12, 2007 | 05:15 PM

steve(ill)

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Joined: Jul 2005

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i think you have an electronic shift transmission. it might be a solenoid problem. there is a solenoid update kit i beleive for some of these transmissions. since it has solenoids and small spools that make it shift, any small contamination can cause them to stick or drag. i would be tempted to change the oil and filter, and have them look at the solenoids now, before additional damage occures.

Apr 12, 2007 | 06:50 PM

trimman

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Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Moriches USA

Rozi, I feel for you but you made me laugh somewhat with that exploder thing. I bought a 97 last year as an extra vehichle and have nothing but problems and everyone said I bought an exploder? Seems everyone knew something I didn't? I'm a Ford guy having had 3 250's and a Taurus but enough is enough. I even hate to read the mail here with all the inherent problems the explorer has when the axe will fall again? I wish you luck and hope it's only a minor thing. trimman

Apr 12, 2007 | 11:06 PM

RoziBud

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Quote:

Originally Posted by trimman

Well it was my friends and he was a good guy kept the up-keep and everything and he traded it at the local ford dealer here and I had to have it, I always had PONTIACS before, but I wanted this Explorer from day 1. When I saw they had it on the lot I was like rock on Imna go buy it, it was cheap enough, I GUESS, and I had called him and asked him on it before I did buy it. Well low and be-hold your best friend will screw ya if he can.
But in this case it wasn't money goin into his pocket, but the dealerships pocket, as he traded it, and I had a 99 grand prix that was gettin up there in mileage.....So needless to say from 1 Junker to another......

Apr 12, 2007 | 11:07 PM

RoziBud

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Thanks Ill check into that solenoid deal before I just saw screw it and get a whole new tranny for it.

Im a girl, but I know what Im doing and when all else fails go to bigger more expensive things haha

Apr 13, 2007 | 11:31 AM

aquanaut20

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 3,263

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From: BC Canada

Dont let them put you off.

The exploder has an inherant weak transmission, but if you treat it right it will give good service. Requiring maintenance does not it BAD.

The rest of the truck is bulletproof, especially if you have the OHV engine.

Apr 13, 2007 | 11:56 AM

ripcurl94

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 172

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From: Nashville

I agree with aqanaut20, maintenace can make or break a car. I know he has like 400k+ on one of his, and there are people all over this site with 200k+. I do know that these trannys are kindof weak and not everyone will change there fluid and gaskert every 30k so .. i love my xlt and plan on getting to 200k+

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Apr 13, 2007 | 12:47 PM

aquanaut20

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 3,263

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From: BC Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoziBud

Hi Guys,
I have a simple questions.

IS there any suggestions out there before I take it to the shop??

YES!

Get someone to pull the transmission specific codes.
if there are no codes, filter, complete flush and fill.

Good motoring, enjoy the exploder.

Apr 13, 2007 | 02:16 PM

#10

thelonerangerxlt

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Joined: Aug 2000

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Rozi, you have what's known as a shift 'flare'. Here's a thread that explains it better:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...ht=shift flare

Apr 23, 2007 | 01:08 AM

#11

RoziBud

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Thanks everyone.......
I will look into all your helpful hints.
Im pretty vehiclle savvy, but I dont want
to something I shouldnt be doing. Like selling it LOL

Apr 23, 2007 | 11:58 AM

#12

fordboy_52

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 6,461

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From: Abilene Kansas

yes, do what loneranger said. i reciently made an article about the fix. read here

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...dy_Gasket.html

Matt

Apr 30, 2007 | 12:17 AM

#13

RoziBud

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Can't I just take it to my mechanic and tell him it's "shift flaring" haha, not to be funny. My check engine light is on, I do know when that's on it's the best time to get it to the shop haha.
Im such a girl sometimes.
I hate to sound like a moran guys, but I just dont want to be taken.....if ya know what I mean.
Thanks