The 2002 Explorer is a Sports Utility Vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Its launch marked a new era for SUV vehicles since they were only preferred for use on rough terrains and off-road. However, the Explorer proved that SUVs can be useful for everyday purposes, making it one of the popular vehicles that year.
The 2002 Ford Explorer was introduced in two variants. The first version was the 4.6-liter V-type with eight cylinders and the second version was the 4.0-liter V-6. Both these models were available in either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Although the Explorer boasted incredible features, the 5-speed automatic transmission was not very durable. There are three major problems with the 5R55W transmission.
(Twin Transmission is known as The Transmission King in Charlotte NC. If you have any problems with your transmission, please contact us at 704-821-3460.)
1) Flashing Over-Drive Light
One of the most common problems associated with the 5R55W transmission that was used in the 2002 Ford Explorer is of the flashing over-drive light. The flashing OD light gave an error code that pointed to a solenoid failure. However, once the solenoid was replaced, there were reports of the transmission locking up. In such a case, the transmission had to be rebuilt.
2) Transmission Overheating and Harsh Gear Shifting
Another common issue with the Explorer’s transmission was overheating. It would randomly overheat even if it was being used as specified. An aftermarket transmission cooler could be installed to resolve this failure, but this pointed towards a defect in the original design. Harsh gear shifting was also noticed in the 5R55W. The transmission would shudder and vibrate when the gears would shift down and at times while accelerating.
3) Failure of the Solenoid
Solenoids are responsible for controlling various functions within the automatic transmission. The Explorer started displaying problems with its solenoids in the 5R55W at only a few thousand miles. If the solenoids did fail, the transmission would not shift gears and the torque converter wouldn’t operate. Although replacing the solenoid is not as expensive, it can be dangerous if it fails while driving on the highway.
If you do have a transmission failure or are experiencing such problems with your 5R55W model transmission, it is best to contact a us immediately before a problem worsens or damages more of the vehicle.
My 2002 explorer xlt. 4.0 tranny slips in 3rd and drive have to let off gas and hope that it goes in gear once more to get us home
Hello my 2002 explorer 4.0 liter 5 speed automatic transmission 4×4 just quit working no warning everything was fine with it I went out and started it up and went to leave and when I put it in gear nothing it acts like its in neutral in all gears except for park it works fine there was no codes that came up on it at all what could it be there is no line pressure I was thinking maybe the selinoid in the pump is stuck open other than that I’m clue less so please any help will be greatly appreciated
Replace solenoid
and updated servo bores done properly.l
Had transmission changed but in drive locks up what is that
2002 Ford Explorer. Worked perfectly with no problems. Two days ago the Overdrive OFF started flashing. All gears work, high gear or overdrive also works, but from 3-rd to 4-th gear the gear change is harsh.
You can feel it through the body of the car.
My transmission did all threw an is at tha shop right now and it has been two weeks now not very happy.
My ‘02 explorer 4×4 4.0 ltr. Auto trans. All of a sudden will not ingage Reverse gear or Over drive gear. It does ingage 3rd gear and it drives but it shifts in 3rd harshly. Can anyone help me with what the problem is??
My 02 explorer slips in first and reverse and hard shifts sometimes when i first start driving it but once ive drove it for 10 to 20 mins it doesnt do it nearly as bad but on a start i have to excessively push the gas to get into 1st and reverse ! Is the fluid low or is it this trans ?? This model has no damn dipstic to check it either , how stupid. I also have a 96 explorer 4.0 without any of these issues
I have a 2002explorer transmission has been working fine until 3weeks ago OD lite was flashing and went off.It came back on within a week and had to get towed,changed filter and fluid.will not move any direction. I am going to replace solenoid unit and hopefully it’ will work ,if not I am scrapping it .Hope I am not waisting more time and money