1999 Explorer gearbox help

[99exploreruk]

Hey guys!

Im new to the forum and new to the Explorer World. I’ve inherited an 1999 Ford Explorer 4.0 v6. It has some issues with the auto box and maybe 4wd.

the O/D light is now flashing and when putting your foot down it hesitates and makes a weird flapping noise and doesn’t accelerate. It wasn’t flashing before I tried out the 4x4 low/high switch (I did this in beautiful at stand still with ginger driving in wet grass). There is also a whine sound at the front (diff?)

It drives fine doing driving miss daisy and drove motorway for 2 hours with no problem (no o/d light at the time).

I was looking for someone to take a look at it to see if it’s worth while spending money on or scrapping it on. Do you guys know anyone who’s knows these cars? I’m based in the East Midlands!

I was thinking of changing the T fluid and filter first as there maybe a slow leak accumulating hose near the front bumper.

would you guys scrap it if was the auto box AND diff rebuild option?

cheers guys!

 

[Rick]

@blueka ?

 

[blueka]

Deffo wouldn't scrap it. There's a few American car specialists in the midlands who should be able to handle the task.
If it's stuck in 4 low it'll whine.

Si

 

[99exploreruk]

He’s already given me some great advice and didn’t want to burden him anymore! Th aka for helping though Rick! Any Nottingham members here?

 

[blueka]

There's only about 400 Explorers left in the country mate.
I know a few members in Notts tho.

Si

 

[99exploreruk]

Yeah I’d really like spend money on it and getting it looking driving really well and keeping a long time for my kids - but I’m just worried in case it could never really be fixed.

 

[blueka]

They can ALWAYS be fixed.

If you check out my pickle registry you'll see

Si

 

[99exploreruk]

Will do!

 

[JonC]

Will do!

If you wanna drop round some time, I'd be quite happy to have a look and listen. I'm on my third Explorer and the current one has taught me quite a lot about the drivetrain! I'm in Draycott (DE72).

 

[99exploreruk]

If you wanna drop round some time, I'd be quite happy to have a look and listen. I'm on my third Explorer and the current one has taught me quite a lot about the drivetrain! I'm in Draycott (DE72).

Ah mate that would absolutely incredible!! I’m currently doing some investigations myself and I’m the process of replacing the alternator and tightening pulley - so when it’s back together I’ll hop on over!!! I’ll bring a case of beer in tow naturally.

As blueka guessed it was stuck in 4x4 lo so I’ve pulled the motor off and manually switched it back so the may solve the O/D. It would be really good for an experienced Explorer head to have a look to see what I need to do as I’ve decided to keep the car as I’ve pretty much fallen in love with it.

 

[JonC]

Ah mate that would absolutely incredible!! I’m currently doing some investigations myself and I’m the process of replacing the alternator and tightening pulley - so when it’s back together I’ll hop on over!!! I’ll bring a case of beer in tow naturally.

As blueka guessed it was stuck in 4x4 lo so I’ve pulled the motor off and manually switched it back so the may solve the O/D. It would be really good for an experienced Explorer head to have a look to see what I need to do as I’ve decided to keep the car as I’ve pretty much fallen in love with it.

Well your halfway there already then!!

The Explorer transfer case has a couple of Hall-effect sensors. I keep seeing these described as speed sensors but I'm not so sure. I think they detect the position of the selection mech. and tell the computer how far to motor it when you change ranges.

One of mine is definitely duff, often demonstrated by the 4 x 4 lights on the dash flashing a code but in my case, I was daft enough to switch ranges. As a result, the selector 'got lost' part way through the action and I was left with no gears at all and no drive!! Fortunately after a bit of faff (and repeated switching) it found its way back into 'High' and got me home whereupon I did as you have - took the motor off, made sure it was fully engaged in High - then disconnected the motor so it couldn't happen again.

Of course now it flashes on a regular basis to tell me it's not getting the information it expects to see but at least it drives reliably!!

The sensors can be a pain in the arse! I've read that they can accumulate crap inside the box which naturally would reduce or impair their operation but when I tried to get mine out (1999 truck) the single fixing tab broke so I stopped there before I ended up with ATF all over the yard and a hole in my box!

 

[CDW6212R]

I would suggest a full valve body upgrade, new solenoids, accumulators also if you can, and the new ATF/filter. That usually covers all main troubles with the 5R55E. The SOHC engine is a different can of worms, they're rotten and need valvetrain work regularly(75k or so miles).

The transfer case motors can be rebuilt, I've seen the threads on here. They are the same as all older Explorers also, and used on the TOD version of the big BW4406 TC. So it's a common reliable TC, it just needs a little work with the brushes etc, inside. I got a new one ages ago for $75 from eBay, they aren't bad either to buy new.

 

[99exploreruk]

Okay sure thing, I’ll look into the parts required for the valve body upgrade and bits and get back to you if/when. Trying to source quality parts in the uk/eu I’m finding difficult at the moment.

