2002 Ford Explorer Transmission

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Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKS, Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ (2010-Present) 2009–present 6F35 —6-speed transaxle, Van Dyke Transmission Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, Ford Focus, Ford C-Max, Ford Kuga (in the Focus, C-Max and Kuga it is used with the 1.5 L4 Ecoboost. Ford Explorer 5R55W Transmission 2002, Automatic Transmission Overhaul Kit by Pioneer Automotive®. Designed utilizing the latest technology, this product by Pioneer Automotive features premium quality and will perform better than. Made to deliver reliable service for a long time Rugged construction to withstand harsh conditions $227.65.

Ford Explorer 5R55W Transmission 2002, Automatic Transmission Overhaul Kit by Pioneer Automotive®. Designed utilizing the latest technology, this product by Pioneer Automotive features premium quality and will perform better than. Made to deliver reliable service for a long time Rugged construction to withstand harsh conditions $227.65.

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.

2002 Ford Explorer Transmission

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.

43 problems related to transmission solenoid have been reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2002 Explorer.

Failure Date: 11/28/2015

Started with flashing of light went to check engine light code p0775 transmission control solenoid b. . . . From what I'm finding out this is just a symptom of the bigger problem the servo bore leaking and needing a brass sleeve insert fix. . . I think it's total crap I have to pay for a kit and find someone who will follow the proper refit procedures and pay them when Ford is well aware of this issue and should be forced into a recall retro fit. . . I am a 50 yr old disabled woman who can't afford to fix a problem the manufacturer should be dealing with. . . . The transmission is hazardous and can disengage from loss of pressure while driving. . .

Failure Date: 11/01/2015

The o/d light has started flashing and my check engine light came on, it is not shifting when it should be, going up to 5000 rpms, I have to take my foot off the pedal to try and get it to shift into 3rd. Sometimes it works, other times not so much. After doing a thorough search, I have found a ridiculous amount of complaints identical to mine, most with similar mileage (mine is at 162,000), with the problem being either the solenoid pack or the o/d servo. Some are lucky and have this replaced first, but others end up having to rebuild/replace the tranny. That is an expensive fix for what seems to be a very common problem, too expensive for most people who drive a vehicle that is this old. I am a single mother of two small children, I do not have the money to fix this or buy another vehicle.

Failure Date: 06/11/2014

Timing chain problems; back chain 'plastic' tensor broke and affected critically entire engine. Many people with the same problem. Transmission solenoid problems; shift rough from 1st to 2nd. Put new solenoid block, problem still there. Ford does not know what the problem is. Many people with the same problem.

Failure Date: 12/03/2013

The contact owns 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle came to a complete stop and the engine continued to revved up. The contact stated that as a result of the failure another vehicle rear ended her vehicle. A police report was filed. The driver and passenger sustained whiplash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission solenoid was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 179,000.

Failure Date: 08/06/2013

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the over-drive warning light illuminated as a message appeared stating to check the transmission. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer stated that the transmission had defective rings and bushings. The dealer also stated that the transmission solenoid block was leaking. The contact did not have any repairs performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 233,577. Kmj.

Failure Date: 04/15/2012

Vehicle transmission has suddenly quit at only 120,000 miles. Because of a code p0775 'pressure control solenoid'. Shopped the fix (which all repair shops say is very common on early 2000 Ford's) and it will need a $2500 rebuild. Did some online research and found more complaints on this than I can account for. I contacted Ford customer support line and was transferred to my local dealer. Local dealer said I fall outside of any customer appreciation programs and there is nothing they can do than fix it for me for $3200. With the amount of complaints on this issue along with the cracked tailgate that I see on all Ford Explorers I drive by, there should be some sort of forced recall.

Failure Date: 10/21/2011

Transmission (5r55) solenoid pack and servo both went out at same time servo is terrible design. There should be a recall from Ford on these problems on this transmission.

Failure Date: 02/17/2011

Going out of town driving on the highway in trafic at 65mph. O/d light started flashing on and off. Transmission started acting erratically and I felt that I lost 5th and 2nd gears. Shop ran diagnostic test and codes p0732, p0735 and p0775. Codes confirmed problems with 2nd and 5th gears and solenoid b malfunction.

