Transmission problems

[Chris Gordon]

Has anyone had problems with their explorer sport-trac automatic transmission hard shifting and slipping in and out of over drive. I have complained to Ford motor company and they are not aware of any consistent problem in this area. I have spoked with some independent transmission specialist and they have indicated that they have received techincal bulletins that explorer sport-trac transmissions have a manufacture problem and they are rebuiding the transmissions at an average cost of $1500. If you have had this problem, I encourage you to contact ford so that they can track this problem. I have 2 friends that have the same problem and Ford will not answer their questions or provide assistance.

 

[Richard L]

There are numberous reported problems with the 5R55E transmission but I have not heard of your complaint about shifting in an out of overdrive. That can be a problem if you live in mountainous or hilly terrain. The transmission cannot pull the hill in overdrive so it down shifts to 4th gear, then in a few seconds it reaches the set speed 4th and shifts to 5th again and starts to slow down and down shifts again.



There are numerous reports of hard shifting and slipping when upshifting from 2nd to 3rd gear (referred to as 2-3 shift flare) These problem are perhaps the most significant problem with the Sport Trac's transmission.



There have also been reports of the transmission being slow or not shifting into gear at all. This was covered under a recall for some 2004-2005 models that Ford claimed had the wrong transmission fluid installed at the factory. The recall required that dealers install a special bottle of friction modifier to resolve the problem



...Rich

 

[Allen Brandt]

It's possible that what you are seeing is the OD light flashing, which is not really the overdrive coming and going, but a warning telling you that something is not right with the transmission.