2002 explorer xlt - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

cjbergeron13 · 10-02-2007, 11:42

Hi all.....new member that just wanted to say hi and ask two quick questions.

I've heard some nasty things about the transmissions in explorers and was wondering what I should be looking for when driving the explorer home from the dealer? Since its a used vehicle the state (MA) only requires a 30 day warranty on vehicles purchased from a used car dealer, and with the luck I have the tranny would go on day 31.

Also for those of you that live in MA, who do you reccomend to look at the tranny to make sure it is in good shape? (Preferably someone in central MA)

KU40 · 10-03-2007, 11:14

make sure it kicks into gear right away when you shift into reverse, drive, etc, and make sure it shifts smoothly in drive (no hesitation or flares). and check the fluid, make sure it doesn't smell, isn't a bad color, and is full.

NCVinVT · 10-04-2007, 17:59

Ditto about checking for symptoms, but there's no transmission dipstick on the 2002 XLT, at least not on the one hooked to a V8 - so you cannot check the fluid that way. If you haven't commited to the purchase - don't do the deal. I can give you 3800 reasons from my experience as an original owner of a 2002 XLT.

cjbergeron13 · 10-06-2007, 17:07

I've had it for two days and it seems to be shifting fine. I'll have to check the fluid when i get a chance. Are there any other things that I should be looking for even if its not transmission related?

p.s. thanks for the help so far.

NCVinVT · 10-07-2007, 11:03

Problematic areas for 2002 Explorer in addition to a weak transmission: differential, wheel bearings (all 4 wheels) and undersized rear brakes wearing out prematurely. Also the piece of body trim just below the rear window called the applique, tends to crack vertically in the middle with temperatire changes - cosmetic only.