Transmission Diagnosis?

[ScarSnake]

What a great site this is! I sure have learned a lot about transmissions today!

On to the problem(s).

The truck is a 2000 Explorer 4WD 4.0L SOHC with 178,000km. As far as I know, the transmission has not been serviced at all (I bought it used). I don't tow, and don't drive it hard. The fault did not occur while driving, it was noted when I first started driving it one morning.

So here's my symptons:
-a bit sluggish getting moving
-O/D doesn't work
-O/D OFF light flashed for a few minutes the day the problem started (but not right away), and after about five minutes of driving a couple days later, but doesn't flash all the time.
-when coasting, the rpm drop to about 1000-1200, at pretty much any coasting speed
-the shop I took it to said it was showing gear ratio codes for 1st, 3rd, and 4th, and said it needs a rebuild (at perhaps $2000)

Any idea what the fault could be? Thanks in advance.

 

[gavin]

first thing I would try myself, is to just replace all the transmission fluid.
With that many miles, I would recommend draining the pan AND torque converter (if it has the access hole). Also take a look at what the fluid looks like.

What color is the transmission fluid? Have you checked the fluid level recently?

 

[BrooklynBay]

What was the code number?

 

[ScarSnake]

What was the code number?

I don't know. I can't find my scanner (d'oh!). The transmission shop told me it was showing incorrect gear ratio codes for 1st, 3rd, and 4th.