2004 Ford Explorer Transmission

[texastim]

Continue to experience problems with my transmission even though I have had in the dealer 7 times. New solenoid and "recall" with transmission fluid additive did not prove successful.  Now my worry is being out of warranty and having to replace the transmission and general safety.
Transmission pauses when accelerator is pressed then jumps and clunks into gear.  Hard to drive in very slow traffic without jumping in and out of gear.  When shifted from to dive to reverse, the car literally jumps backward after a pause and squeals the tires. Has anyone been able to solve this problem?

[Steve Knight]

Same problem. I bought the 2004 Explorer 3 months ago w/ 27K miles. Since then its been to the dealer where we purchased it for the third time - same problem  . When shifting from park to reverse the vehicle travels a couple of feet then makes a BANG  sound as if it is trying to reengage itself while moving. The technician at the dealer fortunately got the problem to happen for him as this is intermittent. The dealer has now replaced 2 solenoid packages at a cost of approx $1,600.00 a piece. The service manager traced the records for this particular vin # and found that the prior owner (Hertz) had the solenoid package replaced at 15K.
I voiced my concern with the Sales Manager and he has assured me that if after the current trip if the problem re-occurs, he will allow me to trade in the vehicle for another. You know what that means... I get screwed  .
If they fix it for real, I'll let you know so you can pass it along to your service manager. Good luck.

[handy_andy_cv64]

  I would demand a full-credit trade, in writing, before I'd go that route. I also wonder if these Exploder trannies suffer internal damage due
to the banging around they do, and is incorrectable ?

[mundy50]

my 2004 ford explorer jumped out of gear as my wife put it in park. the explorer went into reverse as she got out, running over her. she now is paralyzed from the  incident.

[Bob]

Did you get your transmission problem fixed? I am having the same problem.

[Nancy Sakevich]

It looks like alot of people are having the same problems with the 2004 Ford explorer transmission and I am one of the many...Ford should help solve this prolem ,before something tragic happens.

[Brian]

I'm having the same problems as everyone else.  Mine has not been off-road so it's not a "getting banged" issue.  We should set up a website dedicated to those who own the 2004 explorer and solicit inputs for a class action lawsuit.  A recall should be done on this vehicle.  Anyone who has been in the vehicle with these symptoms can see the danger involved, not to mention the damage (wear & tear) on the vehicle not due to our neglect.  The longer time passes the more Ford will pawn it off as the owners problem.  I just want to get rid of mine, but would feel guilty selling it and know all of the dealers will lower the trade-in value because you know they know the problems with it.

Brian

[Brian]

I found a website where people are collecting data on problems with this vehicle.  I submitted my info, maybe there will be a lawsuit???

http://www.ford-problems.com/explorer-transmission-problems.htm

[Joe4run]

Same problems as others, hard bang in reverse, slipping gears, overdrive-off light comes on,
replaced solenoid assay twice at 30 thou covered by warranty, again at 70 thou not covered.
Recent transmission failure, would not go over 40 mph, in shop , estimate at 1500.00 for repair.
Also noticed whining or whistle noise at certain speeds- another possible problem with rear axle for Explorer. Hoping for a class action lawsuit.

[Pat]

I am going to a deposition tomorrow on this same issue!!!  had it back to the dealer numerous times, bouth it in May 2004, 1st time back was Aug 2004, 2nd- Dec 2004, 3rd- Feb 2005, then again, twice they replaced the solenoid body, added the additive, but always came back with the same problem....

hopefully Ford's lawyers will see that this is a serious problem and do something about it.... this is not just a problem, it's a safety issue!! 

[TRUXnDUX]

  There may be a problem with the Valve body on your Explorers we had one recently that had the reverse engagement problem and found a deformed check ball, replaced valve body and is problem has not recurred

[hilton8r]

I work with a guy who was having this type of trouble with his Explorer. Thanks for the info Dux... I'll pass it on to him tomorrow. 

