no forward drive

[philthejem]

got a UK right hand drive explorer XLT . 1998 4.0 auto

got in my car after stoping at a shop today (car already warm)
started fine, put it in D and it lurched forward and stalled like you were trying to set off in to higher gear
did it afew times with no change, then the engine management light came on
does the same in 1, 2, or drive
if i put it in reverse it works fine!
it will engage 4x4 high but wont shift into 4x4 low
when its ticking over in N or P you can hear a abnormal noise from the gearbox area
the sound is quiert and not quite like a gear catching but more like a road sweeper from a distance with a constant taping if you know what i mean
it had a new gearbox fitted about 16 months ago
there apears to be enough oil in the gearbox and it is red
any ideas what is wrong?
im in the united kingdom and garages havent got a clue about explorers over here!

phil

 

[philthejem]

any one want to hazard a guess at what might be wrong

or if there is anything i can do?

thanks

phil

 

[homerbundy]

Hi Phil,

since the engine light came on, there's a good chance to get a clue by reading out the error-codes. There might be something wrong with the vacuum-system, but this is just a guess.

I recommend to do a couple of phone calls, find a Ford service station or any US-car related that has a code scanner plus someone who can use it. Your Explorer is equipped with OBDII (On Board Diagnosis 2). Whenever the engine light comes on, your car wants to tell you something, so better listen to it.

This would at least mean a start and maybe lead to the right conclusions. I know how difficult it is to find good help (I'm living in Austria and there are maybe 20 to 25 Explorers in the entire country).

Good luck!