Need help w/ auto Tranny problems on v6 4x4

[Jason Marsh]

I just bought the explorer a few months ago, it has 205k miles on it and runs awesome! It has been maintained meticulously. The transmission however will not shift if you are on the gas. It will run all the way up to redline and will not shift unless you ease off the gas. This seems to be true for all forward gears. I've heard that there might be a common problem with an electronic module that could be causing the problem and is cheap/easy to fix. I am hesitant to change the fluid/filter because that may kill it completely as it did on a friends thunderbird. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Jason

1994 Eddie Bauer 4.0 4x4

Dead Link Removed

 

[Robert]

I can't help with why it does it but I can tell you the Explorer's are notorious for weak transmissions. My Wife's '93 Sable shifts the same way when you are on the gas. I has done it for the two years that we have owned it. We've put about 20K on it since we got it and the shifting hasn't gotten any worse fortunately. When I first discovered it, I was afraid that the transmission wouldn't last a year. The Sable/Taurus has another notoriously weak transmission. I've learn to adjust my driving when I drive my Wife's Sable. Don't let the RPMs get too high and let off on the gas before heavy throttle shifts. Maybe someone will post a cheap fix that we could be done, but I have a feeling it won't be as simple as replacing a solenoid.

 

[Jason Marsh]

Thanks Robert. I hope someone has seen it before. The problem is that since the 4.0 is underpowered anyway, it's hard to get out in traffic without getting run over.... I think the weak transmission is a Ford thing period, Tbirds had a lot of problems with transmissions folding under pressure too. BTW, I've got about 3k miles on the explorer and it doesn't seem to be getting any worse, which is a good sign.

 

[Raceit]

Can't help you with the tranny, but I do want to say nice bike.

Looks like a 1000. Is that right? The only way I can tell that is the inverted gold forks and the 123 rwhp. Sounds like a liter bike to me. Or was that a swap? Either way nice paint job and sweet bike. And keep the rubber side down!

And welcome to the board!

 

[asp84]

hmm......205K + miles!! It sounds like it screaming for a rebuild. not to be negative or anything though. Things that can affect are Bad Tranny fluid, Throttle position sensor, Alt Voltage regulator. The A4ld trany's can be vey weak in the these big heavy explorers...especially after 150K. Is your tranny the original? If so, I think that most of us would say, its served you well.......for that type of mileage.

 

[Jason Marsh]

Thanks a lot steve, The bike is a Y2k 750 and way too fast for me

I guess I am looking at a rebuild on the Tranny, I guess I was just hoping for a $60 fix instead of a $1300 fix, which was my best quote. Thanks for the advice guys, I'm sure you'll be seeing me around for awhile.