Failure Date: 10/03/2010

I have an 02 Ford Explorer eb edition. Not too long ago, my od light began flashing and my transmission was hesitating. I was 1. 5 hrs from home at 9pm (Sunday). Called my husband, he made a couple of suggestions and I was able to make it home. Same problem occurred twice the next day (Monday). Contacted my Ford dealership and dropped the truck off for a solution to my problem. Was told it was a solenoid body going bad. Thought my truck would be repaired in a day, but they had my truck for the entire week. I rec. 'd a call on Friday of that week and was told that they had dropped the pan on my transmission and found a 'gear' laying in the pan. I was told I would need my transmission replaced. The following Monday, I took the truck back (as is) and took it to a transmission shop for a second opinion. A broken wiring harness in my steering column was diagnosed as the problem and it was repaired for $230. 88. I rec. 'd my truck back on a Thursday. It drove fine that day. I drove it out of town that Friday and returned home Saturday. Two weeks after this problem began, I left my home on a mid-Sunday morning and the problem started again with the flashing od light and a hesitant transmission. I was able to run my few errands and get back home. I, just like everyone else who has encountered this problem, thinks Ford should take responsibility. This is the first Ford I've ever owned and I, personally, don't want to get rid of my truck. I rec. 'd an exceptional deal on it and I truly believe it still has a lot of good left in it. I have no blame to place on my local Ford dealership or the transmission shop. The responsibility lies with Ford itself. A recall needs to be issued so that their dealerships can make the proper repairs to this vehicle. I have a 2yr daughter and I spend about 75% of my time in that vehicle with her. I need peace of mind that my vehicle is going to be there for me as I take care of it with proper service and maintenance. Thank you.

Failure Date: 05/04/2010

The overdrive light on my 2002 Ford Explorer is flashing (blinking) and the transmission is acting erratic. Shortly after buying this car(in 2003) a similar issue happened. I took it to a Ford shop. The mechanic requested the transmission be replaced. Ford denied the request & had the mechanic change only the solenoid(I believe for the 1st& 2nd gear?). Thankfully, this was under warranty. I've taken decent care of my transmission since in regards to maintenance. Now, this issue(or similar) is back. Before attempting to bring my car to Ford or another shop, I decided to check on the internet. . Read more...

Failure Date: 03/15/2010

I was driving home from work yesterday afternoon, and my o/d off light began flashing. I pressed the o/d off button to see if that was the problem, and it did not do anything. I noticed that the car began having trouble when trying to shift gears while accelerating. Once the car does shift into the correct gear there is a strong jerk. Once I got home, I turned the car off and back on to see if the light was still flashing. It was not at first, but after driving a mile or so, it begins flashing again. I took it back to the dealership since I purchased this car less than a month ago. They stated that the solenoid transmission pack needs to be replaced, and that the part alone will cost $860. My family is living on one income right now, so we do not have the money for costly car repairs, especially when this seems to be a common problem and should be recalled by Ford to fix.

Failure Date: 02/26/2010

2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems. We bought this truck in Jan of o4 with 40,000 miles on it. Around 50,000 it started shifting funny, like missing a shift and banging into gear. Went to dealer and had system flushed. Had computer reflashed around 80,000 miles and reverse solenoid replaced along with flushing again, wow what a shock on the racks was 2 other Explorer getting new transmissions. Shortly after the o/d light started flashing then went out. Now it came on again. Went to dealer they said without the light on they couldn't say what is wrong for sure. Might be a accumulator or band. Suggested it would be better to get a Ford remanufactured trans that has all the problems corrected. This would cost over 3,000. He told be to keep driving it till the light starts coming on regulary then come in. If my trans is sealed from the factory with no way to check or add fluid, which by the way is just stupid. And there have been articles that have said that Ford might have shipped the transmissions with the incorrect fluid. They need to man up and fix these problems. I have been a Ford owner for over 20 years and cant believe with all the problems they haven't been forced to recall this trans before it fails and kills someone. Or maybe that's what it will take.

Failure Date: 01/15/2010

2002 Ford Explorer transmission,4. 0 v6. Od light flashes, check engine light,. Transmission hesitates then clunks into gear. I took car to garage, had the solenoids replaced, fluid and filter. Still have same problem.

