2006 V8 Explorer Eddie Bauer - 300k miles and a shuttering trans

[roveer]

So I'm looking for some advice on how to get the most miles out of my 300k mile 2006 v8 explorer. I just did a plug/oil change and that brought back a bunch of power. The plug gaps were pretty big and I think it's only the 2nd plug change since I've owned the vehicle new. I'm going to make a separate post about timing guides and tensioners but I wanted to ask about the rumble strip sound I'm getting out of the trans when going up slight hills. From watching videos It's something slipping in the torque converter? They are recommending giving Lubegard Mr. Trans Instant Shudder Fixx a shot. I'm game, but I don't believe my trans has a filler in the engine bay, but rather this stupid plug in the pan that you have to pump the fluid in.

I'm also reading that I really don't want to be draining my fluid on a trans with this many miles on it. I tend to agree.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this fixx stuff into the transmission? I think it's only 2 oz and I don't even know if that's enough to pump in. I'd also like to make sure there's enough fluid in the trans. Open for suggestions on both.

Thanks,

Roveer

 

[94Eddie]

I have had bad coils make me think the transmission was toast. The fact it happens with the engine under load might indicate a coil(s) are bad. Pull the codes and misfire data and see if something shows that there is a misfire issue. As for a fluid change, don't do a flush. If I were in your position I would drop the pan, change the filter and refill. This will change around 50% of the transmission fluid. It will also show if there is an excessive amount of metal in the pan which could indicate damage has occurred. Then in 3,000 miles drop the pan again and refill to get a 75-80% fluid change. No filter change is needed for the second pan drop.

 

[roveer]

I have had bad coils make me think the transmission was toast. The fact it happens with the engine under load might indicate a coil(s) are bad. Pull the codes and misfire data and see if something shows that there is a misfire issue. As for a fluid change, don't do a flush. If I were in your position I would drop the pan, change the filter and refill. This will change around 50% of the transmission fluid. It will also show if there is an excessive amount of metal in the pan which could indicate damage has occurred. Then in 3,000 miles drop the pan again and refill to get a 75-80% fluid change. No filter change is needed for the second pan drop.

I've been reading more and more about coils mimicking transmission problems. I've had a coil go and replaced with a cheap one. Based on age of vehicle I've decided to do all 8 with DG511's (OEM) and not look back. Of course local auto parts wants 58 bucks each and amazon is closer to 30 BUT reviews are saying they are not genuine so it's ROCK AUTO at 33 bucks per. At this point I'm not going to mess with trans other than to add the lubegard studder fixx and check/adjust level. Just watched a video and on my trans 6R60. The fill isn't even on the bottom, it's on the side with a small dipstick Of course it's mere inches away from the CAT so that should make it lots of fun considering your supposed to check level at temp. Always something. Why can't there be a nice dipstick in the engine bay like my wife's Yukon... Anyway, I'll report back when I've done both and let you know how things are going. The idea of fixing up all these lingering issues and making the thing run and sound good really makes me happy. So far I haven't come across anything that's a total show stopper. Hopefully I won't and can keep this thing on the road for another hundred thousand miles.

Roveer

 

[94Eddie]

You have gotten way more trouble free use out of this vehicle than you should have by far. I think it is time to treat the old girl to some new parts and TLC.

 

[07EddyB]

The 'rumble strip' fix for mine at 100K was to drop the pan - change the filter - and put about 7 quarts of new fluid in. Fixed it immediately. Start there and worry about ignition later because you may have two problems. And fixing the ignition may only help mask the transmission. The transmission is more expensive.

 

[Explorer_PL]

I have 06EB v8 with 299,802 as of now.
Experienced the shuttering of the tranny numerous times, only to find out that the coils were bad, even new ones OEM. I have been dropping the pan and filter regularly every year,

 

[roveer]

The 'rumble strip' fix for mine at 100K was to drop the pan - change the filter - and put about 7 quarts of new fluid in. Fixed it immediately. Start there and worry about ignition later because you may have two problems. And fixing the ignition may only help mask the transmission. The transmission is more expensive.

Ordered the filter and oil today. I'm going to hit this on every front and see what happens. This truck is 14 years old and really doesn't owe me anything. I've had to do minimal repairs over the years and really don't have a problem throwing some money at it to see if I can get it to last another year or two (or more). Will report back after I've done the coils and trans fluid.

Roveer

 

[z13]

How's she doing?