1st Gear = GONE!

[mmpc]

I know this subject has been discussed before, but still wanted to start a new thread for two reasons. #1) I couldn't find much information on it in my searches; #2) It's beginning to appear like a fairly common problem for those who go off-road.

For those not familiar, it seems the transmission on some late model Explorers (and Rangers) has a flaw where your 1st gear compression - whether in 2WD, 4HI or 4LO - goes away! Indeed, when I was running trails at CCR2001 this past weekend, it was like I'd shifted into neutral on steep descents. Needless to say, without engine braking, one is forced to use their brakes MUCH more than normal.

I know of two other people at CCR2001 alone that experienced this exact same problem. Does anyone have an official cause for this yet? Has Ford issued a TSB? I've seen many ideas posted regarding both of those questions. My hope is that this (or another) thread can become the main one for discussion of this problem so we can get a count of just how many people are having it. Thank you!

 

[Jefe]

Have you found this thread yet?
Dead Link Removed
It seems to have the parts needed to fix it. But no TSB.

I have the same problem: When shifted into first and giving it gas it will hit 30 mph at about 3k rpm, but as soon as I let go of the gas it shifts into neutral(?) and sits at idle even if I'm coasting down a hill at 50 mph

 

[mmpc]

I did see that thread, Jefe, thanks. I was hoping to get some more confirmation as to the problem/parts involved before visiting my dealer, however. A TSB would be great! I'm also hoping everyone who has/had this problem will post here so we can get an idea of how widespread it is...

 

[RobbieJ]

Hey dont feel bad I dont have first gear either but my lack of first gear is due to the fact that the b&m light truck mega shifter wasn't designed for a Ford explorer. Oh well all I need is high anyway. Robbie

 

[lonewolf]

Chris, have you gotten yours fixed yet? I have not had time to get mine into the dealer to fix yet. Did you ever hear back from Wade (GoOffRoad) re: a TSB? I recall him saying he thought that there was one.

 

[Ryan1]

CCR2001?

Creedance Clearwater Revival I didnt know they were in to explorers LOL

Sorry I couldnt resist

 

[mmpc]

Hey lonewolf, were starting to wonder if you'd dropped off the earth! Glad to see you got your computer fixed and are "back on the boards."

To answer your question, no I haven't had a chance to get mine in yet either. I also haven't heard from Wade, so don't know about any TSB. It would be nice if there was one though! Also, I'm hoping Gerald will post here - not sure if he's had his fixed again yet either...

Keep me posted if you take yours in and I'll do likewise...

 

[GJarrett]

Nope, I've been too busy. I'd also like to hear if Wade found a TSB. I've already had it fixed once and it came back again on the CCR2001 run.

 

[lonewolf]

Yes Chris, Dropping off the face of the earth would likely have been more fun than my last week at the office and then the last week getting my home computer alive again.

I think I will try to search out a tsb on the net, I had one site bookmarked at the office, but it didn't make it, aparantly, into the files I took home.

Asked on the Ranger board and no one has heard of this problem yet.

 

[mbryda]

Originally posted by mmpc
I know of two other people at CCR2001 alone that experienced this exact same problem. Does anyone have an official cause for this yet? Has Ford issued a TSB? I've seen many ideas posted regarding both of those questions. My hope is that this (or another) thread can become the main one for discussion of this problem so we can get a count of just how many people are having it. Thank you!

I'm the one with the origional problem (Been a while) and all I could get from the Ford dealer as to the cause is that one of the separater gaskets leaks fluid and that's why it only holds when you step on the gas.

The fix is to replace all the gaskets listed in the post and it does work as advertised now. Ford does know about the problem, as my dealer had to call the factory that made the transmission and they told them right away what to do. (That was their story to me)

You might want to print my earlier thread with the replacement parts and take it to the dealer so they have a clue.

-Matt

 

[mmpc]

Thanks for the reply, Matt. I did a search for your earlier post and couldn't find it - would you mind linking to it for me and the others currently having this problem? I really appreciate it!

 

[Jefe]

mmpc,
The thread you're looking for is the one I have linked to at the top of this thread

 

[mmpc]

Appreciate it...