Tranny clunk and AC problems - Ford Forums

KU40 · 06-26-2007, 17:34

I have a '98 Explorer 4.0L V6. Usually when I slow down to stop, like at a red light, the tranny will give a bit of a clunk sound at about 5 mph. I assume this is when it shifts into neutral. Could that be a torque converter clutch, or what do you think?

The second issue is the AC, which just doesn't get very cold. The normal AC is just cool enough to keep the sweat off you but isn't very comfortable. I usually put it on max and after about 10 minutes it's cycled through enough to get the air in the truck somewhat comfortable, though it's still not cold. I know AC problems are really hard to diagnose in a forum because you don't know if there's a leak, but I assume it still has at least some coolant in there if it's getting a little bit cool, just not cold. But I didn't know if there was something that might restrict the total cold effects of the system from working on the air or what.

thanks in advance

GJSmackdown · 06-26-2007, 17:48

I had both the same issues with my 95 Explorer.

Tranny-most likely shot. If you take it to anyone they will probably tell you the same. I had a Jasper Trans. put in. 3yr 36,000 mile warranty. Any problems I dont pay a dime.

AC-Leak in your system somewhere. Only way to find it would be to have a tech look at it and go from there. Mine was doing what you described and I had a leak in the bottom of the AC Accumulator.($96 from Ford) Total was $336.00 to diagnois the problem, labor, parts, and recharge.

KU40 · 06-26-2007, 19:51

All I hear is everybody getting a new tranny (rebuilt or new, whichever). Doesn't anybody just fix the problem anymore?

Johnny Mullet · 06-26-2007, 20:23

That noise or clunk could also be a bad U-Joint in the driveshaft.

KU40 · 06-26-2007, 20:25

hmm, I like that answer a lot better. What's the way to tell, since I can't be under my car when I'm stopping to see if that's where the noise is coming from?

Johnny Mullet · 06-27-2007, 06:44

Block the front wheels and jack up the rear end so both wheels are off the ground and use jack-stands to safely hold it.

Crawl under and grab the shaft at each joint and check for looseness and play.

KU40 · 06-27-2007, 07:13

awesome, thanks. Though I may take my car in this week or saturday for a mechanic to check my AC, so I spose I could have them check the U-Joints as well since I live in an apartment and don't have stands.

KU40 · 06-29-2007, 22:00

Well they put in a bit of freon in the AC today but they couldn't find a leak. I suppose that's nicer on the bank account. but they found out that the clunk is actually my rearend (apparently my ears don't work so well when trying to pinpoint the location of noises when I'm sticking my head out the window as I'm driving) and is because the gears have a little play in them. quoted me about 700 for a new one. yikes, guess I'll just ride her till she totally gives out, which hopefully won't be too soon.