Failure Date: 12/11/2009

Driving down the highway at 72 mph going up a slight incline with my newborn twins and 2 year old in the back of my 2002 Ford Explorer. The car starts jerking and sputtering and goes completely into neutral. On the highway. Take it to my mechanic. . . Transmission shot. Per my mechanic, this is very very common with this year and model transmission and he said I am very lucky there wasn't more traffic and I was able to pull off to the side of the road. My truck is in the shop and has been there for almost a week, having a new solenoid pack and transmission rebuilt.

Failure Date: 10/14/2009

1. Repeated transmission problems. O/d light blinking, expensive service, repeats every 12 months or so. 2. Approximately every 12 months. The vehicle requires service each time. The service runs from $300 - $1100. 3a. 01/07/05 57,424 miles: o/d light lite. No code when serviced. Changed $88. 00. 3b. 02/02/09 159,777 miles: code p0796. O/d light blinks. Required service. Replace shift solenoid body, fluid and filter ($1,179. 85). 3c. 10/13/09 172,769 miles: o/d light blinks. Required service. Replaced servo. $366. 40. 3d. 10/14/2010 172,779: check engine light. Required service. O2 sensor was unplugged during previous service. $00. 00.

Failure Date: 09/25/2009

Driving down the road, o/d signal started to flash on and off. Now transmission is slow and hard shifting. We replaced the pressure switch solenoid and changed transmission filter and fluid. We had it put on a computer to see what the problem was and that it what it said, pressure sensor solenoid. Spent almost $400. And it didn't work. It has 73,000 miles on it.

Failure Date: 07/26/2009

Faulty transmission. Was replaced at 58,049 miles with a re-manufactured one direct from Ford. 85,374 miles and it needs to be replaced again. Less than 20 days after the three year warranty, but mileage is still under. This made a loud grinding noise, and was dangerous when driving in traffic on the interstate. I have two small children that ride in this vehicle and do not appreciate that this has been a known issue with this vehicle model year, there is a part of the solenoid that could literally blow a hole in the transmission, which could cause a vehicle fire, and nothing has been done to hold Ford accountable by our government. We want people to buy american, yet aren't holding the manufacturers accountable for the quality of the products they put out, nor will they themselves stand behind a known issue and make it right for the thousands of consumers that gave them our hard earned money and purchased from them. I've owned five other brands of vehicles, which had more mileage on all of them than I currently have on this vehicle, and never had issues with a transmission on any of them. You ask several questions below relating to fire, damage, crash, death or injuries. It is only a matter of time before a fire or crash occurs because of this issue. A faulty transmission could cause a serious accident in heavy traffic because of non-performance, not to mention that the noise it made was very scary and I'm lucky that noise alone did not cause me to lose focus and have an accident. The government just provided millions of dollars in 'bail-out' money to this company (again - consumer's hard earned money). Perhaps if they put out a higher quality product and stood behind it their sales would've been better and we wouldn't have to give them more money to keep selling us products that are not of the quality I expect from american made.

Failure Date: 05/29/2009

O/d off light flashing, find out solenoid pack needs to be replaced. Also needs all 4 ball joints replaced. Found out these are very common problems to 02 Explorers. Not sure if we will repair because it looks like we'll end up doing it again or the transmission will go out. We've already replaced rear end, window motor and have faded window panels and a cracked back panel on lift gate. Why is the gov't not addressing these problems. This was not a cheap car - why is it acceptable to have this many problems with a vehicle?.

Failure Date: 05/04/2009

My 2002 Ford Explorer has a transmission going bad. At the end of my 36,000 mile warranty I took it in to a Ford dealership who said since the vehicle just went over the warranty by less than a 1,000 miles that they would share in the cost of doing the work. It cost me approx. $700. For what I have since learned was a solenoid. Now, (70,000 miles later) I'm being told the transmission is bad and needs to be replaced.

Failure Date: 03/10/2009

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the transmission would slip between second and third gears. While shifting gears, the rpms would accelerate very high and the vehicle would jerk and perform as if it were in the neutral position. A diagnostic was performed and indicated that the solenoids were faulty. The current and failure mileages were less than 99,000.

