2006 Explorer 6 speed transmission shifting issue - update

[06limitedexp]

06limitedexp,

I've done some research on this, and it looks like most of the problems were with early 06' Explorers and a few 07's, I really think that the latest calibrations have taken care of the problem for 99% of the people out there, as I hardly see any new comments about the issue unless it is from someone who just purchased an 06' EXP used, in which the previous owner probably never noticed, or never cared about the transmission issues. The other interesting thing I've found out is that this is Ford's first all electronically controlled 6-speed transmission. And as with all "******* year" vehicles, there are usually a few kinks that need to be worked out even with all the testing in the world going in to making the product flawless. I've had my reprogram done about half a month ago, and it's still going strong, no issues. So hopefully there won't be any more. As far as Ford investigating the problem and fixing it once and for all, even though I've seen them release new updates for this issue a few times already, my thought is, at least they ARE releasing updates, and not sitting back and doing nothing. Or even worse, running a secret "campaign" like Toyota does (in which they won't address a serious problem with their product unless a customer complains about it enough, and then they secretly sweep it under the rug, Google "Toyota Sludge Problems" if you don't believe me). The best thing to do is post issues on forums like this, and if you're not satisfied, keep in touch with Ford support and even your Ford technician if you can. Hope this helps!

Thanks I completely aggree but here is the deal I owned this Ford Explorer limited for about two weeks purchased used with 44k on the clock and I'm on my third issue now. First was the 8-24-4 TSB that needed to be updated. Then the serp belt was worn and needed to be replaced. Now I have a check engine light and a code for p1633 (P1633 Keep Alive Power Voltage Too Low). I'm starting to think this truck purchase wasn't a good idea if I'm going to be constantly having issues with it. Would this be an early sign of a lemon?

 

[BigBlockRanger]

I had the 8-24-4 TSB done today to my '07 Mountaineer (19k miles) and all is well. No more clunk! 100% covered under warranty. Just though I'd pass it on.

:wavey:

 

[06limitedexp]

two weeks and counting since I had mine done to my 06 ex. all is well on my end.

 

[wolf2989]

Hi guys! Found these forums and this thread while trying to figure out what was wrong with my '07 Limited's tranny. Just dropped it off at the dealer today. Anyone want to put any money that they "can't replicate the issue"?

 

[IAmTodd]

Hi guys! Found these forums and this thread while trying to figure out what was wrong with my '07 Limited's tranny. Just dropped it off at the dealer today. Anyone want to put any money that they "can't replicate the issue"?

They'll do the software update and it will be good for a while.

Parent's '07 went back in for the latest update. I've been driving it this week and I've noticed the first gear still doesn't realise that it's first gear, it keeps passing the duty off to second.

 

[wolf2989]

Hi guys! Found these forums and this thread while trying to figure out what was wrong with my '07 Limited's tranny. Just dropped it off at the dealer today. Anyone want to put any money that they "can't replicate the issue"?

Wow, go ford. They called me and stated they did the 08-24-4 TSB and it was ready to go. I'm surprised actually.

 

[patrick112390]

Wow, go ford. They called me and stated they did the 08-24-4 TSB and it was ready to go. I'm surprised actually.

even if they didnt find anything, im sure its just a "perform tsb if customer has problem" type thing. but idk

 

[BigV]

even if they didnt find anything, im sure its just a "perform tsb if customer has problem" type thing. but idk

This is where the dealership comes in. I know the problem is fords trans but the dealership has to be willing to step up and fight for you. Not every dealer is created equal I have found a great service department (Magarino ford) that bends over backwards to make sure you are happy.

 

[patrick112390]

exactly, because we/they know there is a problem, and if its enough that the customer complains (brings it in) it is 99.99% that the tsb will be performed anyway

 

[d.bright]

Well, hate to be the bringer of bad news, but mine is now back in the shop, this time a different dealer, and apparently they are going to do more than just a reflash this time. My service writer called me today and said that the technician was on the phone with the hotline and they actually told him to replace my transmission valve-body with a newer, updated one. Apparently my particular Explorer was a very early one with a flawed valve-body and there was a TSB (I will ask for a copy) stating to replace this valve-body. SO.. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping this fixes my issue, I can deal with a little hesitation off the line, as that seems normal for about 90% of new vehicles on the road that I've driven so far (I've driven a new Toyota, Honda and Subaru, all with drive by wire, all with a tip in hesitation). However, when I take off from a stop, I cannot deal with a rev-up and then slam into first gear as it has been doing intermittantly lately.

I'm also getting my rattle/rotational noise issue fixed as well, turns out it was something with the shifter, I'll share more when I get more info, should have it by next Tuesday... Thankfully I have Certified Pre-Owned and they are paying for a rental!

