2006 FE EB Transmission Issues

[ChocolateFordGirl]

I just purchased a 2006 Explorer EB with 167K (roughly) and drove it 1.5hrs home. I then was driving around town just fine. I had a vehicle check from Firestone within 48hrs of getting it home just so I could have a print out of what needed to be fixed. Couple of days later, I drove it an hour away to work. Did fine going but started hesitating slightly on the way back. Later that day, I headed back to work and by the time I got off the freeway, it started slipping. Only accelerated to 25mph but rpm was about 3-3.5, lasted a few seconds. 15-20 mins later, I arrived at work and the hesitation lasted longer. The next morning, I didn’t feel comfortable taking it back home so I took it to the nearest shop that was open on Memorial Day. The hesitation was even longer and rpm hit 4-4.5. I was told that the fluid is full but burnt and you could smell it. There’s no leaks and I didn’t smell anti that the whole time I had it. It doesn’t shift hard. No clunking noises. No check engine light on. I was told the transmission is shot. I really don’t want to believe that but I can’t drive it around to let people look at it.
Any helpful suggestions?

 

[94Eddie]

Does it have a V6 or a V8? If it has a V6 then it sounds like the shop is probably right. The 5R55 transmission that comes with the V6 is very prone to failure that requires replacement. Most will fail well before 200k miles. The seller likely knew the transmission was toast and was dumping it before it failed completely. Also, you might want to read up on the issues the 4.0L SOHC V6 has before making a major repair. The timing chain guides fall apart quite often and the 167k miles on yours makes this a distinct possibility of occurring before 200k miles. To replace the guides and chains requires removal of the engine. Most people just install a remanufactured engine. The cost is around $3k-$4k depending on where you live. A sure sign the guides are a problem is an engine rattle noise right after a cold start. A transmission replacement is around $2.5k. Putting $5k-$6k into two repairs might not be justified for a vehicle with 167k miles on it. Especially if it has rust issues from being driven in the Rust Belt.

I don't mean to be negative but these are things you should be aware of before spending a lot of money repairing any vehicle with the 4.0L SOHC engine mated to a 5R55 automatic transmission.