Need Help no time for trial and error

[askguru]

I have a 04 Explorer with a little over a 100k freeway miles and never towed. My transmission is slipping from 2nd to 3rd and have a long wait before shifting into reverse. I am looking to put another 100k miles if I get problem solved.

Should I buy a new transmission, rebuild the transmission, replace the shift solenoid or just change the fluid and live with it.

Thanks,

 

[Yamvip]

If you just live with it it will get worse and brake something else, I had the same issues then lost overdrive, had a friend of mine rebuild it, solenoid, valve body and it seems good now.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

I personally wouldn't bother with a rebuild. I've seen more failures with trannies (especially these) that have been rebuilt than I have with low-mileage "unmolested" used ones bought from a reputable salvage yard.

Mine is doing exactly the same thing yours is...So far, I've just been babying it but I have another tranny sitting at the shop waiting to go in. I picked up one with 24,000 miles on it for $650 from a local salvage yard. It came with a 6 month parts & labor warranty too.
On a long trip, mine got the fluid so hot that it boiled out of the breather on the top of the case, most likely due to a slipping component or a problem in the torque convertor. When I talked to a guy at a local tranny shop he told me that these trannies were notorious for failure, and that a full rebuild (not including R&R) would run me about $2,000. Forget it. I don't plan on keeping it that long, and I could buy at least twice as many used trannies for the same money.

Check www.car-part.com for a listing of yards in your area that have the parts you're looking for.

 

[crash594]

I always say try changing the filter first. If it does not work you are only out $100. If it works then you saved $1000's.

 

[askguru]

Thanks for the responses. I decided to go with a new transmission if I can find one. Just need to find a reputable place to have it installed. I am thinking AAMCO or Quality Tune.