Our 2002 V6 auto Explorer has issue with tranny. Has about 75,000 miles now. Problem started in Oct or so of 2006. After starting vehicle, shift into reverse and it will take the trans. a good 3 or 4 seconds to actually engage into the gear, and when it does, you better have your foot on the brake because it jerks hard into reverse. It acts like this probably 80% of the time. Also noticed a few months ago that when driving, in D, engine will suddenly sound as if it's in neutral for a few seconds, then goes back to normal. This is when driving around 30 mph. Anyone out there having a similar problem, heard of this problem before, or have a suggestion on what could be the cause??

We had Exp in to our mechanics last month for non-related repairs and had them check the trans fliud (they noticed the trans problem too). All was fine with fluid.

This stuff is best left to transmission shops. It could be that it just needs a filter and fluid change or band adjustment or it could be more complicated. Either way you'll save money by not letting a regular mechanic "monkey" around with it. You may also do a quick check of your transmission fluid (with the engine warmed up and running) to be sure you aren't losing any fluid. Either way if you start with the smaller ideas you may have a chance to get out cheaper.