2002 Explorer Transmission Problems...Please Help the NEWB!

[dpbdc]

Hey everyone, I am joined your group today hoping I could ask for a little assistance.

My girlfriend's 2002 Explorer XLT V6 is having some pretty significant tranny trouble. The vehicle has been well-maintained and has 102K miles. She is the 2nd owner.

Basically this looks to be the same pattern I am seeing with all the research I have done on this problem. When she shifts into reverse, there is a pause of several seconds before the transmission clunks into gear.

In addition, the vehicle seems to slip as it tries to shift from first to second. This is not always the case, but it happens most of the time, and sometimes seems to appear when you back off the throttle.

Took it into a private transmission shop yesterday and they are stressing that this thing needs a complete rebuild, anywhere from $2400-$3000.

My question is; is there anything that can be done about this? I have heard about software updates and solenoid packs and the like helping similar issues. Should she even bother going down this road, or is this likely just another page in the legacy of this wonderful Ford transmission design that results in a total rebuild like every other chapter?

Any recommendations for shops in the San diego area also much appreciated.

Thanks to all for your help.

Best regards,
Dave

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Those solenoid blocks usually tend to flare up around 60k-up miles. From the things you are describing, I would suggest that you check the TPS, solenoid block, valve body gaskets, and torque of the valve body bolts. Replace the filter, and use Mercon V or full synthetic ATF only.

 

[GSP]

I had the same problem with my 04 at 50K miles,,, now I had great success and cured the problem with a filter change and complete flush with synthetic but I did catch this early and you might need more to correct it completely. I would limit the driving until fixed,,, it "should" not need a complete rebuild like the quote you received.

 

[wayne6197]

We have an 02 that did the same thing. It eventually locked up after a month or so. We tried a tranny flush, but no help. We had to get the rebuild, about $2200, and the tranny works like a charm now. Did you ever get your girlfriend's fixed. Hopefully you were able to fix it without the big cost. Good Luck!!

 

[just2L]

Tranny Issues

I was having the same problem with my 02' 4.0. I was having the issue shifting from 1st to 2nd. I took it to the the dealership (actually the cheapest I could find ) had the filter changed and flushed. That was this spring and the issue has disappeared.

I say try the flush and filter change first. Your $180 expense will be minor compared to the $2200 if needed.

Good Luck

 

[trucku]

You can flush the system our yourself if you have the time and place to do it. Its easy and will save you money.

When I bought my truck used with 45k on it, the shifting was slow and could be very sluggish at times. The flush I did brought it back to 95% of what I think it should be. sometimes I get some slow responses, but they are far and few from before. The difference was well worth the time and effort spend doing it. She is shifting like a dream compared to before.

I second BrooklynBay....I have to still do that myself.