The motor looks similar to the ranger with different fixing pattern so I may purchase one at £50 fabricate some bits and give it a whirl.

There’s no chain rattle yet so I’ll cross that bridge when needs be and retime the engine etc.

Thank you for the help buddy! I really appreciate it and your time!!

Mark

 

[99exploreruk]

I would suggest a full valve body upgrade, new solenoids, accumulators also if you can, and the new ATF/filter. That usually covers all main troubles with the 5R55E. The SOHC engine is a different can of worms, they're rotten and need valvetrain work regularly(75k or so miles).

The transfer case motors can be rebuilt, I've seen the threads on here. They are the same as all older Explorers also, and used on the TOD version of the big BW4406 TC. So it's a common reliable TC, it just needs a little work with the brushes etc, inside. I got a new one ages ago for $75 from eBay, they aren't bad either to buy new.

Okay sure thing, I’ll look into the parts required for the valve body upgrade and bits and get back to you if/when. Trying to source quality parts in the uk/eu I’m finding difficult at the moment. AUTODOC has the most bits atm.

The motor looks similar to the ranger with different fixing pattern so I may purchase one at £50 and fabricate some bits and give it a whirl.

There’s no chain rattle yet so I’ll cross that bridge when needs be and retime the engine, but will probably do this before the rattle as it sounds inevitable. The motor is currently sitting at 74k.

Thank you for the help buddy! I really appreciate it and your time!!

Mark

 

[JonC]

Okay sure thing, I’ll look into the parts required for the valve body upgrade and bits and get back to you if/when. Trying to source quality parts in the uk/eu I’m finding difficult at the moment.

The motor looks similar to the ranger with different fixing pattern so I may purchase one at £50 fabricate some bits and give it a whirl.

There’s no chain rattle yet so I’ll cross that bridge when needs be and retime the engine etc.

Thank you for the help buddy! I really appreciate it and your time!!

Mark

If you want a proper job doing on an auto box and you're in Nottingham, Oakdene (Freeth St) is the place. Won't be cheap but you won't get better! It'll only be once and it'll last forever.

 

[99exploreruk]

Well your halfway there already then!!

The Explorer transfer case has a couple of Hall-effect sensors. I keep seeing these described as speed sensors but I'm not so sure. I think they detect the position of the selection mech. and tell the computer how far to motor it when you change ranges.

One of mine is definitely duff, often demonstrated by the 4 x 4 lights on the dash flashing a code but in my case, I was daft enough to switch ranges. As a result, the selector 'got lost' part way through the action and I was left with no gears at all and no drive!! Fortunately after a bit of faff (and repeated switching) it found its way back into 'High' and got me home whereupon I did as you have - took the motor off, made sure it was fully engaged in High - then disconnected the motor so it couldn't happen again.

Of course now it flashes on a regular basis to tell me it's not getting the information it expects to see but at least it drives reliably!!

The sensors can be a pain in the arse! I've read that they can accumulate crap inside the box which naturally would reduce or impair their operation but when I tried to get mine out (1999 truck) the single fixing tab broke so I stopped there before I ended up with ATF all over the yard and a hole in my box!

Oh lol, it looks like I drove mine in 4 lo for a bit including using one 1 and 2 to stop it from changing up! So yeah not great but could be worse.

Mine currently has a small drip/day from the trans cooler pipe and the driver side by the rad. I already have ATF on the drive so little more won’t hurt I guess!

I have all the fun the snapping bolts, hangers etc ahead so thanks for reassurance this is a natural part of the process.

Currently looking for a quality filter for the trans - any good uk sources out there these types of bits? AUTODOC picked up a new radiator and alternator for pretty cheap.

Mark

 

[99exploreruk]

If you want a proper job doing on an auto box and you're in Nottingham, Oakdene (Freeth St) is the place. Won't be cheap but you won't get better! It'll only be once and it'll last forever.

Ah that’s brilliant! I’ll do the filter and re-oil then see what’s - what. I’d rather pay for quality work than have twice for ****e! Thanks for the suggestion I’ll give them a look when the new alternator and rad are in!

Cheers buddy!!!!!

 

[99exploreruk]

Fitted this today instead of getting hands dirty tho

 

[JonC]

Oh lol, it looks like I drove mine in 4 lo for a bit including using one 1 and 2 to stop it from changing up! So yeah not great but could be worse.

Mine currently has a small drip/day from the trans cooler pipe and the driver side by the rad. I already have ATF on the drive so little more won’t hurt I guess!

I have all the fun the snapping bolts, hangers etc ahead so thanks for reassurance this is a natural part of the process.

Currently looking for a quality filter for the trans - any good uk sources out there these types of bits? AUTODOC picked up a new radiator and alternator for pretty cheap.

Mark

You might be surprised to hear you'd get a genuine Delco one from Rockauto for £31 including shipping!

They start at £2.92 - not sure what you'd get for that mind!!!

1998 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L V6 SOHC Filter | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

 

[JonC]

Fitted this today instead of getting hands dirty tho

View attachment 342894

Same colour as mine!!!