transmission issues, I think.

[projectPONY]

greetings all,

once again I am here seeking help with my '02 Explorer XLT. the issues are with the shifting of the transmission.

earlier this evening the fam. and I were coming home from dinner and all of a sudden the truck felt like it downshifted. I was traveling at about 35 or 40mph and the rpm's jumped up to about 3500. I got it to up shift by taking my foot off the gas completely and allowing the rpm's to drop. I felt it up shift so I proceeded to drive home. every time we came to a stop light it took off fine but after 3rd gear it seemed to just hang there. again, the only way I could get it to up shift was to take my foot off the gas and allow the rpm's to drop. after about 4 or 5 times of this I noticed that the "overdrive" light started flashing in the instrument cluster. I has a fast blinking rhythm. what is going on? can anyone steer me in the right direction?

aside from those questions, I would also like to know what transmission is common in my Explorer?

'02 Explorer XLT
4.0L 6cyl
167,000miles aprox.

TIA

 

[EasyRhino]

You have the 5R55W tranny, a problematic unit. The flashing OD light is the computer's way of telling you that the tranny has "thrown" a fault code.

Have the codes read by someone with a full-capability scanner (often the Ford Dealer and many charge for it), but some auto parts stores have the ability.

At 167K miles, you appear to be way ahead of the curve for longevity for these trannies. Many will tell you that few last this long without at least a solenoid valve block replacement, and many of these in city use have the servo bores wear out well before 167K miles.

What maintenance have you had done over the years? Many here would be happy to have made it to 167K with an 5R55W. Additionally, many here would advise you to avoid driving it many miles with the flashing OD light on, as it can make your situation worse, and quickly.

Good luck.

 

[projectPONY]

thanks for the response and sorry for the delay of mine. I went ahead and put the truck in the shop the day after it took the crap. I took it to a very well known and recommended shop about 10min. from the house. 4 days later I had it back in my possession. turns out it had to get rebuilt. so far everything is all good and no signs of ill effects. shop also gave me a 12 month/12k mile warranty. very impressed with that.

as far as what maintenance I've done to the tranny I will list it here:


1. NONE



shop also told me that it's throwing an unrelated code but he wasn't able to decipher it for me. if I post it, can anyone help me out?