help with diagnosis!

[stacey]

I have a 2000 Explorer sport 2X4, automatic transmission with 85,000 miles. My problem started when my OD light went on and I was having problems going from 1000 to 2000 rpm. The next day I had problems just driving the car. I had to use my 2nd gear to get it to move. Then I lost my Reverse gear and the only thing I could use was my 2nd gear. My dad found that my transmission fluid was low and added some fluid in. The car works fine now but I'm guessing it's only a temporary fix? I was going to replace the transmission fluid and filter also. Is this a waste of time and money or should I do this ASAP? Also, do you think my transmission is okay or does it look like it's going to have some problems really soon. And what about my torque converter? I know absoultely nothing about cars so any advice on what my next step is would be really appreciated. I'm afraid to drive my car currently because I don't want to get stuck somewhere. I'm just wondering if the addition of the transmission fluid is just a temporary fix or will this solve my problems? thanks.

stacey

 

[stacey]

sorry i shouldn't have added help to my title.

 

[Glacier991]

Stacey.... the automotic transmission runs on the fluid in it. It switches gears and all because of the fluid being routed around to make various parts work. SO low fluid will result in a lot of crazy symptoms... fill it back up and voila'! It works. Two things that concern me one only a teensy bit the other more. First you CAN do harm to a trannie with low fluid.... probably nothing serious in your case. Second, WHERE did the fluid go? In the old days where there were vacuum modulators it was possible to lose fluid and never see a leak. Yours is way past the days we used vacuum modulators... all computer now...so we need to leak check this thing.... where did the fluid go? Make it a habit to check the fluid frequently now. Ask your Dad to crawl under and look for leaks..... promise him a nice father's day card or something. Make sure you use the proper fluid to top it up too. (Owner's manual time) Keep a bottle in the trunk. (of ATF silly!)

Hope this helped. Drive it. It is not headed for a catastrophic failure based on what I am hearing.

 

[stacey]

thanks for the reply. It makes me feel a lot better about my car. Do you think it's necessary to replace my transmission fluid and filter? And would they be able to see where the leak is if I brought my car in for the fluid and filter change?

stacey

 

[Glacier991]

I think a fluid and filter change is never a bad idea. Whether they could spot a leak reliably is another question. One way you could lose fluid is if the trannie overheats and "boils"... it will barf fluid out the vent tube and it is possibly you may not know it. I'd support a decision to change the fluid and filter.... and keep a close eye on things.
Get a clean paper towel and pull the transmission dipstick... wipe it... is the fluid bright red or more a darkish browny red? or brown? Bright red is good, everything else is time for a change. Has it ever been changed before ?

 

[stacey]

no it has not been changed before and the fluid was not red so I guess I'm due for a change. thanks for your help.