2002 Transmission Slipping

2002 Explorer 78k: I've read alot of problems regarding the 2002 transmission, but mine seems to be slightly different. Never experienced any problems and drove 100+ highway miles yesterday. Today, taking off from a stop on an uphill grade the transmission began slipping between 1st and 2nd gear shift. Engine would rev until letting off the gas and then everthing would function normally. It seems the slipping only occurs under heavy load and not when transmission has been shifted manually into 1st (not Drive). Transmission oil has not been changed to my knowledge and there is no way to check level. Could dirty or low oil level be causing these problems, or should I start saving my money?

Do you know if your Explorer has the 5-speed automatic transmission? If so, see if the recall service was performed. It involves having an additive added to the transmission fluid to prevent the shift solenoids from sticking. Unfortunately, if the solenoids are already sticking, they need to be replaced and new fluid with the additive installed.

I don't guarantee that your 2002 would be covered by this, but I know other Fords with the 5R55S transmission were affected.

-Rod