[John]

I purchased a 2004 explorer brand new off the lot. This banging, delayed shifting, and lurching occurred within the 25 mile trip home. I immediately took the vehicle back to my dealer and was unable to reproduce. I have had my vehicle in the shop no less than 12 times for this problem. The first four trips the dealer acted as if I were crazy. After the additive information came out the dealer acted as if they had jut learned about it. The additive was added and did exactly what the name describes. It added to the problem. The next 5- visits the ford transmission specialist assured me that this is how this transmission works and there is nothing to worry about. I was in a parking garage and placed the gear from drive to reverse in a very tight area, and it took off backwards and stopped after it hit a pillar and broke the taillight lens. On the 11th trip they replaced the solenoid. I now have it in the ford shop for the 12th time and they inform me that nothing is wrong with this transmission and that the thumbing, bumbing, lurching, and grinding is normal. I give up!!!!!!! After more than 20 new vehicle purchases, all FORD, this is my last. I got screwed!!!!!!!!!

[paulo godoy]

 
I am having all the problems you guys did..
my car (ford explorer 2004 slt) has only 20 000 miles.. and it is already happening..
to bad for us..
lets see what the dealer is going to say to me on next monday 03/13

[THERESA DALTON]

I was run over by my 2005 Ford Exployer March 26, 2006. The car failed to engage to park, it drug me under the front drivers side tire and came to a stop in the middle of four lane road. The Ford ran over my foot and proceeded up to my right knee where it stopped and pinned me there. To get it off me I had to let someone run over my leg again.

[Karyn]

My 2004 Explorer began giving me problems less than 4 months after I bought it (brand new!).  It was jerking into gear, rather than changing smoothly.  I had the solinode replaced.  Then I had the transmission fluid replaced per the Ford recall.  Now, at 44K miles, I am out of warranty and experiencing the same problems again.  Last week, while parked at my daughter's school, I put the truck into Drive.  It immediately jerked BACKWARDS!!!  I could've hit another car or a small CHILD!!!!  This is a HUGE safety hazard!  Any advice??

[Tim Swanson]

I have been having similar intermitent problems with my 2004 XLT for about the last 5k miles.  It currently has a bit less than 10k on it.  It changes gears jerkily, sometimes jumps a bit with tire screeching when put in reverse or from park to drive. 

More problematic is that it has essentially dropped out of gear with the "overdrive off" indicator light coming on three or four times now.  If this happens, one has to come to a stop and restart the engine to get the transmission to engage.  Oddly we learned that fix from someone who drives a Toyota Prado SUV. 

It has also refused to go from park to reverse - the shift lever moves - the indicator doesn't, and a clank sound comes from the transmission.  I am in India where Explorers are not sold and automatic transmissions are rare.  The local Ford dealers and import specialist mechanics haven't known what to do. 

Has anyone who has replaced the solenoid that fix the problem? 

[Nate]

We just put our Ford Explorer in the shop becuase is delayed trying to go into reverse and was really rough changing gears.  They replaced the Valve Body which is the control center of the transmission.  We haven't had any more problems, but I am going to ask the dealership about the solenoids becuase so many of you have had to have them replaced.

[Tim Swanson]

I've made sure to modify how the vehicle is driven because of this problem.  When shifting from P to D or R, keep your foot firmly on the brake until you feel the transmission engage, then let off the brake gradually. 

[Jeff32233]

I purchased my XLS 2WD new on June 23rd, 04 in Columbia SC at Bob Bennett Ford. It had 800 miles on it from being used by an employee of the dealership. I experienced the delayed reverse syndrome beginning at 12,000 miles and when I took it in on November 22nd, 04 the service writer informed me that they already knew the problem before they opened the hood. I was told the solenoid was bad and that replacement would correct the problem. The dealership took the action of replacing the solenoid and the transmission fluid. The problem dissipated for 24,000 miles (not quite gone but less noticeable) Of course the vehicle is out of warranty and I have put up with all the symptoms described above until now when the flashing OD off light started and it just slips out of gear at 3rd to 4th gear point. This is a total waste of money that I have gotten more life out of my tires and brakes than my transmission. WHERE DO WE GET RELIEF FROM FORD COSTING US MONEY FOR THEIR POOR QUALITY CONTROL? If anyone has a suggestion to a solution please give it to me. Thanks! Jeff in Jax, FL