Originally Posted by mtripp

I too have a 02 MM. I was told yesterday that my entire transmission needs to be replaced because there is a grove in the aluminum transmission case that cannot be repaired. This was diagnosed through a test drive and the mechanics 'past experience'. The transmission was not pulled apart to diagnose this problem. The dealership also mentioned the servo cover cast into the transmission case as part of the problem. They want to charge me $4000 to fix and replace the transmission.

I understand that Ford is fixing transmission on 04 Explorers and Mountaineers because the solenoid is not working properly with the transmission fluid that was installed during the manufacturing process. For more details, go to http://forums.carreview.com/showthread.php?t=1020

Can anyone tell me if these two situations are related? I'm not a mechanic, don't know much about cars, and I'm not going to just drop $4000 on a vehicle that is 3.5 years old with 70,000 miles. I don't know what to do next, other than rent a car. Thanks!