New 02 Ford Explorer XLT owner...

[mkewitsch]

Hi, I recently obtained a 02 Ford Explorer 4WD XLT after my 99 Toyota RAV4 was totaled on the 4th of July :'-( ... I am set to sign for it tomorrow morning.

In an effort to be as informed as possible about the vehicle, I spent a lot of time reading about it online and found lots of people who have owned it have had trouble with the transmission.

I contacted the dealer about these concerns of mine, with the transmission issues other owners have experienced on Explorers from the 02 year, and he said that he owns the exact same model and has never had an issue.

I found this forum hoping to find other owners who might give me a glimmer of hope that a shot transmission is not the norm, and that there are many people who own an 02 Explorer XLT and, with proper care, have not had the bad experiences I have read about. This is for peace of mind before I finally sign for it... since I need a car quickly and this one, being in immaculate condition, just so happened to be available.

Anyone out there who can give me an honest opinion?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The 5R55W has issues with the solenoid blocks, and the servo bores. There are many TSBs on the 2002 Explorer.

 

[mkewitsch]

Welcome to this forum! The 5R55W has issues with the solenoid blocks, and the servo bores. There are many TSBs on the 2002 Explorer.

Don't know what a solenoid block is, or a servo bore... or a TSB.

And I've already signed for it. I have two jobs I need to get to, and needed a vehicle fast, so I got it. Mine was manufactured on Dec 17th 2002 so I am hoping because it was manufactured later on that lots of the issues might have been worked on by that point... ... ...

 

[alexk]

They made 2002's that late into 2002? I thought by that point they were already producing 2003's

 

[mkewitsch]

They made 2002's that late into 2002? I thought by that point they were already producing 2003's

That is what I wondered too... they told me it is a 2002 but it came with a 2003 owners manual? ... I guess I don't really know the year.

I feel so ignorant but this is only the second vehicle I've ever owned. My other was a 99 Toyota RAV4 that actually just got totaled on July 4th this year, and I needed to get a second vehicle quick and this fit the bill... now I'm trying to learn how to take care of it and what to watch out for...

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's probably a 2003. Check the Vin #.

 

[mkewitsch]

Well, so far, so good with the Explorer. Considering naming it Brad. It's still up in the air, though.

I went ahead and had the transmission fluid flushed right away since the shop couldn't tell me the last time it was flushed. Couldn't do it manually cause it has a sealed transmission, which is a bummer because I ended up paying $130 instead of what would have only costed $10... After having the trans flushed I noticed a huge difference in the quality of the drive in general. Didn't feel a jump when accelerating like I had begun to feel about a week prior. I think I may have done it just in time to prevent any future damage for the transmission that could have been creeping up...

I am probably going to use a fuel injector soon so I shall be wandering the forum looking for fuel injector recommendations for the Explorer... feel free to provide me with any.

As a young woman (only 22 years old) I think it is very exciting to be learning so much about my vehicle and how to take care of it. This forum has been extremely helpful to me.