Transmission "Bump" Problem Part Numbers

[xplanfan]

The "bump" is definitely not normal. When I heard it I half expected to see the transmission laying in the road behind me in the mirror. Took it to my dealer, no questions asked they did the TSB and now it drives as smooth as ever. Good fix. Also had the radiator fan replaced (and radiator since they punched a hole in the radiator during the fix).

I completely agree this bump is not normal. Calling it a bump is a misnomer - lockup, crash, bang might be more accurate. Unfortunately, I have not been successful in convincing my Ford mechanic or my local CSM that the lockup is not normal. My local CSM, who is both polite and well trained in her role, has made it clear that my Ford mechanic is the expert, so my problem is not a problem unless he says it's a problem. And the 2011 TSB does not apply because I have a 2012 model year. I am collecting up my documentation so that I can file a report with the NHTSA if it becomes necessary. I suggests to mtz and others to do the same.

 

[cnsheets]

I have experienced the "bang" on two occasions, yes "bang" is a more appropriate term. The first time scared the living crap out of me, I thought I got hit by someone, and when no one was behind me, I kept looking on the road behind me expecting to see a trail of tranny fluid......

Like others, my 2011 EX has a build date of 5/11, just missing the date that the TSB outlines, but its obvious the TSB should be expanded to include later builds. How can I go about getting this resolved if the TSB does not include my build date?

 

[mtz]

Here's my status. Took it to another dealer and they couldn't reproduce it. I asked to go on a test drive and it jerked/banged 3 times and he said, yeah, that's not normal. We'll see what we can do about it. So that's where I'm at.

 

[xplanfan]

Here's my status. Took it to another dealer and they couldn't reproduce it. I asked to go on a test drive and it jerked/banged 3 times and he said, yeah, that's not normal. We'll see what we can do about it. So that's where I'm at.

You got the bang to happen on a test drive?! Are you able to force it to happen or was it just luck? If you can force it, how do you do it? I haven't been able to make the bang happen on my truck.

 

[mtz]

You got the bang to happen on a test drive?! Are you able to force it to happen or was it just luck? If you can force it, how do you do it? I haven't been able to make the bang happen on my truck.

Yes, I can force it...doesn't happen everytime but enough....

straightline to about 40mph, i slow down to about 20mph, then accelerate again and then it jerks/bangs 3 times out 10.

Or in turns when i slow down from 40pm to about 15mph, make a turn, accelerate (jerks).

 

[mtz]

Latest. Dealer called. They dont know what the fix is for it. They still have the truck and a call out to ford tech engineer line. At least theyre taking it seriously.

 

[xplanfan]

Latest. Dealer called. They dont know what the fix is for it. They still have the truck and a call out to ford tech engineer line. At least theyre taking it seriously.

For both our sakes I hope the engineers get involved and solve the problem once and for all.

 

[xplanfan]

Last week I was on vacation and I got to drive in the mountains of Colorado! My vehicle's six speed transmission performed flawlessly as it smoothly shifted up and down to meet the demands of changing grades. It was so smooth most of the time I would not have known it was changing gears except for the tach movement and gear indicator displayed. Oh in case anyone is wondering, I was NOT driving my Explorer but rather a rented Mazda CX9 AWD with 8K miles. Mazda must not seen the Ford memo that says six speed transmission are normally supposed to have occasional hard shifts. BTW, other than the ugly dated LED dash lighting, I liked the Mazda. And one other feature the Mazda had I liked that my Explorer doesn't have is adjustable 2nd row seats!

 

[jrosner50]

Status on my issue, my build is 1/2011 and it has 13k on it now. The "bang" as desribed by others was awful and happened 4 times in 13k. Each time it scared the crap out of me and I too looked back to see what i left but each time the road behind me was clean and the EX just started to move again. I did just have the TSB done, my dealer did it with no questions asked. I did tell them though the odds of reproducing it would be slim since in my case its happened 4 times in 13k. It took them two days to do it. So far I have noticed smoother shifts, but only time will tell if the horrible "bang" is gone with the TSB. I'll update you guys if it happens again.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

I've done over 4,000 miles since the TSB fix, and all is good. Much improved.

 

[xplanfan]

I've done over 4,000 miles since the TSB fix, and all is good. Much improved.

Bill, I am sincerely happy the TSB fix is working for your Explorer. I continue to hope Ford will come up with a fix for those like mtz and myself whose Explorers were built after the TSB period ended.

 

[cnsheets]

I have had the bang 3 times in 15k miles. My problem is that the TSB lists models effected as being just before my build date. So the TSB does not apply to myself by one month.

 

[xplanfan]

Latest. Dealer called. They dont know what the fix is for it. They still have the truck and a call out to ford tech engineer line. At least theyre taking it seriously.

mtz, Have you heard back from your dealer?

 

[xplanfan]

I had a transmission bump at slow speed yesterday. Not a bang like I've experienced in the past, but a thump just to remind me that this gremlin is still in there hiding waiting for his next chance.

 

[mtz]

Hey guys,
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. What ended up happening is i waited for 3 days for my ex and on day 3 the dealer called me and let me know they are still running tests with ford engineers. So that meant they werent going to be able to get my truck back soon. I dont blame the dealership at all but i had had enough. I asked to have my truck back and the next day i traded into a honda. I was very disappointed in my 35K vehicle. My problems were a misaligned passenger door panel with the dash; fix for that was well sir all the 2012s on the lot have that so it has to be something from the plant which we cant control. Ok then. I had the pop from the center dash; well sir it could be plastic expanding in cold temps. Ok then. After it rained and got moisture in the doors, the windows would streak 3 days later. Didnt see a fix for it. Just bad rattles and a stupid trans bang put me over the edge. Seriously, its a car man. A new one at that. I should just be able to start the car and drive off and not see any problems. I dont have time to troubleshoot, hunt for and dig deeper into fixing bugs like this. Personally i think its just stupid and a waste of time to look into this many issues. I feel bad for the ones that still have mft probs. the truck is not cheap and i shouldnt have to deal with the types of issues ive had. Being in a honda just reminded i dont have to face these things. I just wanna drive and go.

 

[artnalex]

Mtz,

Good to see you happy. I am fortunate, my car has been pretty good to me. A few issues here and there, but nothing major...and no need to keep my car overnight.

You win some, you lose some.