Torque converter question

[Dave98XLT]

Can someone answer a question about how the automatic transmission in my 98 Explorer XLT 4WD with SOHC V6? It is a 4 speed automatic. It has been very smooth and reliable thru 200k miles.

My question is about torque convertor lockup. Does this model of transmission have this feature?

My reason for asking is I started towing a boat of about 3500lbs occasionally and have problems with staying in OD on the highway.

When not towing the boat, if I let up on the gas pedal and press it again, the RPM surges up about 300 before it settles back down to cruising rpm. This annoys me slightly, and I am sure it wastes gas, too.

Any thoughts or am I stuck with this feature until I buy a new truck? Any reasonable way to upgrade the transmission to something more suited for towing?

 

[koda2000]

it's a 5 speed. if you've gotten over 200k out of this not particularly strong transmission, it may be time for a replacement or rebuild.

 

[99__Explorer]

I would first start with checking out throttle plate and cable to make sure nothing is binding up.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Can someone answer a question about how the automatic transmission in my 98 Explorer XLT 4WD with SOHC V6? It is a 4 speed automatic. It has been very smooth and reliable thru 200k miles.

My question is about torque convertor lockup. Does this model of transmission have this feature?

My reason for asking is I started towing a boat of about 3500lbs occasionally and have problems with staying in OD on the highway.

When not towing the boat, if I let up on the gas pedal and press it again, the RPM surges up about 300 before it settles back down to cruising rpm. This annoys me slightly, and I am sure it wastes gas, too.

Any thoughts or am I stuck with this feature until I buy a new truck? Any reasonable way to upgrade the transmission to something more suited for towing?

x2, it's a 5 speed

Yes it does.

You should never tow in OD. You should see the torque converter stay locked if you turn off the OD when towing. That surge you're seeing is the TC unlocking.

 

[imp]

Can someone answer a question about how the automatic transmission in my 98 Explorer XLT 4WD with SOHC V6? It is a 4 speed automatic. It has been very smooth and reliable thru 200k miles.

My question is about torque convertor lockup. Does this model of transmission have this feature? YES.

My reason for asking is I started towing a boat of about 3500lbs occasionally and have problems with staying in OD on the highway.

When not towing the boat, if I let up on the gas pedal and press it again, the RPM surges up about 300 before it settles back down to cruising rpm. This annoys me slightly, and I am sure it wastes gas, too. When towing, O/D should be "OFF".

Any thoughts or am I stuck with this feature until I buy a new truck? Any reasonable way to upgrade the transmission to something more suited for towing?

Upgrading with today's factory provided leviathons is nearly impossible, unless one chose to go all the way back to a completely mechanical transmission. imp

 

[Dave98XLT]

Will do. Will start towing with OD off. I could swear it is a 4-speed since it is a SOC V6. I thought the 5-speed came with the OHV V6.

 

[jremington59]

Isn't it a 4 speed tranny with OD which makes it a 5 speed?

OD is for highway driving without a heavy load. I'm surprised it even goes into OD with the 6cyl engine unless you're going down a grade.

 

[Dave98XLT]

I think it is a 3spd plus OD in the SOC. You really have to nurse on a level grade it to get in to OD pulling the boat.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

I think it is a 3spd plus OD in the SOC. You really have to nurse on a level grade it to get in to OD pulling the boat.

In 98 both motors had the 5r55e. 5 speed(4 + OD)

 

[Dave98XLT]

I am almost positive it is 3 + OD. How can I check the tranny model?

 

[albi1cnobi1]

The sticker in the door jamb. "TR" is the tranny code.


EDIT: My bad... both trannies were available in 98.