djyeti88
New Member
- Joined
- April 27, 2011
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Houston, TX
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '99 Explorer Sport
Hello all,
I bought a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport with 165K mi on it a few weeks back and I have been trying to replace things like bushings and such that are worn or completely gone. I'm loving the vehicle and I like the fact that since it was a cash car on the Dave Ramsey plan, it's paid for.
Now that I'm driving a little more with the A/C running, I'm noticing that the transmission is hesitating when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear and also a little hesitation between 3rd and 4th. The shift from 2nd to 3rd is the most troubling. It acts like it can't find the gear and goes in and out a couple times before settling into 3rd gear. That's the best way I can explain it. I have been reading other threads trying to deduce what the possible problems may be. When I drive without the A/C running, the shifting is better. I have replaced the engine oil and the oil filter and that had no effect, but it needed to be done since the mileage requirement was ready. I checked the transmission fluid and it was pink and did not smell burned after driving home.
I drive the car lightly, no fast accelerations and also not often above 50 mph since it's my daily driver on a 10 mi drive to work and back. Sadly the previous owner took care of the vehicle from what I can tell, but she didn't retain any records so I have no vehicle service history.
I have read that problems that are thought to be in the transmission are often something else completely. I do not have the flashing O/D light like many of the other threads I have read so I'm not sure what the issue is. Any suggestions on what I check? I have been thinking about having the alternator tested. I'm weary of having the transmission flushed because I have heard about problems on an older vehicle with that many miles giving out after a transmission flush. Could this be anything else like a vacuum leak somewhere or not enough power coming from the alternator to supply the transmission for shifting? Anything with the battery needing to be replaced? I'm somewhat auto savvy, but still in my infancy learning stages. I am trying to do what I can as this vehicle is not only my daily driver, but somewhat of a project car as well. I'm interested to learn, but also need to ask for guidance. Thanks for any advice y'all can offer.
I bought a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport with 165K mi on it a few weeks back and I have been trying to replace things like bushings and such that are worn or completely gone. I'm loving the vehicle and I like the fact that since it was a cash car on the Dave Ramsey plan, it's paid for.
Now that I'm driving a little more with the A/C running, I'm noticing that the transmission is hesitating when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear and also a little hesitation between 3rd and 4th. The shift from 2nd to 3rd is the most troubling. It acts like it can't find the gear and goes in and out a couple times before settling into 3rd gear. That's the best way I can explain it. I have been reading other threads trying to deduce what the possible problems may be. When I drive without the A/C running, the shifting is better. I have replaced the engine oil and the oil filter and that had no effect, but it needed to be done since the mileage requirement was ready. I checked the transmission fluid and it was pink and did not smell burned after driving home. I drive the car lightly, no fast accelerations and also not often above 50 mph since it's my daily driver on a 10 mi drive to work and back. Sadly the previous owner took care of the vehicle from what I can tell, but she didn't retain any records so I have no vehicle service history.
I have read that problems that are thought to be in the transmission are often something else completely. I do not have the flashing O/D light like many of the other threads I have read so I'm not sure what the issue is. Any suggestions on what I check? I have been thinking about having the alternator tested. I'm weary of having the transmission flushed because I have heard about problems on an older vehicle with that many miles giving out after a transmission flush. Could this be anything else like a vacuum leak somewhere or not enough power coming from the alternator to supply the transmission for shifting? Anything with the battery needing to be replaced? I'm somewhat auto savvy, but still in my infancy learning stages. I am trying to do what I can as this vehicle is not only my daily driver, but somewhat of a project car as well. I'm interested to learn, but also need to ask for guidance. Thanks for any advice y'all can offer.
