I've got a 2004 Limited AWD w/ the 4.6 V8. Having some issues with hard shifting, delayed shifting, vibration in seats at highway speeds.

Hard shifting- tranny will sometimes "slam" into gear when accelerating. Will also do it when downshifting during stop at a traffic light.

Delayed shifting- when idling in park, and you shift into reverse, tranny does not shift right away and instead goes to neutral before "slamming" into gear, which jerks the car even if you have your foot on the brake. Same problem when, after backing up in reverse, you change column to drive

Lots of vibration at highway speeds has developed lately.

Anyone have any guidance on first thing to look at? I'm suspecting a torque converter for the shifting issues, and possibly a bad rear end. Suggestions?

 

I would take the car into a jiffy lube and have them change the tranny fluid and filter and adjust bands. you can get the done at most lube shops for under 50.00 bucks.. I would try the simpiliest cheapest solutions before jumping into torque converters and rear end stuff , not to say it isnt one of them causeing the problem, but start small and if no positive results then proceed into the more extensive stuff. good luck hope you get it figured out.

 

Alright, I'll tell you right now what your problem. It's the Solenoid Pack in the transmission. Very easy to fix if you have the right tools and the time. I believe it took me a total of 2 hours to R & R mine. Don't waste the money changing the fluid when you're going to have to drain it to remove the pan. Besides, the new 5R55 trannys are sealed and the fluid is good up to 100,000 miles.

 

Turbodriven, you hit the nail on the head. New solenoid pack fixed the problem. As for the vibration, the pinion in the rear end needed to be replaced. Cleared up both problems immediately.

Thanks!

 

Great info! I have an 03 Explorer with the same problem. How difficult is it to replace the solenoid pack? You mention special tools, what did you need? I took mine to a trans shop and they quoted $2000 to go through the tranny. About what did the solenoid pack run you? Can a "shade-tree fix-it-guy" do it?
Thanks - Dan

 

I would like to discuss my outrage against Ford Motor Company regarding their lack of concern for consumers of the above vehicle. Shortly after purchasing this vehicle (new) I immediately noticed transmission issues. The vehicle was purchased 09/06. The transmission issue is that when the vehicle is at a full stop - it lunges back into 1st gear hard. If you dont have your foot on the brake you will most certainly go into the vehicle directly in front of you. This problem was reported to Ford immediately for this problem and has been in and out of the repair shop numerous times. The latest is Im not the only consumer having this issue there are hundreds of individuals experiencing the exact same issue. My last repair bill a week ago states this and I quote "There is no immediate solution to the problem.....our engineers at Ford are well aware of the problem and are trying to come up with an effective action to resolve this issue". However what they are doing is forcing people back into their defective and unsafe vehicles while they try and solve the problem. Ford is well aware of this issue and are not doing a damn thing concerning consumers safety. They are treating us like guinea pigs while they find a solution. There are currently (documented) 19 other individuals with the exact same make and model vehicle experiencing the exact same problem as I described. These individuals are concerned about their safety as well. The link to view this is www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2006/transmission

The Ford Motor Co. has turned an automotive backside to almost every customer complaining this transmission issue, leaving them the option or repairing the truck and keeping it or dumping the vehicle on the used-truck market.
More and more Ford mechanics and technicians are siding with consumers, charging that the troubled automaker is fully aware of a major flaw in Ford transmissions causing them to lunge forward and even go out of gearwithout warning.
The mechanics complain that Ford is covering up the defect while squeezing and short-changing technicians and mechanics tasked with repairing the problem for Ford consumers
Many previous Ford modelswere also prone to lunge forward or slip out of gear while parked, so if you buy one, park it outside and leave a brick under the wheel. And never leave children, pets or disabled people alone inside -- even for a minute. ...

]I personally wish some attorney would have the ***** to take this on as a class action lawsuit against Ford. The problem is not only blatant but their lack of sympathy and compassion for a consumers safety just blows me away. I have been in touch with Ford Relations as well and honestly they are a big joke. The only thing they state is that Ford is working on a solution. I have also filed complaints with the BBB and also The National Highway Safety Association. If any other consumers are experiencing this issue and would like to contact me directly please feel free to give them my e-mail address.