'03 sport trans. getting checked tomorrow

[mctoy]

Just became an Explorer owner recently, ('03 Exp. Sport, XLT, 2WD, 4.0, 9K mi.) and have been really concerned (Even B4 buying) about transmission issues. Noticed a barely perceptable "Whirring" sound between 1st and 2nd gears ONLY. Asked about it here with no one having the symptom, so thought "Maybe it's just an Explorer thing."...Found a TSB describing the symptom EXACTLY...even down to using the 'whirring' description. Called Ford. Asked the Rep. if it was a big deal, or just a complaint some people have. I didnt want to have ANYONE touch my truck if it was just an 'annoyance' issue. Now the scary part...He said it could be anything "up to and including: the drive shaft, U-joints, rear carrier, entire rear end, trans. bearings, bands, sticking solenoid etc..etc...SOOOO, Going in the shop tomorrow AM....Have 14 mo. warranty left. Will keep you posted.
MCTOY

 

[Glacier991]

Make sure you give em the tsb! And let us know how it comes out.

 

[mctoy]

Well, they have had it for 2 WEEKS!!! Had a few other 'issues' apparently. So far the Rep. has been very nice over the phone, and even called to ask me if I wanted the Rad. hose replaced due to the rubbing problem, and if I wanted to replace an interior panel that was sagging/not fitting correctly! (Could Ford service actually be THIS good?) I am currently sitting on my hands awaiting my ride to go pick her up. Will report the findings later.
MCTOY

 

[IAmTodd]

Well, they have had it for 2 WEEKS!!! Had a few other 'issues' apparently. So far the Rep. has been very nice over the phone, and even called to ask me if I wanted the Rad. hose replaced due to the rubbing problem, and if I wanted to replace an interior panel that was sagging/not fitting correctly! (Could Ford service actually be THIS good?) I am currently sitting on my hands awaiting my ride to go pick her up. Will report the findings later.
MCTOY

Either that or they royally screwed something up and just did that stuff to make them look good Good to hear that there are actually people who do care out there!

 

[mctoy]

Yeah,
I kinda think it might have been to keep me happy while waiting 2 weeks for parts! Ha Ha! No loaner car either. I am still (2 hrs later) waiting for someone to "become available" for thier shuttle service...

 

[mctoy]

Ok!
Got the X back tonite. $1800...thank God for the warranty! Here is the diagnosis and correction:
Cause: Defective reverse and planetary.
Correction: 11 Hrs overhaul.
gear assy-planet
planet assy-forward
shaft assy-drive....Dunno if this is the shaft IN the trans or driveshaft(?)
kit-trans gasket & oil
kit-trans gasket
Mercon V-15......(15 qts ?)
The clincher? It seems to be exactly the same as before! I mean, it apparently needed work, but as far as the whirring sound, and vibration at 45-50 they seem to still be the same.....(?) Dont know if I should take it back, or just be glad they fixed what they did and keep it. Plan on putting a remote filter assy on it asap. I have the factory cooler already. Thoughts? Glacier? Anyone?
Mctoy
Oh and it is FILTHY all over, inside and out.

 

[IAmTodd]

Seems like a reputable place, I'd have them do a full detail and ask them to check it again. Be polite of course. When our '02 was in, they had it high up on the lift for quite a few days. Seems that where the smell of the gear oil also goes. Took it backed, asked them why it smelled, they told us, and detailed the entire truck. Good luck with it!

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

Make sure adding that remote filter will not void the warranty, and have it checked out again, that's what warranties are for.

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

I think I may have the same issue you had but I'm not sure if it's the same sound or not. Also, do you have the TSB #?

 

[mctoy]

It is a 'whirring' like gear noise that increases with speed between 1st and 2nd gears only. The thing I'm most concerned with is a kind of ...'shuddering' feeling/sound that occurs at 1500 RPM, in O.D. at 45-50 MPH only. (Under load...if you let up on the gas it stops instantly and resumes when you slightly depress the pedal again) These were the gripes I had when I took it in. The TSB was 02-22-02 I believe. NHTSB site has it as 02222 which I was told was incorrect. Basically the truck still does both, despite 1800 bux worth of parts/labor....Apparently needed some work, as I dont think they would do so much if not needed. Anywhoo, I think I'll drive it awhile and see if anything changes. I've got a little over a yr warraty left, and may just take it back B4 it expires! I do think I may opt for the ext. warranty on the drivetrain only (About 30 a month for 17 mo.) Good luck!

 

[Glacier991]

I'm going to go out of character (maybe I should get a 2nd name to use for therse kinds of posts) and suggest you go to any transmission supply house and get a bottle of "Lube Gard" ...ask for it by name, nothing else. Give that a try - it has been known to help the shudder or, as it is sometimes called, judder. No harm in trying it.

[Note: the above post was posted by an imposter and not by the real Glacier991]

 

[mctoy]

HAHAHA I hear you man! I'm not an additive guy, but have used lube gard and trans lube in the past. I may try it. I am sorta suspect that it is the driveline itself, hitting a harmonic resonance at those conditions. Was talking to DOUG (another member here about this very thing in another thread. ("Another what is it") Thanks alot, I value your opinion on tranny issues highly. Us old farts gotta stick together!
MCTOY

 

[Glacier991]

Thanks, I think .... <g>

Shudder can in many cases where the conditions are right, be converter related. In other areas too slow release or apply can cause it (usually valve body related in those instances). A too slow lockup or unlock with the TC can easily do this.

 

[mctoy]

Update...just in case anyone else is having these symptoms.
Along with the parts replaced by the dealer, See post above. (Which changed nothing) I have tried the following;
Add lube gard...smoother shifts only.
Rotate and balance tires...no effect.
Rotate driveshaft 180 deg...no effect.
Change gear oil to Mobil1 synth...Quieter overall, but did not stop vibration.
Project for this week: Return to dealer. I still think I have a bad T.C. or O.D. engagement problem as that is the only time it does it. (1500 RPM, O.D, 45-50 MPH.) Im takin my M1 gear oil out though B4 they drain it! (Got the old stuff in a bottle to see if any metal settled out.)

 

[mctoy]

[Sorry hit button twice