96 Expolrer Transmission
ehayes35
05-16-2004, 10:43 PM
My 96 transmission is acting up. The OD light starts to flash, sometimes after only a few minutes at low speed, and sometimes it has to be at interstate speeds for it to happen.
It also starts to shift REALLY rough when the light comes on. Especially going from D to R at idle, and when it down shifts. Also the Check Engine light is on.
Service: Had the computer read at Ford, and they replaced the DPFE sensor. I also replaced the Mass Air Flow Senor my self. I changed the tranny fluid and filter. It ran REALLY WELL for about 10 minutes, then back to the same. (synthetic fluid)
Also the air bag light is flashing?
Anyone who can help please reply. I really don't want to have to get a new transmission or have mine rebuilt.
It also starts to shift REALLY rough when the light comes on. Especially going from D to R at idle, and when it down shifts. Also the Check Engine light is on.
Service: Had the computer read at Ford, and they replaced the DPFE sensor. I also replaced the Mass Air Flow Senor my self. I changed the tranny fluid and filter. It ran REALLY WELL for about 10 minutes, then back to the same. (synthetic fluid)
Also the air bag light is flashing?
Anyone who can help please reply. I really don't want to have to get a new transmission or have mine rebuilt.
NoXferCase
05-17-2004, 09:30 AM
My 96 transmission is acting up... <snip>
Anyone who can help please reply. I really don't want to have to get a new transmission or have mine rebuilt.
There have been quite a few posts about transmissions in the past couple of months. I, too, have had problems with my '96s tranny.
The common symptoms seem to be rough shifts, and flashing O/D light. The DPFE is probably a separate problem (my Check Engine light come on due to Excess EGR flow within the last year) The Air Bag light shouldn't be related at all!
I have two thoughts about this. First, (but not necessarily any more likely) would be the computer. You've got lots of (I believe unrelated) lights going off and the vehicle is acting strange. It COULD be the computer.
Second, and assuming you DO actually have a tranny problem (which I do), just changing the fluid isn't enough. (The fact that it worked OK for a few minutes I believe bears me out) Some shops that have the equipment can do a transmission FLUSH. The difference is they circulate clean fluid under pressure through the system for 10 or 15 minutes. Then they drain that and put in brand new fluid. I had that done and the difference was amazing. I won't say it's as good as new, but it's a LOT better.
In your case, you may already be half-way there. If you don't want to spend the money (mine cost about $65) just drop your pan again and change the fluid and filter a second time. That SHOULD accomplish pretty much the same thing.
:2cents: My own personal theory about Explorer transmissions (at least the '96s) is that they shift too gently. If you have a heavy foot (like me) the clutches "slip" excessively during hard acceleration because the transmission just won't get it into the next gear. Most likely in both our situations the damage is already done. The two options I can think of are; learn to let up (or completely off) when you reach the shift point. Or, go out and buy yourself an aftermarket chip with harder shift points. If (actually WHEN) I end up replacing my tranny I will make that second change. Until then I'm just going to baby it and make it last as long as I can.
Your mileage may vary....
Anyone who can help please reply. I really don't want to have to get a new transmission or have mine rebuilt.
There have been quite a few posts about transmissions in the past couple of months. I, too, have had problems with my '96s tranny.
The common symptoms seem to be rough shifts, and flashing O/D light. The DPFE is probably a separate problem (my Check Engine light come on due to Excess EGR flow within the last year) The Air Bag light shouldn't be related at all!
I have two thoughts about this. First, (but not necessarily any more likely) would be the computer. You've got lots of (I believe unrelated) lights going off and the vehicle is acting strange. It COULD be the computer.
Second, and assuming you DO actually have a tranny problem (which I do), just changing the fluid isn't enough. (The fact that it worked OK for a few minutes I believe bears me out) Some shops that have the equipment can do a transmission FLUSH. The difference is they circulate clean fluid under pressure through the system for 10 or 15 minutes. Then they drain that and put in brand new fluid. I had that done and the difference was amazing. I won't say it's as good as new, but it's a LOT better.
In your case, you may already be half-way there. If you don't want to spend the money (mine cost about $65) just drop your pan again and change the fluid and filter a second time. That SHOULD accomplish pretty much the same thing.
:2cents: My own personal theory about Explorer transmissions (at least the '96s) is that they shift too gently. If you have a heavy foot (like me) the clutches "slip" excessively during hard acceleration because the transmission just won't get it into the next gear. Most likely in both our situations the damage is already done. The two options I can think of are; learn to let up (or completely off) when you reach the shift point. Or, go out and buy yourself an aftermarket chip with harder shift points. If (actually WHEN) I end up replacing my tranny I will make that second change. Until then I'm just going to baby it and make it last as long as I can.
Your mileage may vary....
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