2018 Explorer Limited - Shudder When Idle, Lack of Power Going Uphill, Won't Reverse Uphill At All

[daniellee]

Hi. I have a 2018 Explorer Limited. A couple of months ago, I noticed the following issues all at the same time:

• When in drive or reverse and stationary (foot on brake), the car would shudder a lot. I checked under the hood and could see the engine visibly shaking a lot.
• Lack of power when going forwards uphill, however the car would eventually get going (this is not as bad when in sport mode and 1st gear)
• On anything other than the tiniest incline, the car will not reverse uphill. It tries, but just does not seem to have the power.
• Whenever going into Park, the engine also seems to rev slightly for a second or two and then returns to normal.

I have taken the car to a mechanic and had the engine mounts changed. This has reduced the engine shaking a bit, but it is still there.

Is anyone aware of what would be the most likely cause of the above issues, or whether they have had the same issues and solved it?

 

[suzook]

Sounds like the transmission.

 

[daniellee]

Sounds like the transmission.

Yep, I think so too.

Just had the mechanic replace the transmission fluid. He said it is better in drive now, but reverse still lacks some power.

I'm wondering if it is the fuel filter.

 

[peterk9]

Yep, I think so too.

Just had the mechanic replace the transmission fluid. He said it is better in drive now, but reverse still lacks some power.

I'm wondering if it is the fuel filter.

Welcome to the Forum.
How many miles are on the vehicle?

Peter

 

[daniellee]

Welcome to the Forum.
How many miles are on the vehicle?

Peter

Thank you! It has about 45k miles.

 

[whimsey]

Is this the 2.3 EB? If so there is a known problem with the 6F35 transmission causing similar problems. I just spend over $5,000 having our tranny rebuilt. The problem is the torque convertor failing as early as 40,000 miles. Mine failed at 99,700 miles even with ATF changes at 10,000 to 20,000 mile intervals, it still failed, defective torque convertor used in 2016-2019 model years with the 6F35 transmission.