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Marking a new era for Sports Utility Vehicles, the 2002 Ford Explorer remains better for rough terrains and off-road usage. Nevertheless, the 2002 Ford Explorer shown that SUVs can be handy for daily purposes, while possessing some fantastic features, including a 5-speed automatic transmission which turned out to be not so durable.  The Transmission used on the 2002 Ford Explorer still had some Common Transmission Problems.

 

2002 Ford Explorer Transmission Models

The 2002 Ford Explorer comes in two variants. The first variant was a 4.6-liter V-type featuring eight cylinders while the second variant occurs in a 4.0-liter V-6. Both models are made available in either a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission. The Ford Explorer presently uses:

5R55N Transmission

5R55S Transmission

5R55W Transmission.

These Transmission models come in both 2 and 4-wheel drive Explorers. Nonetheless, they are not without problems.

 

2002 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems

Below are the most common 2002 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems.

 

Failed Solenoid Symptoms on 2002 Ford Explorer

Failure in solenoid is amongst the most common 2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems. The solenoids are in charge of controlling several functions inside the transmission. These small plungers like devices are controlled by your vehicle’s computer to change gears and route pressurized transmission fluid. The processor activates the solenoids through electrical charge sent through a wire coil wrapped around the plunger tool.

Heat and vibration cause short out in these wires, which lead to a variety of transmission problems. After a few thousand miles, the 2002 Ford Explorer starts by displaying problems with its solenoids (5R55W only).

 

Solenoids failure includes symptoms of no gears shifting and improper function of the torque converter.

 

How to Fix Solenoid Problems on 2002 Ford Explorer

To check your solenoids functionality, use an ohmmeter connected to the two wires from the solenoid. Readings of 20-30 ohms indicate proper functioning. Anything less or above may lead to your solenoid not to function correctly. Replacement of solenoid is not costly but can turn out to be dangerous if it fails while driving. If you experience any terrible transmission symptoms or solenoid Failure with your 5R55W model transmission, it is best to contact your local mechanic quickly to perform transmission troubleshooting before the problem worsens.

 

Flashing Overdrive Light

Another common problem linked with the 2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems or the 5R55W transmission is the Flashing Overdrive Light. The bad transmission symptoms of this problem include giving an error code directed at solenoid failure.

How to Fix: Replacing the solenoid was reported to solve the transmission locking up. In such scenarios, rebuilding the transmission becomes necessary.

Harsh Gear Shifting

Harsh gear shifting is also another transmission problem found in the 2002 Ford Explorer and the 5R55W transmission. The bad transmission symptoms associated with this problem include shudder and vibration while accelerating or when the gears shift down. Some 2002 Ford Explorer models may experience slipping between the 2-3 shift or a complete loss of the 3rd gear. This transmission problem is more likely caused by a broken intermediate band, which may trigger P0733 and P0745 diagnostic trouble codes.

How to Fix: Fixing this problem requires replacing both intermediate and OD bands, alongside the pistons. When performing the transmission troubleshooting, the direct clutch drum should be checked for damages as well.

 

Transmission Overheating

Another known 2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems are overheating. The bad transmission symptoms of this problem include randomly overheat even where being used as stated.

How to Fix: Installing aftermarket transmission cooler possibly would resolve this problem, even though it points back to a defect in the original design. It is best to contact your local mechanic quickly to perform transmission troubleshooting before the problem worsens.

 

Transmission Control Indicator Lamp (TCIL)

The 2002 Ford Explorer models might also experience a problem with TCIL flashes for various DTC / diagnostic trouble codes when running a self-test. This transmission problem develops when water seeps through the body connector of the transmission solenoid.

How to Fix: For TCIL flashes, the transmission wiring harness should be replaced with an updated part by your local mechanic.

 

WHat is the Best Approach to Solving Ford Explorer Transmission Problems?

Method 1: Getting a Used Transmission for your Ford Explorer.

