Transmission advice needed, please!

[bumpkin]

Greetings. I have an 2002 Explorer XlT 4WD with 174,000 miles. A few months ago the O/D light would start flashing and then turn off unexpectedly. Shortly after that the "Check engine" light would come on and, likewise, turn off unexpectedly. My mechanic warned me that those were signs of impending transmission trouble. The transmission has been kind of rough for some time with the occasional "clunk" when going into reverse. Over the last few days the transmission has started to slip when accelerating. Curiously, things (slipping) are worse when the warning lights are OFF and seem to get better (less slipping) when they turn on.

Based on my research I have learned that all this is fairly common for this vehicle. I am seeking opinions as to what my best course of action is at this point. Is there anything I can do repair or maintenance-wise short of replacing or rebuilding the transmission? What can I expect to pay to have a used or rebuilt transmission put in? Does it make sense to put a used transmission in a vehicle with this mileage? The truck has no other issues and overall has been pretty reliable. Thank you all for your advice in advance.

 

[arco777]

You can rebuild the valve body yourself. It is possible with basic tools and a proper torque wrench. A shift correction kit and cleaning the valve body out could help things and extend the life of your trans.

It is worthwhile to install another trans or have yours rebuilt. A junkyard trans with low mileage or that has been rebuilt, ideally from a vehicle that was wrecked, shouldn't cost too much. Installation will depend on who you have do it. It is possible to install a trans with a friend and a couple jacks. It's not fun but if you have a concrete slab to work on, a strong friend or two, and a good set of tools you can do it.

 

[PopRichie77]

When the OD light flashes the computer goes into what's commonly called limp mode, hydraulic pressure is increased, some also reduce engine power. This is why it doesn't slip as much when the OD light is flashing. This happens to help prevent further trans damage and should be fixed as soon as possible. There is a code or codes stored in the computer get them read, the code will point you in the direction of the problem.

 

[jackrussell]

valve body cleaning

You can rebuild the valve body yourself. It is possible with basic tools and a proper torque wrench. A shift correction kit and cleaning the valve body out could help things and extend the life of your trans.

It is worthwhile to install another trans or have yours rebuilt. A junkyard trans with low mileage or that has been rebuilt, ideally from a vehicle that was wrecked, shouldn't cost too much. Installation will depend on who you have do it. It is possible to install a trans with a friend and a couple jacks. It's not fun but if you have a concrete slab to work on, a strong friend or two, and a good set of tools you can do it.

When installing the shift correction kit and cleaning the valve body, what is the best thing to clean the valve body with? I was thinking of carb cleaner or brake cleaner and rinsing (spray) with WD40.
What have you all used for this?
I would really appreciate your response!
Thanks.

 

[arco777]

I didn't use any cleaners, didn't want to risk damaging any surface treatment that was on the valves. I just used clean trans fluid and q-tips.

 

[jackrussell]

valve body cleaning

Thanks, arco.

 

[PopRichie77]

Brake cleaner is fine to use the valves are hard coated and the cleaner won't hurt them, after cleaning lightly coat with trans fluid. Don't put it on the gaskets.