dtcanavan3

Recently bought a 2003 4.6L V-8 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. Already have had the truck in three times for transmission problem, and recently dropped it off for the fourth for which they replaced the transmission. The transmission specialist has revealed that they having big issues with the New 2003 5-speed transmissions. My local dealership has replaced over 6 including mine. The funny thing is after leaving with the "New" transmission I'm already having problems! I torn on what to do. The car has less then 10K on it, and I really don't want another one. I'll be contacting the dealership and a ford rep this monday. Has anyone experienced major difficulties like myself?


Thanks.

jhromy

what problems are you experiencing that they keep repairing/replacing the trans? I think im having trans problems with my 2002 but ford is giving me the work around fixing other parts

mmacdonald

I just started having transmission concerns myself. I have a 03 XLT w/4.0L 5speed. I have a loud humming noise from the rear of the truck. Ford tells me it's not a safty concern but they don't know what it is. So how can they say it's not a safty concern. It concerns me that why it's sitting in my driveway. The truck stalls every once in a while and there is a hesitation when I step on the gas. It is going back tonight for the third time and it only has 5400 miles on it. I will be filling under the lemon law after this third time.

-Mark

mmjg2003

I have a 2002 Explorer. I have had many problems with it, and it is going in again to have the transmission checked. It is very difficult to get the shift lever into the Park position and the transmission makes "clunking" sounds when I try. I bought it used from a big Ford dealer. I've only had it for a month. Don't want it anymore and would NOT buy another Ford vehicle.

Winweasl

I also bought the same car in August. I have been in to the shop for a new "brain", adjusted ABS module, replaced ABS module, new tires, new front brake calipers, new radio and CD player, new external heat sensor switch, adjusted alarm system, mold in the A/C unit, etc., all in the first two months of ownership. I have noticed resistance of the car to the gas pedal...and, the car will skip forward sometimes when starting up a hill. The car also intermittently roars the engine with little response from the car. Is this part of the transmission problem you noticed? I am now left with a car that locks up and skids down hills when backing down. Ford says this is normal...HO!...and, of course, will not give me my money back. In four more days, I will have had the car in the shop for 30 days and, hopefully, qualify for the lemon law. If not, I am stuck waiting for the next calamity. I will never buy a Ford again!

pioneergb

I own a 2002 limited 4.0 but have a concern with the tranny... Shifting from 2 to 3rd it hesitates and from about 28 to 40 I get a washboard effect. Ford says it is normal frankly I think they are full of it and realize they have a problem they do not want to fix...does anyone else have this problem or show the same characteristics

Winweasl

Hi Pioneergb...sorry about your problems. My 2003 is increasingly showing transmission problems...skipping when gas is applied, continues to skid backwards in reverse on hills, roaring engine without power, etc. Ford IS FINALLY buying my car back...however, they continue to refuse to acknowledge that this is not normal. My advice to you is to keep all your records...or ask for your service record (it is often different from the papers they give you each service)...and keep taking the car in for service on your complaints. Try other service centers to hopefully correct the problem. If not corrected, go for the lemon law in your state. Good luck.

Mountain Man

I have an '02 Mountaineer with the 4.0-6. Bought it with 28k miles and now have 40k on it. The transmission doesn't always shift down to first when I come to a stop but will "clunk" down when I'm pulling away from the stop. Also it exhibits the "Washboard" effect between 40 and 60 mph. Already took it in and got a "normal" response. It's the first 4wd I've ever owned so I thought it had something to do with that. I guess not. I bought this after dumping a Dodge Intrepid that went through two trannys in 125k miles...the second with no warranty. (I sold it as is for $900). This tranny feels the same. I did get the extended warranty (100k miles) so I wouldn't have to worry about the cost. Anyway, from the sound of all these posts, it certainly sounds like a problem that Ford doesn't want to deal with.
Welcome and additional comments.
Steve

pioneergb

You would think a major manufacturer like Ford could figure out how to fix it...I went as far as having my transmission fluid and filter replaced which seemed to help but did not alleviate the whole problem. You may want to try that it cost me $150...but I agree having the extended warranty at least covers me if it really fails

w6e8h57

Just took my wife's 2002 Explore XLT 4.6 in to the dealer Currently at 39K miles. Took in at 30K miles / clunking on shift from Park to forward or reverse. Also felt like tranny wasn't engaging when first started / cold? Dealer did tranny service and wanted to observe.

Back in at just under 36K, similar issues - dealer re-programmed computer.

Back in now at 39K - tranny is slipping big time - won't alway's shift at 1st to second. Seems to slip out of gear (driving along at 20 mph and all of the sudden the rpm's run up to 5000)? Check engine light now on... Also - reverse sensing system also crapped out... It's too bad - the car rides nice, we really like it (except for the crummy mpg's). I'll update with the skinny once the dealer let's us know what part went to heaven...

w6e8h57

Here's the update - the tranny lost some kind of 'band' that effects the shifts from 2nd to 3rd. The job is a couple of thousand for the repair. It's also getting the reverse sensing system repaired - 2 out of the 5 sensors have failed. hmmm?

BobbyBman123

Sorry to hear everyones problems with their vehicles, I have a 2000 explorer sport and am also experiencing trans problems, in Jan of 02 had valve body replaced at 42000 mi (thank god i purchased an extended warranty) now I see the dreaded O.D. light flashing in my face the other day on my way to pick up a Christmas tree, I brought it to the dealer to have them diagnose it and they tell me that the machine says its the valve body. And it needs to be replaced, and it will cost me $1300, I told them that it was replaced by them no more than a year ago, so they then told me that they would pay for half of the cost, well never the less I will never purchase another FORD vehicle again, if this isn't handled the right way by the Ford Motor Co, but I'm not holding my breath........ Mabey I'll buy a Dodge next.

MANGINA00

Hi,

I was just looking for an update on your situation. I have 2003 4.6L and had major repairs done to my tranny also and only 6K miles. Many of the same problems people have described in here. Has your situation been rendered? Thanks.

Gizrat

Hello I have a 2000 ford explorer xls 4.0. My explorer sometimes has a jitter when pressing on the gas I would have to think when it is in 2nd or even 3 rd gear and seems to have reduced power when it jitters like this is this what you guys are calling the washboard effect? When you really hit the gas it kind of voids this feeling out.

rogerslk

Hello I have a 2002 Ford Explorer xls. The check engine soon light came on and won't go off. Does anybody have any ideas in solving the problem? The Explorer won't pass the E-check.