The fastest way to repair your 2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems is to purchase a used transmission. Used transmissions are usually on sale in most junkyards. They often come with warranties. The problem with this method is there is no way to determine its actual condition, and the warranty only covers the purchase, not the labor costs.

Method 2: Rebuilding your Ford Explorer Transmission

The rebuilding option for transmission requires a repair shop to remove your transmission and install several new parts during the process. The problem with this method is that it is highly dependent on the skills and experience of your transmission rebuilder.  A warranty of 1 to 2 years may keep you covered at certain repair shops.

Method 3: Getting Remanufactured Ford Explorer Transmission

Several car owners are dependent on their vehicle to commute daily. Most gasoline engines are intended to go past 100’s of thousands of miles, so it is okay to invest a little more in getting a Remanufactured Ford Explorer Transmission.

 

Conclusion

Getting a basic understanding of your SUV’s transmissions is a bit of advice which works for everyone as it helps you save more regarding avoiding costly inspections and doing a simple task like changing transmission fluid.

It is imperative to care for your Ford Explorer by performing regular maintenance. Most transmission issues are known to start small. So quick detection is always the best. Transmission problems, repairs or replacements can be challenging, troublesome, and costly. Thus, the best advice remains to give special consideration to any car activities that seem uncommon.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About 2002 Ford Explorer Most Common Transmission Problems

Is it okay to drive a Ford Explorer with transmission problem?

Driving a car with transmission problems is not always a good option, and it is mainly dependent on the bad transmission symptoms. Continuous driving of a Ford Explorer with a transmission problem could result in more damages and expensive repairs.

How is transmission replaced in Ford Explorer?

Your Ford Explorer transmission is first lifted from the ground to gain access to all parts and for proper unbolting. After which the car is put down for a new transmission installation.

How often does Ford Explorer transmission need repairs/replacement?

Ford Explorer transmission repairs/replacement is mainly dependent on your maintenance level. On an average, between 80,000-180,000 miles. A high-quality transmission replacement can last longer if all flaws are correctly solved.

What is the best way to diagnose Ford Explorer transmission problems?

Using the right tools and experience from a certified mechanic/transmission repair center will be able to detect any diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s). Once discovered, visual inspection can be performed to verify such problem.

2014 Ford Focus Most Common Transmission Problems and How to Fix Them

The 2014 Ford Focus is, at its best, a beautiful concept. Although they are still arguments over its competence, the Ford Focus shows some great strength in areas like customer service, economy, performance, reliability, and warranty. Although it drives rather smoothly like an automatic, the Ford Focus comes with a dual-clutch transmission. The dual-clutch transmission is a pretty neat theory.

 

2014 Ford Focus Transmission

It always begins with great joy in having your car back on the road. The Ford Focus comes with:

4F27E Transmission.

DPS6 Automatic Transmission.

 

Below are the most common 2014 ford focus Transmission Problems and possible fix to apply in getting your car back to life.

 

2014 Ford Focus Transmission Problems

Do you observe something wrong with your Ford Focus transmission? Below are some of the most Common Transmission Problems associated with the 2014 ford focus and How to Fix Them.

 

How to Fix Solenoid Problems on 2014 Ford Focus

Failure in solenoid is amongst the most common transmission problems faced by the Ford Focus model. The solenoid in Ford Focus is little like devices used by the car’s computer in changing gears and routing pressurized transmission fluid. The process of activating the solenoids in your car involves the car’s computer sends out active electric signals though wrapped wire coil carefully packed around the plunger device. Heating and vibration are the known bad transmission symptoms of Failure in Solenoid.  Both symptoms cause these wires to short out, which leads to a variety of transmission problems.

How to Fix: To check your solenoids functionality, use an ohmmeter connected to the two wires from the solenoid. Readings of 20-30 ohms indicate proper functioning. Anything less or above may lead to your solenoid not to function correctly.

