Greetings!

I'm thinking of getting a 2002 Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 with 88K miles. I saw a post here (by Stenia) in regards to a tranny addative that was needed because the wrong formula fluid was installed by factory and a vin# could tell if this was needed and installed . I know the Vin # but don't know where to look this info up at. Any help would be appreciated.

My other question(s) is if this was done what does it mean?
If this was NOT done - what does it mean? Does it mean I may have a bad tranny or just to get it flushed and have the right fluid added/installed?

Thanks for the Help guys. The deal on the Explorer is about 2K off from retail value, so it's seems to be a good buy.

 

Any Ford dealer can run the VIN to see if the additive was needed/installed. My understanding is that varnish can form on the tranny's internal parts if the additive was needed but not put in. It's possible that '02 you're looking at isn't affected; in any case wring 'er out GOOD with a test drive.

Welcome to FTE!!!

Steve

 

Thanks for the reply! The quick test ride I did take seemed to be ok. Heard a slight noise from the front tires. The sales guy (I know him) said that the noise should go away if I rotate the tires to the back. Front and back tires don't look to be warn on the sides. I'm thinking worst case it's a bearing problem, which should be a high cost issue...at least I don't think.

 

Have the "sales guy" rotate the tires BEFORE you buy, to see if that helps. Or, just jack up the front end and spin the tires to be sure. If it is a bearing, I think it needs to be pressed out of and into the hub, which means you'd need to get a machine shop involved.

Steve

 

Thanks I would have him do that, but it's a small used dealer lot. I thought the bearings could just be taken out and a new one replaced after removing the wheel, caliper, etc.

 

If the jack is there, jack it up yourself to check (also a good way to familiarize yourself with the "diamond" jackpoints on the frame). If your bud refuses all attempts to confirm his tire diagnosis, I'd walk away. I could be wrong about the front bearings being press-in; hopefully someone here will chime in to confirm.

BTW, I just checked; the tranny additive only applies to 2004-2005 models.

Steve

 

Hmmm...not sure if he's got a jack at that location, but I'll give it a try and ask.

Thanks on those years! Wonder why the 02's had so many tranny complaints on them then.

 

If he doesn't, use the one in the vehicle. On the trannies: Maybe Ford should make them instead of farming them out to France.

Steve

 

So I can just put the jack in the center of the front...gottcha!

and if I hear the noise when spinning the tires, then it's an indication that reversing the tires to the rear won't solve the problem, right? I would suspect a bearing problem then?

Nice to know that Ford gets their trannies from France, that I didn't know.
After reading all the transmission issues on the 02 models I guess it would be safe, and get a flush of the fluids huh?

 

No-No-No!!! There are diamond shapes stamped into the frame behind the front wheels and in front of the backs; THOSE are your jack points (one at a time).

Yep - if the noise is there when jacked, it ain't a tire problem.

Steve

 

thats what I figured, but wasn't sure! thanks!

If anyone else has any comments on 02 trannies I'd like to hear em...Thanks again!

 

i have a 2002. the transmission is fine, but should have the fluid drained , and changed with the filter at 50,000 miles and again by 100,000... every 30k is a good idea. assume yours has not been done, and have it done.. the oil problem is that you need MERCON V and not straight MERCON. dont do the addative (yours was o.k.) just drain and put in the right stuff. MERCON V is a synthetic type oil......... ii have 100,000 miles now. Had a front bearing go out at about 80,000. other side is o.k. You buy a bearing and hub assembly. cost about $200. not difficuult to install, but not a beginner job. dont need a press, but do need good tools. Dealer would charge about $300 labor to do it? --- you wont be able to tell setting on a cheap jack and rotating the tires. you would have to pull the wheel off, remove the brake caliper so you dont have brake drag, then rotate the disc and listen to the bearings.. it is not very loud, difficult to determine with 100% accuracy.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Dunno if you can say prices on here or not, but I was able to pick this up for 5K. The small lot guy has it listed for just a tad under 8K, so I think I got a pretty good deal.

My father-in-law is a mechanic, so I had him check it out. He said the bearings were ok. The noise with the tires seem to be because of the tread, you can see that on the tires. Hopefully a rotation should fix that. The tranny shifted pretty good during a test drive. Only known issues I could see where cosmetic really. Rear back lift handle (inside) to gain access to the jack was broken - not a big deal as I could always replace that.
Other problem was the first rear air (top). It didn't blow out very well, and the **** speed adjustment didn't seem to help/work. Again something I could tinker with myself. The lower air blower worked fine.
There was also a slight crack on the outside back door hingle - just below the rear window and wiper. I'm wondering if the rear window mechanisim was ever fixed (the recall) and that is what caused that crack??!!...
Worst case, I could always use some apoxy to patch that up a little...unless someone else has a better idea...

First thing I guess I should do is get the tranny drained. Anyone know if this is an expensive task for a dealer? Not sure if it's something I can do myself or not since it's a "sealed" tranny. I'm kinda new at doing mechanical work, but know a few things. Most indepth I've done is change the breaks and put in a new fuel pump on my van.

The MERCON V...thats just oil for the tranny, not engine oil correct?
I'll also do an oil change as well...any special oil I should use? Or any 5w30 would be fine?

 

Ford does make them, in their France based factory.

One of the first things I would do if I were buying this vehicle, is go to a reputable transmission shop and have the fluid changed. If you don't have a shop you trust, here are some things that can help you find a good one. Avoid large chains. Look for the owner in the shop. Ask them if they can flush the tranny by disconnecting the return line.

 

Don't know of any shops, so I'll have to start calling around. Only one that I even know of is AAMCO which I heard to stay away from!