98 Explorer problems - LOTS!!!

So many problems - I really need some advice! Sorry for the long post.

#1 - Transmission - I dunno what the freak the problem is, but sometimes it takes too long to shift, sometimes it shifts too early. I've had the transmission flushed/cleaned twice now and after about 2 weeks it starts back up. Is my transmission just shot?

#2 - Stupid auto door locks - My driver side door doesn't unlock anymore, with the remote, the unlock button on the door, or even the code (I don't have a key that unlocks the door). It only opens if you're on the inside and you keep pulling the handle. How can I fix this? I'm a little tired of having to either crawl through the passenger side or even through the back hatch sometimes.

#3 - Lights? - Three of my dash lights are blown out. Its not the lights behind the needle, its the smaller ones that light up behind the numbers (speed & tach). The display for my radio doesn't light up anymore either.

#4 - Heat/AC - The temp swich does absolutely nothing. My truck only blows out heat unless the fan is turned to max A/C.

#5 - 4WD - Last winter I had to use my 4WD Low. When I went to turn it back to the Auto, (which I had compeletly stoped when I went to change it back over) and I started to drive, it wouldn't get out of the low gear. So I tried going in reverse for a few feet (that always worked in my jeep) but that didn't work either. So I had to drive about 10 minutes, going 10mph down the road and finally it switched over to auto. There wasn't a loud bang or nothing, it just all of a sudden worked.

#6 - Brakes? - Everytime I stop, my truck makes a little "bump" noise (kind of like I'm hitting a little curb or something). The brakes were just replaced 2 years ago and I had my step-dad look at them and he said there is nothing wrong with the brakes, cv joints, or anything in that region. could that be resulting from the transmission?

I really appreciate any advice and I appologize for this being so long.

first off you might have to have the tranny checked at a shop that deals with them but don't let the fill you head with junk it might be as simple as a transmition modulator valve.
The brake problem sounds like you have a ball joint
going bad you can tell that real easy by jacking up the truck and seeing if there is any slack or play in the tire when you shake it up and down by hand
as far as the door locks and dash lights i will have to look it up and see if i can find anything. a haynes manual will be a great help to you you can go to your parts store and tell the what type of truck you have and they should be able to get the book for you.

Mandygirl...
Reference your auto door locks, I've recently experienced a similar problem. Prior to my situation, I had the key jam in the keyhole and had to pull somewhat aggresively in order to get it out. Upon close investigation, I realized that a spring had broken in the lock mechanism causing the problem. For approximately $60 Cdn, I replaced the unit and ultimately rectified my problem. You could get away with just replacing the spring...probably for just a couple of bucks...however the frustartion with reinstalling the spring may very well exceed the cost of a unit replacement. I did this job myself without any special tools and within an hour.

Good luck....

Pete

I had the exact same door lock problem on my 98 explorer. It was caused by the electric lock mechanism in the door. When it completely breaks you will not be able to unlock the door even manually from the inside. I know this sounds weird (welcome to the Ford Explorer) but after I had this replaced the problem was fixed.

Also the lights behind the gauge can be replaced by taking out the instrument cluster. It won't come out without dropping down the steering wheel. (See the Haynes manual)

Your temp control operates a flap in your blower box. If you squeeze the glove box sides it will swing down and you will see a small plug in the upper/ left area (behind the glove box). If this plug (or the connecter behind the temp control) comes loose, you will have no temp control. It is possible (but not easy) to take this module out and repair it. There is a small electric motor in it that may have come unplugged or needs to be replaced. The electric motor opens and closes the flap inside the blower box. I had to fix mine when I accidentally broke it removing my dash.