 

Transmission Clutch Shudder

The 2014 Ford Focus comes installed with Ford dual-clutch transmission (DPS6). Sometimes, distinct clutch shudders during transmission are experienced during little acceleration, whether there is fluid leakage surrounding the clutch housing or not. These transmission problems can be due to defective input shaft seals which permit the seeping of fluid and affect the clutch surface.

How to Fix: The input shaft seals require replacement. Also dependent on the level of damages experienced, another clutch assembly might become necessary. Nevertheless, there is a little possibility cleaning and reinstalling the clutch would solve this problem.

 

Clutch Contamination

In line with the problem in the first case, if repairs are not correctly in place, it may lead to clutch contamination during repair. This issue could arise again since swelling and rupture may follow with new input shaft seals.

How to Fix: The accepted solution for this 2014 Ford Focus Transmission Problems is to apply brake cleaner in cleaning both the clutch assembly and bell housing. But, if there is no sufficient time for drying parts completely before installation, swelling and rupture could still be experienced with newer input shaft seals if they make contact with cleaning solvent.

 

Light Shudder During Shifts

After replacement of dual clutch assembly, it is not unusual to get a light shudder when shifting gears. These bad transmission symptoms are from the friction of clutch materials which needs a break in time of 1,000 miles.

How to Fix: Except there is noticeable fluid leakage, the clutch assembly would be needing no new replacement.  In its place, ask your technician to reset the clutch travel by running the Adaptive Learning program from Service Routine Transmission on your Ford Focus.

 

Other Bad Transmission Symptoms

For other bad transmission symptoms that may come up with your 2014 Ford Focus, it is essential to detect and fix them. Some bad transmission symptoms may include delayed/ broken gear engagement, hard start, no crank/start, strange noise when starting your car, and several other diagnostic worry codes.

How to Fix: Before executing standard diagnostics, it is highly suggested to perform checks on the G-104 ground initially. This check is done to ensure enough body to ground connection is available. If you observe a loose eyelet, apply 12 Nm torque to the fastener. If no other issues are in sight, proceed with the standard diagnostic techniques.

 

Conclusion

Getting a basic understanding of your car’s transmissions is highly recommended as it aid getting a better knowledge of your vehicle as well as saving more regarding avoiding costly inspections and accomplishing a simple task like changing transmission fluid.

It is imperative to care for your Ford Focus with the steady maintenance schedule. Most transmission problems usually start small, so early detection are always the best. Transmission problems, repairs or replacements can be demanding, inconvenient, and typically cost. Thus, the best advice remains to pay special attention to any car activities that seem uncommon.

 

What is the Cost of Ford Focus Transmission Repairs?

In general, dependent on the make and model of your car, a remanufactured transmission would cost around $1,300 to $3,400. The labor cost to make such installation create an addition to the overall pricing of the unit. The labor cost usually runs from $400 to $800.

It is more expensive to perform transmission replacement than to have your transmission rebuilt.

 

Most Common FAQs for Ford Focus Transmission Repairs

Do you find it safe to drive a Ford Focus with transmission problem?

Usually, driving a car with transmission problems is not always recommended, as it is mainly dependent on the bad transmission symptoms you are experiencing at that moment. Having to drive of a Ford Focus with a transmission problem, can lead to more damages and costly repairs in the long run.

How is transmission replaced in Ford Focus?

Your Ford Focus transmission is first lifted from the ground to gain access to all parts and for proper unbolting. After which your car is placed low for a new transmission installation. Once the new transmission is in place, your vehicle needs to be reflashed/reprogrammed using updated GM subscription to accept this changes.

How often is repaired/replacement needed for Ford Focus transmission?

The Ford Focus transmission repairs/replacement is primarily reliant on your maintenance level and record. A recommendation from an average record is 80,000 to 180,000 miles. If you have a high-quality transmission replacement, they might turn out to last longer if all flaws get proper fixing.

What is the best approach to diagnosing my Ford Focus transmission problems?

Applying the right tools and experience from the right mechanic/transmission repair center will be able to detect any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s). Once identified, visual inspection can be done to validate such glitches.