'98 XLT Transmission/Temperature Gauge

[sheldon98]

I have a '98 XLT with 110K on it. Suddenly, the transmission started acting up. It is slggish and when it does shift, it shifts hard. I noticed at the same time that the temperature gauge had moved into the red.

Can these two things be related? Bad thermostat? I can change the thermostat and would rather do that then drop a grand on a "transmission problem" at the dealership.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Brain]

Check the coolant level (radiator) when it is cool - actually look in the radiator, not just checking the overflow bottle. Check the transmission fluid level (when warm and idling in park). Heat buildup is primarily caused by two things: 1)Not being able to get rid of the heat or 2)Generation of the heat

The Explorer uses a transmission cooler that first runs the tranny fluid through the radiator, and then through an external cooler before it is returned to the transmission. If the radiator/engine is overheating, it is cooking the transmission fluid. Cooked fluid can cause slipping. This would take care of issue #1 and wouldn't require anything but a drain/refill of the transmission fluid (at least it would be a really good idea to do it even if the problems go away by fixing the radiator/thermostat/engine overheating problem).

The second thing is the creation of heat, which is casued primarily by slipping clutches and bands in the transmission. But it isn't enough to overheat the engine.

I'd check/fix the engine overheating situation first, and then flush/fill the transmission to get new uncooked fluid in there to prolong the transmission life.

These two problems can be related, don't don't necessarily have to be.

Good Luck, welcome to the board!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Overheating will effect the transmission shifting/performance.