Why do I burn up so many transmitions?

[wolfeman351]

Before I begin please understsnd I am a very good home mechanic but am stuck back in the 60's muscle car era. So many of my issues revolve around newer technology electronics and truck towing. I am learning as quick as I can but every now and then I get stumped.

We have a 2002 Limited 4.6. I have not nailed down the type of transmition we have but it is stock. Under warranty I had 3 replaced. We are on number 4 and out of warranty. I own several project cars my boys and I work on. One was my drag car from highschool. 3 1969 Mercury Cougars and an 85 Fox Body Mustang 5.0 GT HO.

Here is why all that is important. The owners manual says I can tow up to 3500lbs. I have a car trailer for going and getting projects and hauling parts. Only one time I used it on this explorer to tow an 85 notch back Mustang gutted no motor drag car
I was easily under the 3500 lbs. Seamed to tow ok but a week later the trans went out. The tech said it looked like a bomb went off inside it.

What do I need to know about using this truck to tow or not doing that? Where do I find the trans type and if I need to make changes to tow more than
3500lbs what would they be?

We will start there. If I did not list important need to know info pls let me know
Thanks much

 

[DjDom]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 02s had tons of transmission problems, being the first year of the new generation.

 

[Tyleryac]

This generation had a lot of transmission problems. But going through 4 is a lot.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

did you switch off the overdrive while towing?

 

[swshawaii]

https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do;jsessionid=201D3D283077A09749750836FEAAF79F.fcvas511

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/

 

[IPcamper]

Tow with the OD off, and make sure you have the largest Transmission cooler installed that will fit. The state of Maryland has a silly highway motto, " Drive Gently", but sometimes it is good advice.

 

[2000co]

Because Ford don't know how to engineer and build reliable transmissions

 

[Number4]

Was reading another thread where the transmission shop was building the wrong version and wouldn't listen to the vehicle owner. Give your vin to Ford and find out what transmission you have. Basically get a quote but make sure you nail down the model number. I think the other poster had an 02 as well, may be that you have a trans that doesn't really belong. Then ask the trans shop what transmission model they are putting parts for in it.

 

[2000co]

Also make sure they are doing all the recommended updates

 

[Donystoy]

Before I purchased our 2002 4.6 Eddy Bauer used in 2004 I was looking at a 2003 4.6 Limited. I phoned my transmission shop to help in the decision and was informed that the Limited has a different transmission that is problematic and can get pricy to repair. I now have just around 137,000 klm's on the Eddy Bauer and so far so good. I regularly tow in excess of 5000 lbs. without any issues.

 

[wolfeman351]

Thank you very much for the replies. I have also heard from others as well as the dealership repair sraff that this year (2002) had a very bad trans. Lots of problems. On older trans from the muscle car era there were ID tags and serial numbers to ID the trans. Will these have the same? Then the question is when I determine what trans I have what would be a good replacement if I decide to so that? The 4.6 4x4 is common in the many models of 2002 Explorers and Rangers. I can always buy a used or rebuilt trans as long as I know what I am looking for. Such as say from a vehicle with a towning package.

Also how do I find out what year trans are compatable with my 4.6?

I see other 2002's listed with a towing package. What do you get with that package and if I find one in the pick and pull can I swap in those upgrades?

 

[Donystoy]

Not sure what transmissions are interchangeable. I do not know if mine came with a tow package or not since it had the smaller hitch receiver and lower ratio rear end. When I got the trailer and installed the larger receiver I removed the grill to see how I was going to install a tranny cooler and was surprised to find a large factory one already there. I have never had any issues with my set up and tow a heavy tandem trailer carrying a small backhoe with ease.

 

[wolfeman351]

Donystoy, thank you for the reply. Do you have a 2002 limited 4X4? Do you know what trans model you have and if so where is that info located?

Thanks

 

[Joe in NY]

For V8 4x4 its a W. The s was only for 2wd.

 

[Limited02]

Not sure what transmissions are interchangeable. I do not know if mine came with a tow package or not since it had the smaller hitch receiver and lower ratio rear end. When I got the trailer and installed the larger receiver I removed the grill to see how I was going to install a tranny cooler and was surprised to find a large factory one already there. I have never had any issues with my set up and tow a heavy tandem trailer carrying a small backhoe with ease.

You do not have the tow package with the smaller receiver hitch and 3.55 gears. Sorry you are having so much trouble.

Who is doing your transmission replacement when it goes bad? And are they just fixing the issue, or actually installing a brand new transmission?