Transmission problem - finally after 482,000 miles!!!

[many miles]

I have a '94 Explorer XLT 4 dr - automatic transmission - that has 482,000 miles on it. The only things I've had to have fixed so far have been the O2 sensor and brakes - the ABS Pump went out, but I can drive w/out ABS! Well, my transmission is finally starting to act up. I've been told that the alternator & trans. usually go out @ around 100,000 miles. The tranny is starting to slip a little while in gear - the rpm's will go up, but it's like it's in neutral. Then it will catch and everything's ok. This happens a few times a day. What do I need to do about it? Also, my check engine light is on, so I figure it's probably time for the o2 sensor to go again . . . I can't really complain too much, it had 92,000 miles on it when I bought it in '97.

[skamxxiii]

did u check the tranny fluid

[many miles]

yeah, checked that as soon as it started messing up - i've been told it's either gonna be the modulator or the whole shebang. it's not worth the amount of money they want to do a total overhaul . . .$1400 . . . i'm hoping it will only be the modulator.

[molehole]

482,000 miles and the first time the trans has acted up? HOLY CRAP!! Thats phenomenal. That thiong should be in the Smithsonian for highest mileage cars! Anyway, my modulator went on mine around a 100,000 and was doing what you said but it was burning the transmission fluid through the oil and out the exhaust. Mosulators are a very common problem on the explorer. I would recommend trying the transmission additive LUCAS. My trans started to act a little crazy and shift at weird points. I guess some valves were sticking but it fixed it. Well worth it for 7-10$$
Good Luck!

[ec437]

I don't want to believe you lol. Ford explorers are absolutely HORRENDOUS when it comes to transmissions. Ours went through 4 of them and 2 rebuilds in under 200,000 miles.

[many miles]

So far we have not taken it to the man . . . we just got my husband's truck fixed - distributer problem '85 Chevy silverado - and are waiting til next week. Will post again after then . . . hopefully (we're praying) it's only the modulator . . . we'll see!