 

[blksn8k]

My 07 Sport Trac with 27k miles has been doing the bump for some time now. It seldom bumps when coming to a stop but it is to the point now where it almost always bumps when pulling away from a dead stop. I have been reluctant to start the process of trying to get a dealer to fix it. My hope has been that Ford will actually come up with a permanent fix but since that doesn't seem to be happening I decided to take the first step and contact a dealer.
I just got off the phone with a service writer who sounded maybe twenty years old and after explaining the problem and telling him I had the TSB number his response was "When can you drop it off and leave it for three to five days?" WTF? I was so unimpressed that I told him I would get back to him but I will probably check with a few other dealers first.
First of all it bothers me that he was not familiar with the issue considering how many of these vehicles are on the road. This is a medium sized dealership in a metropolitan area. I have no desire to take it to a dealer that has not successfully performed this TSB considering how detailed the process is.
I have another vehicle to drive but I have no desire to do so when there is still a possibility of snow. I guess I will wait another month and try again.

 

[d.bright]

Update on my trans, it's been about 1K since the dealer replaced my mechatronix unit under warranty, AND re-performed the latest TSB (apparently it had to be redone), and the truck is driving great, there is sometimes a slight bump when taking off from a quick stop and go, but it seems very normal, especially after driving 2 different rentals while having this problem taken care of, which both had a small bump when taking off (apparently it's just a fact of life with drive by wire). I'm also getting about 1.5-2.0MPG better mileage now, and the truck seems stronger off the line in my seat of the pants assessment. They also finally fixed my strange rattle, see my other post for that one..

 

[steve6534]

Explorer 6 speed shifting issue - update

Thought I would update everyone with the latest on my truck and this problem. I originally had the earlier TSB performed @ 17k miles and the bump was mostly gone. It had been getting slightly progressively worse and I finally took it back to the dealer again. They read the codes and found P0961 which is a transmission code for "Pressure Ctrl Solenoid A Ctrl Circ Range/Perf". Instead of performing the usual reprogram the PCM only they cleaned and replaced a foam strip in the mechtronic unit following TSB 070603A. Does anyone have an actual copy of the procedure ? I saw a snippet of it and it referenced contaminated particles in the mechtronic unit.

 

[krazydave99]

I have a copy of this TSB, it's 07-6-3 and it's dated 3-12-07.

 

[steve6534]

I have a copy of this TSB, it's 07-6-3 and it's dated 3-12-07.

Any chance of posting it on here ? Thanks !

 

[blk94f150]

I just bought an 06 with 50K on it and it drives really good, but it has had this issue in the past according to the Oasis report. It had TSB 06-23-11 done in December 2006. Apparently that didn't work so they did TSB 07-06-03 and replaced the Mechatronics in March of 2007.

Are there any later updates and should I bother if it's not having problems? It's certified until 2012 or 100K, so I'm not really worried. Also does anyone have a copy of 07-06-03?

Mike

 

[SpartanTS]

My Explorer has 6500 miles on it and has the 2nd gear bump down to 1st from a stop. I'm having it serviced today and I'll post the results of it this afternoon.

Apparently this problem isn't uncommon. When I told the guys at the service desk, they replied "Yeah I'm pretty sure I know what that is."

UPDATE: I got the Ex back yesterday, and it drives like it did when I first bought it. No more 2nd gear bump down.

 

[gbb]

Bump

My bump started spot on at 10K miles. Took it in to MacHaik Ford and they did something, the bump went away till 17K miles.

Then it returned and was much worse. It also took a loooong time to pick up reverse when cold. Took it back and did some serious complaining to area rep. Same dealer kept it overnight this time and did who knows what.

I now have 25K miles and so far everything is perfect. When this 6 speed works right, it is a really slick tranny. I just hope it stays like it is now cause I intend to keep this SportTrac for a while.

 

[sherlock98]

Well you can add me to the list of getting the transmission worked on. A few months back I got the latest TSB but the shifting got progressively worse. The hard shifting would only happen when the truck was cold, as it warmed up the shifting smoothed out. I was finally able to get a tranny mechanic from my local dealership to come for a ride when the truck was cold and he felt the hard shift.
I just got my explorer back after six days in the shop and they replaced the mecatronics unit and the main control valve. I am still trying to figure out what took them so long to figure this out and fix it. The funny thing is that after reading other posts in this forum, I could have told them what the problem was, but I am just a dumb customer right?
Lets hope this fixes the problem.

 

[blk94f150]

After driving the truck for about a week now, I've noticed that in 4x4 low there is a little 2-1 jerk. Is this normal or should I see about newer updates? Also the 1-2 shift in normal 4x2 or 4x4 auto is a just a little harsh. Is this abnormal or is it just because of the big ratio difference between 1 and 2? It's not really that bad, but I'd at least like to hear opinions.

Mike