Failure Date: 09/10/2008

2002 Ford Explorer transmission problems. Ford is aware that the transmission solenoid they use in their transmissions are faulty.

Failure Date: 09/06/2008

The overdrive light was blinking, and the check engine light was on. After having the car scanned by a mechanic, we were told that the pc solenoid in the tranny was out. We brought it to the dealer it was purchased at, and they performed the same test and fixed it at a cost of $1058. 18. A week later it is shifting hard. Plus after using the 4wheel drive only twice, it would not go into 4 wheel drive. When I took it to the dealership they told me the 4x4 modular had failed this after a 140. 50 check, and they wanted 600. 00 to fix, this while putting brakes on it. And when I asked what would cause it go out, the service manager told me ' how would I know?'.

Failure Date: 08/15/2008

- Ford TSB # 06-4-4 (binding during turning); solution is limited slip clutch pack replacement- Ford TSB # 05-23-3 (rear diff. Hum); solution is axle repair kit- Ford TSB # 4-24-17 (5r55w transmission - no 3rd gear orslipping 2-3 shift); solution is replacement of intermediate clutch bands- chronic o/d light blinking with dtc p0755 (pressure control solenoid b circuit malfunction)this is just the list of issues I don't have the capability to properly troubleshoot. I have done a lot of other work already myself which I won't mention. Ford is aware of these problems with many 02' Explorer's as I have read. In my opinion, these problems should be corrected at no charge to the owner as these problems are not isolated cases.

Failure Date: 03/07/2008

Transmission is/has gone out on my 2002 Ford Explorer xls 4x4. There are hundreds of others that have had the same issue with the transmission, solenoid b going out and requiring a transmission rebuild or a new one!! if all these people are having a problem, there needs to be a recall! Ford needs to face their mistake so that loyal Ford consumers will return. I have owned 3 Fords, and never again after this. Ford really did themselves in with this one!.

Failure Date: 01/20/2008

2002 eddie bauer Explorer transmissiontransmission type 5r55w started to slip and the vehicle has 110,000 mi. Next my o/d dash light started to flash and then the check transmission light went on. Dealer stated it was just a bad solenoid replacement cost of $1,000 or worse? second opinion stated that there is a buried code in the diagnostic about the overdrive wasn't working and the test drive by mech. Noted that 5th gear wasn't working. The independent mech. Stated that he was sorry when he found out it was an Explorer because he has a lot of this work. The transmission was overhauled to the sum of $2,710. Safety concern? well you have your family in this vehicle trying to merge onto a highway while your transmission is slipping or worse. To me this is as big as a safety item as their back glass lift gate they recalled. Or their roll over issue for that matter. So I may be one person but you just have to type in this issue on the internet and the number of complaints are incredible. Ok so many people have had the same issue. So go to their TSB and this is littered with transmission issues. This is clearly a faulty transmission from the start but apparently consumer complaints have not been enough for Ford to do the right thing here. I would ask that the NHTSA do what is in their power to request Ford to do the right thing here and reimburse us for fixing an obvious and dangerous design flaw.

Failure Date: 01/01/2008

2002 Ford Explorer xls. I purchased this vehicle in June of 2004 and shortly after the o/d light was blinking setting off the 'check engine' light. When I took it to Ford, they claimed it was a solenoid that needed to be replaced at my cost because it was not covered in the warranty. After a high priced repair, the o/d light came on again within a month's time. I returned to have them repair it again on the repair warranty from the prior fix and the o/d light came on still again. This problem has been a major drain on my finances and now I have seen that the o/d light is the second-highest complaint on this model and make of vehicle. Ford continues to claim that it is an oddity and unrelated to the make and model. Can anything be done that will get Ford to make good on either repairing or offering recompense in some way to customers who have been struggling with this nonsense?r. Francis.

Failure Date: 12/01/2007

Transmission overdrive light is blinking and illuminated and jerks between 2nd and 3rd gear. This problem is clearly a defect as the identical problem is posted all over the internet. The error code for the service engine light points to the solenoid. There should be a recall issued before somebody's transmission fails and causes a death.

