Transmission issues and egr valve issue HELP

[benmonk]

So in July of 2012 I bought a used 2008 Ford Explorer which was in amazing condition cosmetically. Looked like it was very well taken care of, which is what drew me to the vehicle. About 3 months in a check engine light comes on. I take it to the shop and they tell me its a large evap leak. After smoking the leak out for $60 they found an issue with my purge vavle solenoid. To have this replaced it cost me $330 including the smoke out. I could have done this for much cheaper myself but i didn't feel like dealing with it. So about a week later my check engine light come back on, i take it directly to the shop and tell them, "WTF, you guys didn't fix it". Turns out the light came on for a different reason. This time it was my EGR valve. Problem is idk if its the solenoid or the valve or just a blocked passage. Has anybody had this issue, whats the best way to trouble shoot this issue. I have also recently run into some major issues with my transmission. It seems to be shifting real hard, sometimes even sticking. I don't even know where to begin on that. Plan to take it to a tranny shop in order to have it diagnosed. This ford explorer has 90k on it

 

[Town]

Knowing the DTC # would be helpfull for the EGR problem. Only the V6 has the EGR, the V8 uses the variable cam timing to reduce NOX emmissions. The EGR is mounted to the throttle body on the firewall side. The PCM controls an electronic module of the EGR, so you have electronic as well as physical issues to consider, hence the need for the DTC #.

The transmission on the V6 is the 5R55S. Has it always shifted hard or has this just happened?

Good luck.

 

[benmonk]

dtc number is P0401, and no the transmission has not always shifted this badly. Its never been smooth per say but not were it is now.

 

[BigNutz]

So just an FYI, Consumer Reports rated the Ford Explorer estimated reliability (Based on previous 5 year history) at -260% of the average, literally the bottom of the list. It's something you have to come to terms with before buying one. If your not maintanace oriented, I reccomend the Toyota 4Runner, rated +170% of the average, top of thhe list.

Begs the question.........WTF Ford?

 

[Town]

dtc number is P0401, and no the transmission has not always shifted this badly. Its never been smooth per say but not were it is now.

The P0401 (insufficient flow detected) is usually a sensor issue rather than an actual flow issue. Either way the module is probably responsible. Check the electrical connector at the module to ensure the contacts are good. Check the vacuum lines, I think there are 2, for damage, leaks, etc. Check the steel tube from the EGR to the exhaust manifold for leaks or damage.

I think there may be a TSB on shifting issues with your trans.

Good luck.

 

[Town]

I could not find anything specific on a TSB for shifting on the 5R55s trans. Some have had the PCM/TCM flashed but the results did not seem consistent. Perhaps there is another TSB.

A couple of people have had the trans service fix hard shifting, but the majority of solutions were for the solenoid pack replacement. The repair is around $1,000 at a Ford dealer.

A good trans shop would probably diagnose and fix your trans for less.

Good luck.

 

[Town]

So just an FYI, Consumer Reports rated the Ford Explorer estimated reliability (Based on previous 5 year history) at -260% of the average, literally the bottom of the list. It's something you have to come to terms with before buying one. If your not maintanace oriented, I reccomend the Toyota 4Runner, rated +170% of the average, top of thhe list.

Begs the question.........WTF Ford?

While the first year (2006) for the 4th generation of the V6 Explorer did have some issues, and reliability was rated poor the 2007 and 2008 are rated good (average) and the 2009 and 2010 are rated very good (above average). Given this info in the Consumers Reports 2013 buyers guide, it is difficult to understand where the "-260%" statistic came from.

 

[MTLotts]

Had same P0401 code.

dtc number is P0401, and no the transmission has not always shifted this badly. Its never been smooth per say but not were it is now.

I have an 08 EB with V6 and had same P0401 code and replaced the EGR valve last week. The EGR valve and sensor are all one unit and have to replaced together. The EGR valve on the 08 V6 is located on the passenger side of the engine just behind the throttle body. Just follow the steel tube up from the exhaust manifold and you should find it. As mentioned previously, you need to check to make sure the vacuum lines and connectors are good.

Here is a link to a video that give some information on testing the EGR/DPFE sensor: http://www.wellsve.com/video_ford_dpfe.html

After I checked the connections on mine, I decided it wasn't really worth it trying to confirm it was defective, and just replaced the unit. The EGR valve should be about $100. Mine came with the metal gasket.

The replacement is straight forward, but did have some challenges. As my explorer is quite tall, and the part is located in the back, you need something to stand on. I used a cinder block. Also, as the EGR valve is connected to the exhaust system, the bolts tend to be difficult to remove and there isn't much room to maneuver. So I used some PB Blaster and and a small pipe on my wrenches. Took me about 2 hours.

Here is a summary of what I did to remove and replace.

• Disconnected battery.
• Removed intake ducts.
• Removed throttle body (provided easier access to bolts on egr). Need a 8mm open end wrench or deep set socket to remove one of the bolts.
• Spray egr bolts with PB Blaster, let soak in.
• Loosened egr bolts. 10mm socket. To get ratchet far enough from valve to maneuver you will need small extension or possibly use deep set socket.
• Loosened and removed nut on steel tube. This sucker is pretty big. I used large adjustable wrench. I'm guessing this nut is 21-22mm.
• Removed mounting bolts.
• Cleaned mounting surfaces and throttle body.
• Put it all back together.

Don't forget to yell and curse!

Good Luck!

 

[benmonk]

Thanks!!!!

MTLotts,

Thanks for your post, this will help out a ton. I plan on working on it in the next couple weekends and promise to let you know how it went. Where did you end up getting the part from? I've been looking around and it seems like everything is around $115 but doesn't include the gasket which is another $25 bucks.

 

[MTLotts]

I purchased mine from my local Advance Auto Parts. I actually purchased online to get the online discount and picked up at the local store.

The part number was EGR1814. Here is a link to the part. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_egr-valve-bwd_20470717-p

Looks like Advance is running a promotion till 11/30 of 15% off and free shipping over $75 and $25 coupon towards future purchase, so you should be able to get the part for about $82.

 

[gheard]

2005 - xlt - v6 -150,000 miles

I know this is an old thread, but many of these explorers are getting old and folks are seeing the same problems.

I thought I had a transmission issue so I was preparing for a new solenoid or worse. The trans had problems shifting, sometimes hard kick, sometimes high rev, sometimes at 30 mph, sometimes at 50 mph. Very inconsistent. Some folks suggested tuning to help fix Explorer transmission issues.

I cleaned the throttle body and MFA. Scanned for codes and found p0401. With 150K, I decided to change the EGR valve and my transmission issues reduced. Perhaps the faulty EGR was confusing the computer.

Anyway. Please take my results with a grain of salt. There are more experience posters on this site and the trans issue may return.

Hope this helps someone.

EGR was around $100-$150 + elbow grease.

 

[tripplec]

As its used and tranny drain and fill with Ford Spec'd fluid may help with the shifting. The 6 speed with the V8's don't have a dipstick therefore cannot be checked. but the older V6 trannies did and expect yours does. Easy to check and doing a dump and fill is not expensive. Be sure the shop is using Ford spec'd fluid or bring your own for them to use.