transmission question

[Tylers02]

I purchased an 04 Limited V8 with 105xxx miles on it about a month ago. Test drove it probably 20 miles with no issues what so ever. Within maybe two weeks the problems started arising. First off I get a low speed shudder/vibration almost like the tires are rubbing. I'm guessing it's my limited slip clutch packs.

The main issue though, a few days ago after pulling off the freeway the tranny started shifting funny. Reved up before going into gear and the od light started flashing. On the same day the car stalled out at a stop light and abs light came on. All issues haven't happened again except erratic shifting after transfer warms up and banging into gear when putting it in reverse. The only code I pulled was p0745 solenoid a malfunction.

I purchased the Explorer for cheap but now I'm debating to just trade it in or fix it. I've done my research and have been on this forum for awhile as I use to own a 02 limited. Any help or advice is appreciated. I know the solenoid pack may fix the issue but is there any test to make sure that's really the issue?

 

[Limited02]

I can't say for sure if it's the solenoid pack or a worn servo bore. Around the 100k mark, mine was acting up like yours and I had the transmission rebuilt because the servo bore was worn out. Put another 100k on and it was still shifting good when I sold it.

I'll see if I can find another thread with someone replacing the solenoid pack and what the results are. New Explorer looks very clean!

 

[Tylers02]

Thanks Joel I appreciate it. Weird thing is it shifts perfect most of the time. If I unhook the battery for 20 minutes it shifts really good for a few days. It's just weird od light started flashing. Car stalled out and abs light came on in the same day. Also small update I drained the difference fluid which was very brown and replaced with the added friction modifier. Keep you updated


I would love to keep the ex but if the rear end needs rebuilt as well as the tranny I'm going to have to trade it in. Just not worth putting another 3-5k into a car a paid 5k for a month ago.

 

[Limited02]

Forgot to respond to the rear end shudder. Does it happen only when a accelerating while turning, straight or both?

If you have the tow package, it's a rather common problem (plus rear end whine at speed). Mine would shudder when accelerating while turning only. I replaced my rear differential fluid with thicker 85w-140 synthetic gear fluid and used a tube of friction modified for clutch packs and that did the trick.

 

[Tylers02]

It seems to be a low speed shudder no matter if I'm turning or going straight, however more profound during turns. It only happens once in a while, not all the time. Diff fluid was dark and I haven't noticed it since the difference lube change and friction modifier. I also have the tow package.

 

[Tylers02]

Just a little update. After changing diff fluid and adding friction modifier the chattering is much better. I've only heard it slightly a few times so hopefully that is resolved. Abs light only seems to come on with my elm327 adapter plugged in and does not throw any codes.

As far as the tranny there has been no progress. It shifts perfectly most of the time and will occasionally Rev up between 2 and 3rd. Weird thing is when I disconnect the battery it shifts perfect for several days. I have no problem replacing the solenoid pack but just want to be sure that's the problem and not a servo issue or something else. Once again any help is aporeciated.