97 Serious drivability problem

[exp1440]

I have a 97 explorer 2wd 4.0 SOHC 5R55E with 75000 miles. The vehicle occasionly acts as if it is choking when I am driving, especially at highway speed when I am cruising above 50mph and let off the accelerator to slow down or exit off the interstate. Although I release the accelerator, the engine revs and the RPM goes up instead of down. Its like the engine wants to keep going at highway speed rather than breaking and slowing down. I have also experienced a similar situation when going up a steep grade or hill. The truck will sporadically downshift without me pressing more on the accelerator. I first noticed this last winter and I drove all summer without this happening and now that it's cold it has started again. I am afraid to drive out of town for fear that this could mess up something else. I had a KOER diag test done and it passed with no codes. Does anyone know what is causing this?

 

[adidaswear]

i had a 97 4.0 sohc before and at 75000 miles i had similar problems but it also had a loud noise at the bottom of the engine.. i took it to a dealership and the next day they told me it was a recall and they replaced the engine for nothing....but 1500 miles after the new engine i totalled it...lol

 

[mhn3773]

^ sigh....=)