Failure Date: 02/27/2007

- the contact stated that while going up an incline at 20 mph in the 2002 Ford Explorer she started feeling a surge in the transmission. The overdrive light started flashing, as well as the check engine light. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealership, and they stated that they will need to replace the transmission solenoid pack. She has done some research online and saw similar complaints. The current and failure mileage were both 105031 miles.

Failure Date: 01/12/2007

I bought a 2002 Ford Explorer new in 2002 and noticed six months later that there was occasional slipping between 3rd and 4th gear and the overdrive in the automatic transmission. I had mentioned it to the Ford service guys but they said it was nothing to worry about. Now with the warranty expired and 43,000 miles on the car the overdrive light comes on and the Ford dealer pulls the transmission and finds a sensor plug (pressure control solenoid) had cracked then broken, bands need to be replaced, and some other damage recommended for repair. Choices were $2800 for rebuilding (changing bad parts) or $3800 for refurbishing with 75k 3 year warranty. A transmission this young should not have to be replaced and from researching the web (just type in Ford Explorer transmission) lots of folks have had this problem with low miles. Ford seems to have a problem with this transmission that they do not want to admit.

Failure Date: 01/02/2007

'o/d off' light began flashing rapidly. Apparently tripped by a failed solenoid b valve body. The valve body of solenoid b (the one controlling 1st and od, which together constitute 3rd gear) is a known faulty part. This can also be associated with a failed epc valve, which is usually replaced at the same time as the solenoid. According to auto professionals, this is a common issue with Ford light truck automatic transmissions. The average cost of resolution is approximately $1200.

Failure Date: 10/15/2006

Vehicle o/d light began to flash. Stopped vehicle and tried to get it to go off - won't go off. Started home and vehicle shifted 'very hard' into 3 or 4th gear. Took to dealership the next available day - trans mission needs pressure solenoid, valve body and other parts - $2000 worth of repairs. Vehicle is 4 years old and has 75,000. Now taking to another dealer to get resolved. Called Ford - will do nothing about it. Advised them of the multiple ntsb complaints, said we know nothing about recurring problems with vehicle.

Ford
Failure Date: 05/08/2006

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT, I bought it on Nov. 29 2005. After I bought it I noticed that when I would put the transmission in reverse there would be a delay and then a loud bang or clunk. I took it to a transmission place and I was told that they got a lot of Explorers with that same problem. So I had it repaired and the total came to $ 3,855. 13. The car had a warranty but it didn't cover everything, so I had to pay $ 1,800. 00 for the repairs. They had to change the master kit/pistons, filter, o/d drive band, 2nd band, bypass value, solenoid pack, reverse band, o/d servo,2nd serve, sonnax updates, whole case, recondition valve body, rb converter, fluid and flush the cooler system.

Failure Date: 04/12/2006

Tranny slips on 2002 Ford Explorer had my kids in car did not accelerate almost got hit in an intersection. Changed solenoid was good for couple months then started slipping and making clunking noise new tranny cost me $2400 @ yrs later starting again with the blinking o/d lite.

Failure Date: 12/15/2005

O/d light flashing so I took car into dealer. Transmission is bad and needs new solenoids at 45,000 miles.

Failure Date: 11/07/2005

2002 Ford Explorer Transmission Automatic How Do You Unplug It

: the contact stated while shifting gears, the automatic transmission made a clunking noise and the vehicle displayed a jerking motion. The vehicle was seen by a dealer and the solenoid housing of the automatic transmission was replaced. Afterwards, the problem persisted and the solenoid housing was again replaced by the dealer. The front pads were replaced. The drivers side door would pop open. There was a delay when shifting gears, and then the vehicle would slam into gear. Updated 04/06/06.


Other Power Train related problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer

2002 Ford Explorer Transmission Fill Adapter

Automatic Transmission problems
Overdrive Light On problems
237
Differential Unit problems
Power Train problems
127
Transmission Failure problems
Transmission Gear Slipping problems
57
Transmission Solenoid problems
Automatic Transmission Column Shift problems
36
Transmission Not Go Into Gear problems
Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems
32
Axle Assembly problems
Transfer Case problems
28




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