NCVinVT

2002 Explorer XLT, V8. 104,047 original owner miles

Transmission problem symptoms for about 20 miles before tow to dealer:
late upshifts - engine at 3,000 rpm and holding there even under light acceleration or no acceleration at all for many seconds before it finally upshifts. Then jerky up-shifts.

Overdrive light flashing rapidly.

Ford dealer service advisor says they pulled codes for “slipping” and when they dropped pan found metal shavings indicating internal damage. They don't want to do any further diagnosis and tell me that an in-shop tear down and rebuild would cost same as installing a factory rebuilt transmission but a factory rebuilt comes with a 3 year 75,000 warranty. Estimate is $2820 for the rebuilt transmission; $700 - 800 labor. Will take about 1 week.

Questions:

1. Does the diagnosis seem on the up and up? I don't want to buy the full boat if it's really just something like a solenoid or computer module, but they got the rig and the computer and I'm not a mechanic. I know these 2002-2004 tranmissions have a lousy reputation, but this rig has been well-maintained and never abused or driven with a heavy foot. Last trans service and flush / change was done at this dealer 10,000 miles ago.

2. Why would Ford give a better warranty on a rebuilt than they do with the original rig ( 3 years, 36,000 miles)?

3. Does the price for the factory rebuilt route sound right?

4. Any other suggestions? I'd ditch the thing but it's worth zip in its present condition.

 

Johnny Mullet

2002-2004 trannys are scrap metal hand grenades! Replace the entire unit with a reman to be safe.

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NCVinVT

End of story: 3 days of free loaner car; $3800 for rebuilt transmission, new oil cooler. 3 year 75,000 warranty.

DasCar

I had this same issue and same symptoms. I had AAMCO rebuild it. It was only $2000, and I have the same guarantee. If anyone reading this has AAMCO in the neighborhood, they are worth a quote. The Ford dealer was sending their cores to him for rebuilds.

Ted 66

I love my 5 speed manual. Now if I could just get the #*&%ing brakes to work right!

kaboom10

I got a quote to have my trans rebuilt and modified with upgrade parts for under $2 grand out the door. It is a MultiState transmission shop that has done quite a bit of work for me.

bschwa74

Mine was doing the same thing and had to install a used tranny from a wrecked Explorer. Ford had one type of trannys they used in Explorers and Taurus that are known for being junk. Best thing is to just replace the tranny but follow others advice and look around for best price.

Fixorrepairdly

Same here. mr ford just screwed my kids summer vacation 2 days ago. 102k miles, tranny had to be rebuilt. cost $2117 at the tranny shop. got a 2 yr/24k warranty to boot with it..