2003 Transmission Problems!!!!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.
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!

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

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.

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

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

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...

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?

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Hello. I have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLS. The Check Engine Soon light is on and won't go off. The Explorer won't pass emission testing because the light is on. Does anyone have any idea on how to get the light to go off?

I own a 2002 XLT with around 66000 miles on it. The transmission has been acting up since I hit 5000 miles. Been to the dealer too many times with no satisfaction. I am currently contacting Ford at least once a week, I suggest everyone does the same. Just yesterday I was launching my personal watercraft and I almost sunk my Explorer because the transmission wouldn't go into drive. FORD PLEASE MAKE THIS RIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!

Call this number and complain complain complain...
1-800-392-3673

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.
I also have an o3 ford explorer with trany problems i would put it in reverse and count to 5 before it engaged took it to dealer and they rebuilt the trany now it only does it intermitently and dealership trany technition doesnt know what to do he says it might be ok but i told him it didnt do it when i first bought the suv .so he says he will check the internet for answers and get back with me.

I called FORD once again on Tuesday. Same old song and dance they want me to bring it to the local dealership for servicing. The only thing getting serviced is my pocket book. I tried to explain to the little worm that I could not afford a trip to my local dealership with there $500.00 cover charge. I am at the end of my rope. Please everyone needs to call the Ford customer service line and jump straight down there throats. I am going to check with a buddy of mine who is also an attorney and see if there is anything I can do.

This is great. The problem with everyone here, including me, is that we own Fords. I have a '99 explorer that has 83,000 miles on it and has been in for Transmission troubles 5 or 6 times (I stopped counting). It had a new transmission put in in March 2003; in October 2003 it was in and had the transmission assembly overhauled; the next day it was in for more transmission work; and it just took it in last week (July 2004) and got it back and they said nothing is wrong with it. That's hilarious to me, because when I was leaving it sounds like the transmissions going to fall out of the car when it shifts into 5th gear.

Remember, the transmission is just one of the problems. The radiator was replaced in October 2003 because it was cracked where the transmission fluid was going into the radiator. There are a million other small problems as well that I've had to have repaired.

What's even better is going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration - Office of Defects Investigation website and look at all of the complaints for the Ford transmissions. One guy had his transmission replaced when it had something like 6 miles on it.

Honestly, at this point all I can do is laugh. I can honestly tell you that this car has destroyed the quality of my life. My wife drives the car, but we are presently looking for something different for her. The truly sad thing is that after paying on the car for five years, we still owe on it and will barely make anything off of it when its sold, because we'll have to sell it at a discount.

Needless to say, the only advice I can give you is NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD!!!

I did just that, I traded that 2002 Explorer (Lemon) off for a 2004 Nissan Murano. Quick fix if your trany is acting up and you want to trade it I found a secret. Place the trans in 1st gear and run it till it sounds like its going to blow and do the same for 2nd and 3rd and on and on, for some reason manualy shifting it temporarly frees it up. It worked for me and the dealership gave me top dollar. The salesman did call about a week later and ask if I had any problems with the trans, of course I returned the favor and lied......











This is great. The problem with everyone here, including me, is that we own Fords. I have a '99 explorer that has 83,000 miles on it and has been in for Transmission troubles 5 or 6 times (I stopped counting). It had a new transmission put in in March 2003; in October 2003 it was in and had the transmission assembly overhauled; the next day it was in for more transmission work; and it just took it in last week (July 2004) and got it back and they said nothing is wrong with it. That's hilarious to me, because when I was leaving it sounds like the transmissions going to fall out of the car when it shifts into 5th gear.

Remember, the transmission is just one of the problems. The radiator was replaced in October 2003 because it was cracked where the transmission fluid was going into the radiator. There are a million other small problems as well that I've had to have repaired.

What's even better is going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration - Office of Defects Investigation website and look at all of the complaints for the Ford transmissions. One guy had his transmission replaced when it had something like 6 miles on it.

Honestly, at this point all I can do is laugh. I can honestly tell you that this car has destroyed the quality of my life. My wife drives the car, but we are presently looking for something different for her. The truly sad thing is that after paying on the car for five years, we still owe on it and will barely make anything off of it when its sold, because we'll have to sell it at a discount.

Needless to say, the only advice I can give you is NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD!!!

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.


Searching through old posts looking for this problem. Does anyone know the solution? I have owned many Ford vehicles and won't let this problem sour me. I come from a long line of Ford employees!

I have a 2004 Explorer with 13,000 miles and I am taking it in next Wed. Delay in clutch engagement. Shifting into reverse, delay then a clunk as if I had just been backed into. If I learn anything, I will pass it on. If anyone knows anything before I take it in. I would like to know so that I can show service that info along with the notes that I have seen on this site.

Is it true that the 2004 Ford Explorer no longer has the all-the-time all-wheel drive the the 02 and 03's had? I've also had the same transmission problems with my 03 with 23k as you all. The shifting is terrible, the dealer said it was a part that needed to be replaced. The replaced part did not help. Mine also makes a chirping noise when it shifts gears, which the dealership tried telling me was in the exhaust. Have also had an ABS sensor replaced, as my ABS kept kicking in. The Service Engine Soon light has been serviced twice, but still comes on and stays on. Now the paint is peeling on the tailgate, and they need it for 3 days to paint! It's only 11 months old!

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.

-Mark[/QUOTE]

I had the same humming, mostly between 50-60 MPH, they replaced something in the rear differential and that fixed it. I have an 04, with 13,000 miles, it is in the shop today to have the transmission looked at.
Hard clunk when placed in reverse and hard shifting in drive.

