1998 ford explorer 4.0 sohc starting in 2nd gear

[Rhettbishop]

I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with the 5R55E transmission and the 4.0L SOHC engine, and I’m dealing with a serious problem. The vehicle takes off really slow, but once it shifts, it drives normally. It doesn’t seem to be slipping, but I suspect it might be starting in 2nd gear. When I manually shift from 1st to Drive, it seems to perform like it should though I’m not completely sure.





There’s another issue too: as soon as I turn on the A/C, the engine starts surging almost immediately. After about 3 minutes, it gets bad enough that the engine dies.





I took it to a mechanic who charged me $300 and claimed he fixed both issues, but nothing was actually fixed and I got the car back with a flat tire.





I’m really struggling here. I’m trying to save for college and only have $2,000 in the bank and $2,500 in a CD. I’d appreciate any help or advice anyone can offer.

 

[wollimann]

Hello,
it's a good idea to save money, but with such an old Explorer at your side
it's nearly impossible.
Maybe the tranny is at the end, how much miles, tranny oil is red and enough inside?
First i would read DTC's, check fluids.
Is it possible to count the gears while shifting?
At the driverside of the 5R55E is a pressure test port, to measure the pressure could be the next step.
Maybe its a throttle position issue, valve body seals, or or or...

Solved - 5R55E - No First Gear Problem

Hello All! Just got my truck back Friday from the dealer and I thought I'd post the part #'s of the revised transmission gaskets for those who have problems with the 5R55E not staying in first gear when the selector is placed in the 1 position. F5TZ-7C155-A Gasket - Trans Vlv Body Sep Plt...

www.explorerforum.com

A professional code reader could get live data and maybe which gear is actually activated.