Hi I just purchased a 2005 explorer xls plain and simple as the owner. It had 37,000 miles V-6.
I didnt like the way the tranny went into reverse from a cold start. As the weather has become colder here in Ohio the delay to reverse became longer.
Well i thought its low on fluid.
So i spent 10min. under the hood looking for a dipstick to check-10 min looking in the manual for placement of said stick.
Didnt know the DIPSTICK was the one doing the search!
Getting ready to call the dealer for service record dates on tranny but dont have too much faith in them couldnt even find the door codes for me.
I Like the explorer 19-24+ mileage with KNN and Duralube. Much better than my 02 TRITON.
This brings me to my Questions 1. Anyone had a similar problem or a solution ?
2. The book tells to use no additives what tranny fluid to use ?
Thanks in advance Butch001

 

i just bought a 04 explorer and had a frien that works at the local ford dealership here and he said that the fluid doesnt need changing and that the dealer cna only get it and usually dont keep it in stock.pretty much you change the fluid when the tranny goes out which i dont like that.also those trannys are electronic shift so they will feel delayed between shifts.hope this helps you out.

 

Have a 96 that does the same thing. Was told it was the tranny fluid... replaced that... doesnt help. Takes a couple seconds when in warm weather, and probably about 5 in cold. as far as i know, the only solution is to live with it.

 

Same on my 06, 4X4, the only trans dipstick is me. Sometimes in forward or reverse, I get a small clunk. Per Ford that is normal with this combo. I don't like it but I guess I have to live with it. Love everything else.

 

My wife owns a 2005 EB Explorer and has the tranny Fluid "totally exchanged" at the dealer at approximately 25,000 mile intervals. Her tranny shifts fine at 50,000 miles. She is due for an oil change and tranny fluid exchage soon at the dealer.

Whimsey

 

If the tranny needs a new solenoid pack or the servo pin bores are worn, fluid replacement ain't gonna help much.

Steve

 

Welcome to the dipstick club, Butch. I can't fathom why a dipstick was left off these vehicles.

 

I have a 06 with a V8. It had a clunk when it was new. The dealer fixed that and it is slow going in to reverse. The clunk has come back and it goes in this Friday to have it fixed again.

 

You can buy the tranny fluid right from FORD,,My 04' Explorer takes Mercon V tranny fluid,,I just changed the filter and dropped the fluid yesterday,,,you will need to pump the fluid into the pan from the drain plug to refill it,,,I repaced the 1/8 pipe plug with an 1/8 npt valve like a radiater drain valve,,slid the hose on the other end of the valve,,pumped in the trans fluid,,shut the valve,,no mess !

 

If you haven't found the door code yet I can tell you where to find it. Let me know if you need info.

 

Hey Butch, you out there? We like feedback.

 

the fluid is not majic. you can buy MERCON V at any auto parts store. the hard part is crawling under and doing the oil change. no dip stick makes it a little challange.

 

I found out that we are not alone in the "No Dipstick club"

certain cars (Not all of them)
Acura
Corvette
Chrysler 300's
certain chevys
2005 and up Ford cars (dont know if all of them?)
I beleive there were 13 type of cars on the list,,probably more!

 

I agree it was dumb that they eliminated the dipstick or don't at least have a fill plug on the side, you know the kind that you fill to the bottom of the hole. You have to pump the fluid in. Regardless, the trannies prime problem, and the one you are probably experiencing is low line pressure from several possible sources. One common source is the solenoids that engage reverse, OD, 2nd, etc, wear into the soft aluminum casing. The solution you need is a Transgo shift kit and you also need bushings (get the bushings before transmission failure occurs, it costs less.) I don't have one of these newer Explorers with the 5R55 trans, but if I did, getting the transmission fixed would be one of my top priorities. This problem would not turn me away from getting one either, the vehicle is otherwise pretty reliable. The Ford dealer is not knowledgeable of this trans issue, and are not equipped or qualified to fix it. A good independently owned transmission shop should be, if you need to just print out this topic and take it with you.

With the shift kit, you may notice the shifts are a lot firmer. This is normal and lets you know that the transmission is doing what it is supposed to. The word I would use to describe the way the shift kit engages is DECISIVE. No hesitation, the transmission just does what it needs to.

 

Thanks for the responces to my questions.
I took my explorer in for service at 41,000 mi asked the service person about this problem. Told him it only occured when cold at start up.
His reply was we test drove it and it seems ok (they test drove after service with warm to hot engine and fluids) and that the transmission didnt need servive until 100,000 mi.. They didnt have time to check it today but to make app. and bring it back.
I asked about some of the things/problems in the forums His reply DONT WORRY ABOUT IT YOU HAVE A GOOD FORD FACTORY WARRANTY.
This does alot of good when you are 2,000 mile from the dealer yea there is one somewhere but i'd rather not have the break-down and the situation.

where is the door codes ? gathering the info to get new spark plugs to put in and try to pick up some xtra gas mileage looking at E-3 plugs. any sugestions?
FTE forum is my ford shrink.
Thanks again, butch001