Rough shift...tranny problem?

[fellegy22]

I just bought my 96 exlplorer xlt, V6. I really like it but it has some issues. First of all, it shifts rough. Especially 1st to 2nd. When I slowly take off, and I let off the gas for the shift to 2nd their will be a clunk down by the transfer case or tranny. When I hit the gas to take off it acts like it doesnt know what gear to shift in to. It will go to overdrive to soon or will even go down a gear ... cant make up its mind. Any ideas???? Please help!?!?!

 

[Glacier991]

Let's start by making sure the fluid is at the correct level. THAT would do it for starters. Once you have done that, let us know. There are other possibilities but that one tops the list. Level, color and smell first, please.

 

[monkeydude3]

is the 1996 equipped with the electronically conrolled shifting transmission?

George

 

[P_71287]

Mine has the same problem. Fluids good. Changed Filters. Local shop doesnt know whats wrong with it. I think it is something to do with the computer in the electronic shift. Once I was on the highway and it was staying at 3000 rpms constant and would not shift into next gear. I thought I had finally lost my tranny. I thought about it for a second, pull to the side of the road, turn engine off, then back on, get back on highway and it shifted puuurfect. So effin wierd. If anyone knows what the deal is lemme know. Thanks

 

[fellegy22]

Within the first week I got it I changed the oil and tranny fluid. And filters! The fluids are good. I even added some of that top of the line tranny fluid additive to clean crap out...didnt work.
Im not sure if it is electronically controlled shifting. HOw do i find that out?
IM not used to this ford. I had a toyota pickup for 7 years before this. They are so different. my uncle has a tranny shop out in idaho, im in MN he says the exploreres are known for bad vacuum hoses or vacuum modulators?!? he said to check that out. Anyways have that problem?