I was making a turn and my car lunged, and then my o/d light started flashing like crazy. Then my car wouldn't shift. It was my transmission.
It is costing $2600.00 to rebuild. It is a 2002 Explorer XLT with 55,000 miles on it. The transmission place said it was electrical and my pressure dropped and I don't have a 3rd gear. Keep in mind, this is an automatic. I have never heard of a transmission going out at 55,000 before. I bought the truck brand new.
I called Ford, and of course they said no one had ever complained of this problem. I am going to sell this thing the minute I get it back from the shop.

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
My 02 is having the exact same problems- we bought it used a week ago - and noticed the tranny probelm the day after we bought it. We only have a 30 day warranty and it is in the shop right now. Like you, I see the biggest hesitation when I am going slow- and sometimes i get a Duh Duh Duh- sound when it is trying to shift- DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT will FIX the PROBLEM??? Help!!

I have read of the many problems with the explorer transmissions but has anyone had any luck with getting them fixed. If so what was done ...please let us know as my dealer is clueless

Seems to me u guys dont maintain ur cars pretty good eh?

Seems to me u guys dont maintain ur cars pretty good eh?
Not sure I understand your comment!!!! Do you have a constuctive answer to the problem? What makes you think that the vehicles are not maintained?

lol that’s all you can do.

We as consumers let Microsoft and all the carmakers do this to us. They sell us a Beta version of their product and as problems arise they offer "patches". At least Microsoft doesn’t charge us for the patch.

LOL I mean how stupid can we be. Advertising seems to sell us on the good intention and dream of a perfect car or truck.

I don’t blame ford or any of the companies I buy from. I just live with as much of a cynical point of view as possible when it is regarding products and their quality.

I say FIX iT. Find a solution and move on. I really like the explorer and other than the seat warmer trying to burn my a** off and the transmission shudder its holding up great.

I bought a 2000 ford explorer limited edition (30.000 mile) for my wife and I knew when the sales man jumped at my all cash sale at 12000.00 out the door that it had had problems. It was set at 18.000. I knew and planned for a full transmission rebuild and other problems. I did not buy the warranty. I know two ex warranty spokes people who are basically told to filter out the weak and couldn’t take lieing to people anymore. Yes warranty reps are told to outright lie!

2 weeks into owning the car the dreaded shudder started (that’s the torque convert issue many know about) I fixed it for a few days with the anti shudder mix in the trans but it came back quick enough to not bother with the quick fix again.

My motto is "If you cant ab”use" it you cant aford it"

I am on a new property full of ruts and mud as construction takes place and I have abused the wife’s explorer ...I am surprised so far no parts have fallen off. The alignment went and the brakes have a few rocks jammed in them but the car still halls when needed. You should see people look when they see a ford explore limited edition covered in mud. lol

I have noticed when going uphill that it now bogs ..actually it started after getting a transmission fluid change.

I know of a transmission place called bulletproof fixing all the problems for me and I will let you know when they have it all done.

Blame ford all you like but I knew the phrase "second gear clunk" that ford trucks were known for and if you look at any performance transmission the mile long list of replaced and improved parts should be an indicator of the original transmissions lame beginnings.

SO I personally don’t blame any of the car makers I just take the bull they feed me with a big grain of salt, and prepare for the rebuild.
Beware of the fraud ads sell and again,

If you cant ab"use" it you cant aford it.

dam fellas whats up with the tranny problem? i was thinking of buying a explorer but guess not. i dont want any problems when i buy

dam fellas whats up with the tranny problem? i was thinking of buying a explorer but guess not. i dont want any problems when i buy

Mine actually got fixed 2 weeks ago(time will tell)after 18 months and multiple visits. It was the transmission solenoid and valve that had to be replaced. I will say when the vehicle runs properly it is a pleasure but they do seem to have things go wrong and if I was buying an 02 or 03 I would want a warranty that has good coverage or I would not buy one . I was at the point of trading my 02 in I gave the dealer one last chance to fix it and I can guarantee it was not going to be another Ford product.

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.


because of a problem you are not buying a ford anymore.. wow..

I bought my 2002 Explorer used with 88000 miles on it in November and 3 days after I bought it it cost me $400.00 and change to get a rear wheel bearing repaired. but since that it has now 95000 on it and it runs and drives like a dream..

I am tired of hearing people say I m having trouble with the vehicle i own so that is it for a certain make,,

I have a 1995 ford explorer 2002 explorer and 1998 windstar do not owe a penny on eitehr of them and besides maintining them monthly putting some tlc into them they serve me very well.
Ford will always be my preference..

dam fellas whats up with the tranny problem? i was thinking of buying a explorer but guess not. i dont want any problems when i buy



Go and buy it i have a 2002 and absolutly love it in every aspect...
do not let it thwart you of your buying process.go ahead and purchase one and I assure you you will not be dissatisfied.

We have a 97 and 6 months ago at 93,000 miles had the transmission rebuilt. The issue we had was that between 3-4 or 4-5 it would rev 1000 higher when accelerating. This transmission was the first year of the V6 SOHC so we were not surprised to have a problem. What surprised us was that there are some internal parts that are next to impossible to find! Anyway, we got the truck back but now it is back in the shop. It has a pressure leak and unless the source can be found it will be rebuilt again.

Has anyone else had an pressure leak inside the tranny and if so, what was the source?

Thx

I have owned over 25 different cars and have never had the problems with any of them I am now having with $47,000 2003 explorer. The dealer has had it for a week. It drove and shifted fine a week ago Monday. Two days later I have trouble shifting from park. Then it goes dead on the road. I am being told it needs a new tranny and clutch at the cost of $3,000. I think I'll just let the bank have it and go get a Honda.