Transmission Issues

[baldy13]

I have a 2001 explorer sport 4x4 with 132,000 miles. when I put it in gear it acts as if its still in neutral then after a minute sometimes up to 5 minutes it will go into gear hard "almost like a neutral drop" once in gear it shifts and drives excellent with no issues. This happens rather its cold or warmed up. There was no warning signs before this started.It only does this in drive it goes right into reverse with no problem.
Vehicle History
I bought this in july 2014 with 126,000 miles previous owner had the tranny rebuilt at 87,000 miles and had the paperwork to prove it. After buying it I did a complete service which included changing all fluids and filters. I did not change the fluid in the tranny only the filter then adding what was needed to bring it back up to full. I drive this to work daily which is about 70 miles round trip and have had no issues until now.

 

[ozydeco]

Might need fluid, did you check the fluid level yourself ? Certainly step one, and sadly, I am the only mechanic I've found I can trust with the simplest of tasks.

 

[baldy13]

Yes I have checked the fluid several different times and in different driveways/parking lots just to be sure. after reading a lot of the forums I also overfilled it" someone said it worked on there explorer" which all that did is cost me time in draining the extra fluid back out.
It's a shame too I have always been a GM fan and this is the Ford I have ever owned and I was starting to really like the ride and handling until all this happen'd..Maybe I should stick to what I know and call it lesson learned.

 

[transman304]

Sounds like wear in the VB in the pressure regulator bore or EPC & engagement control. Very common problem with theses trans. Could just need a VB replacement or rebuild. Sonnax makes a very good kit to repair the problems of this VB and no need for special tools, reamers. Works very well. It is called a Zip-Kit.

http://www.sonnax.com/parts/2172

 

[baldy13]

Sounds like wear in the VB in the pressure regulator bore or EPC & engagement control. Very common problem with theses trans. Could just need a VB replacement or rebuild. Sonnax makes a very good kit to repair the problems of this VB and no need for special tools, reamers. Works very well. It is called a Zip-Kit.

http://www.sonnax.com/parts/2172

Appreciate the response and the link,reading up on it this seems like the fix im looking for.

 

[transman304]

No Problem, have used allot of them,very easy to install. If you go that route and have any questions, please ask. Thanks and keep us up to date.

 

[baldy13]

Ordered the zip kit on Thursday had it overnighted installed on Saturday morning I might add it was extremely easy to install. got everything back together and my problem still exist.There was no change at all. anymore suggestions?

 

[joecrna]

Don't we always have suggestions? There is a foreward/reverse servo that frequently needs the O ring replaced. I recommend the Vitron D ring for this. Also, there is a foreward pump. If it leaks it can loose prime and take a while to engage foreward gears. At least this was my experience in a completly different vehicle but it did take several hours sitting still to loose prime. That would be a much more difficult fix then the D ring. Might want to take a look at the 5r55e sticky in the transmission forum.

 

[baldy13]

I have decided to cut my losses, going to park it out buy the barn and either someone will offer me something for it or i'll scrap it when the prices go back up. Either way I know I wont get back what I have in it and the guessing game is getting expensive !! Thanks for trying I appreciate it.