2017 explorer transmission question

[DeluxeStang]

We have a 2017 explorer base with a little over 32k on it. It's been great for the most part, but the transmission is starting to do this almost lurch and jolt when shifting at low speeds, usually going from 1st to 2nd in things like parking lots. Does anyone know what could be causing that?

The fluid hasn't been changed yet, but we had dealer techs look at it and they said the fluid is still a healthy red color, and doesn't seem like it needs to be changed out at this time. Some people have told me you can go decades without changing the transmission fluid with no issues if you don't put a ton of miles on the car as is the case for us, it's mostly stop and go drives of a few miles at a time.

So I don't think it's the fluid. What the tech did mention is while these transmissions are quite reliable, it's not uncommon to have to go in and do a bit of a software update on them as they age, and that apparently usually fixes the issue. I don't know what the cost on that would be.

People who've been in my situation, tell me what you would do, or if you've experienced this, what you did that fixed it. Thanks.

 

[FordFlintrock]

I would first do a battery disconnect to put the transmission and engine back into learn mode and see how that goes. Speaking of battery yours is pushing 7 yrs. is it the original?

 

[DeluxeStang]

I would first do a battery disconnect to put the transmission and engine back into learn mode and see how that goes. Speaking of battery yours is pushing 7 yrs. is it the original?

Thank you for your response. The battery was replaced about a year ago. So for this fix, do you just disconnect the battery terminals for a few seconds, and that's it? I can try and see if that works. Coincidentally, my glove box literally today decided it no longer wanted to open, it opens very slightly, but acts like it's getting caught on the right side on something. When it rains it pours right?

So I'm gonna try to fix that myself as well, but if I can't, I'm gonna have to take the car into the dealership to fix that anyways most likely.

 

[FordFlintrock]

Myself, when done driving for the day (HVAC off) disconnect the negative battery cable and let it sit overnight. Connect in the morning (HVAC off) let it idle 5-10 minutes. Then take it for a normal drive (HVAC off) not too hard or timid on the accelerator. The next step after a few days would be to check for any DTC's stored.
Just this morning my over 100yr. old mothers' LifeLine alert went off with no response from her. After the call from that company did the 30 minute drive in about 25 with some rolling red stops. At those rolling reds noticed the trans. would downshift to 1st, to me could have stayed in 2nd. I just chalk it up to the computer knows better than me what gear it should be in. She was fine pushing the button by accident BTW.

 

[ExPlat]

We have a 2017 explorer base with a little over 32k on it. It's been great for the most part, but the transmission is starting to do this almost lurch and jolt when shifting at low speeds, usually going from 1st to 2nd in things like parking lots. Does anyone know what could be causing that?

The fluid hasn't been changed yet, but we had dealer techs look at it and they said the fluid is still a healthy red color, and doesn't seem like it needs to be changed out at this time. Some people have told me you can go decades without changing the transmission fluid with no issues if you don't put a ton of miles on the car as is the case for us, it's mostly stop and go drives of a few miles at a time.

So I don't think it's the fluid. What the tech did mention is while these transmissions are quite reliable, it's not uncommon to have to go in and do a bit of a software update on them as they age, and that apparently usually fixes the issue. I don't know what the cost on that would be.

Fluids can lose effectiveness over time regardless of color, changing the fluid is a very good maintenance item with a 7 year old vehicle, even with such low miles. I would have a dealer do this and while there have them install the latest transmission software, maybe the Dealer has a Service Coupon to save you a few buck$. When the new software is installed the vehicles transmission shift tables are completely replaced with default values and will need to be relearned. Relearning the shift tables can be achieved as mentioned above, or you may want to watch this video that explains all that.

 

[javaleo]

Change the Trans fluid, I do mine every 30K miles. It is just a drain and fill. Well do about 5 quarts. The only way to change the filter on these trans is to drop the trans , engine, front sub frame. Separate the engine and trans, Then crack open the trans case.

Change the fluid

You dont even need to jack the Explorer up.