Another transmission problem

Howdy all. I just spent a good while going through the transmission problems possible for my 94 Explorer.

I have 163k+ miles on my explorer. I am on my 3rd tranny (2nd that I paid for). 1st one had the front seal go out while travelling and ruined it in the process = $1600. 2nd had OD go out and further testing showed metal pieces throughout. Got smart and got the extended warranty on the 2nd one = $1800.

Now I lost OD again! both happened in the same time of year (January), 2 yrs apart. Is there something else that might be causing the problem? How would the cold affect it? I live in east central Ohio and both times the temp. was near 0*. I park on the street, so it is always in the weather. #1 was after a week of being parked. This time I have been driving it everyday several times. I did check the fluid on level ground after it was warmed up. Fluid level was OK and red.

The transmission shop I used is very reputable and highly recommended. They said this Ford transmission has a problem of going bad. From what I read I am not the first to have a problem.

Thanks for your help and suggestions!

After fixing the problem....go and buy red line transmission fluid and add an additive...like prolong or something to the tranny... regular oil sucks in the cold if red line tranny fluid is not made for the cold temp.. just ad prolong tranny additive..... I tested prolong in the engine....ran that car for 1 month after putting the prolong additive then draining the oil.... so I drove to work and back for a month with out oil ....none.... untill the car finally broke

Ok I will look into that. One question though, is RED LINE the manufacture?

I did remember one difference from the last time this happened. I lost the top gear as well as the OD. This time it is just OD.

I am taking it in Monday to get it checked and to have the solinoid replaced. When I stopped teh other day they said that teh OD is the only electrical part to the transmission. The other gears work by mechanical means to shift.



ran that car for 1 month after putting the prolong additive then draining the oil.... so I drove to work and back for a month with out oil ....none.... untill the car finally broke

I will not do the extreme test that you did though cdk001.

I will let you know how it comes out. Thanks

Well I found out what it was. There is a converter gear that went bad. They said it was dropped sometime before they received it and it caused, over time, all the teeth to break off.

Can you tell me more about this. I have a 92 that does not have overdrive. The transmission is basically new (about 2 years ago) but has less than 1000 miles on it. I am going to start to drive more and would like to keep my engine rpm lower. Right now I an at about 2800 at 55 would like to have OD back.

Without OD I tach at about 2800rpm with OD I tach at 1800rpm. Deffinately better gas mileage too.

I have a 92 that does not have overdrive.......would like to have OD back

Did you loose it or does that year not have it?

The transmission is basically new (about 2 years ago) but has less than 1000 miles on it.

I guess you don't drive it much! Highway or city driving? for Highway, OD would make it much better.

As I said in my original post, this is the 2nd tranny I have put in this vehicle. I would suggest that is the shop offers any kind of warrenty be sure to get it. Mine offerd 3 total years and I am putting it to use!! best $250 I spent.