Questions from New Owner

[08XLT]

Hi all. I just bought a new 08 XLT w/4.0 liter engine and I must admit I never owned a Ford Explorer before. I was surprised to find out that the 5 speed transmission doesnt have a fill tube and dip stick. Can the transmission fluid be changed? Does it have a pan that can be dropped and fill port? I was thinking about having an aftermarket transmission cooler put on. Does the vehicle already have an external cooler? Nice vehicle. My wife is in love with it. How is the reliability of the 4 liter and 5 speed auto tranny? Appreciate your replies.>>>AJ

 

[michael loibl]

The fluid can be changed. There is a fill port which requires you to pump the fluid in as you can not pour it in ( too close to the underside of floor)

Generally these get the "power purge" treatment. My local dealer told me $189 for my 2006 V6.

I don't believe it has an external cooler.

The four liter should last thru 3 or 4 transmissions.

 

[chapsdeva]

I have a 2000 XLT (And a 2008 XLT I just bought Saturday ) with the 4.0 a 5 speed tranny and have had no major problems with either. The biggest issue with my 4.0 and many others as well is the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve. They are good for about 60-70K and then they go bad. It's an easy fix, but I wish I wouldn't happen so often. Just make sure you change the tranny fluid as outlined in your owner's manual and you will be fine.

 

[08XLT]

Just found out this weekend that the Ex comes through with an external auxillry transmission cooler. I'm happy about that as I was already to put down $500 to have one put on. Think its a good idea by Ford to offer one standard as heat is the biggest killers of tranny's.