02 Limited 4.6l 4x4 Trans - Pls Help

[02ExplorerLimited]

I was wondering some information on my Explorer as I am just getting into this and need some advice. My transmission for my 02 Limited w/ the 4.6l V8 (4x4) has potentially taken a crap. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd all work, but I cannot get her to go into drive or reverse. Before they stopped working I drove out of my drive way, got probably 20 feet away and lost all power to the wheels. I put it into 2nd to try and turn it around to get back home and it didn't work, ended up pushing it back. The other day I went out and seen if i could get any response and got 1st, 2nd, and 3rd to all work but they went into gear pretty hard, but it moved. I cannot find a 5r55w transmission (what I have according to the owners book) that came from a V8, mostly V6s. If you could give me any information it'd be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[MrPulldown]

Prior to getting our Ex, I read alot about this SUV on-line. Some said it was consumer reports worst car of all time due to premature transmission failure. Though I could not find that statement just now, I did find many complaints about the tranny. That said our transmission is still shifting flawlessly.

"The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000."
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/

From what I have learned on this forum is to first make sure that the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level is full. There is no dip stick to check, but an overflow tube on the pan. Search and read up on how to complete this procedure. You should probably just change (drain and fill) the fluid while you are at it, since you are halfway there by just checking. When was the last time you changed the ATF? Then there is reading about solenoid wear and valve body replacements. Both topics are beyond my comprehension. Give the reputation of these transmissions I would not be search for a used one. Rockauto shows many re manufactured units in the $1500 range.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...utomatic,automatic+transmission+assembly,8556

 

[02ExplorerLimited]

Prior to getting our Ex, I read alot about this SUV on-line. Some said it was consumer reports worst car of all time due to premature transmission failure. Though I could not find that statement just now, I did find many complaints about the tranny. That said our transmission is still shifting flawlessly.

"The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000."
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/

From what I have learned on this forum is to first make sure that the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level is full. There is no dip stick to check, but an overflow tube on the pan. Search and read up on how to complete this procedure. You should probably just change (drain and fill) the fluid while you are at it, since you are halfway there by just checking. When was the last time you changed the ATF? Then there is reading about solenoid wear and valve body replacements. Both topics are beyond my comprehension. Give the reputation of these transmissions I would not be search for a used one. Rockauto shows many re manufactured units in the $1500 range.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...utomatic,automatic+transmission+assembly,8556

I've done pretty much all of that, been there, done that, noticed I paid $1750 to be f***** over. Trying to check the transmission oil you almost have to take the vehicle off the ground, well I personally cannot fit in certain places with the frame do to how big I am, no I am not fat, I am just not small. (6'4" 250 and yes, I do weights)... I was really wondering if I found a 5r55w transmission that was previously bolted up to a V6 if I could throw it behind my V8.

 

[mountaineer2004]

For once, I feel I've been lucky. My car must of been built on a Wednesday morning haha.
My Mountaineer has 177k miles on original transmission, although the shifting is getting worse lately.
I had Ford do their recommended transmission service at ~ 100k.

 

[02ExplorerLimited]

For once, I feel I've been lucky. My car must of been built on a Wednesday morning haha.
My Mountaineer has 177k miles on original transmission, although the shifting is getting worse lately.
I had Ford do their recommended transmission service at ~ 100k.

I got 247k on mine, Engine runs like brand new, only reason I bought it, surprised the trans lasted this long.

 

[Coolhand20th]

I only did the trans filter and fluid on mine because it was 14 years old. Granted it only has 63K on it but being that I just bought I wanted to know what was in it and when. It now shifts smoother as a result. Tech said it wasn't bad but needed to be changed. Plus there is the bands that have to be adjusted as well on those IIRC.

Just a FYI if you do any filter/fluid changes go to Menards, they have White Label Valvoline Mercon V in full synthetic for 4.97 a quart. Everywhere else I looked wanted 7-8 bucks a quart. Valvoline has 2 different labels for their Mercon V, white label is full synthetic their yellow label is a blend.

 

[TechGuru]

Download and read all of these: http://txnj.net/Explorer/Transmission/