Automatic Transmission problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on three different occasions, the vehicle shut off and the keys could not be removed from the ignition. Additionally, the vehicle suddenly rolled backwards. The dealer was notified of the roll backs. The contact places bricks behind two wheels to keep the vehicle secure. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 120,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.

Parked on a slight slope with the engine off, my 97 Ford Explorer rolled back 5 feet by itself, coming close with coming traffic!.

Loss of reverse. Failure of bearing race above valve body caused fluid to be ported to both forward and reverse drive at same time. When reverse was selected, the vehicle would only travel in rearward direction two to three feet before binding and all motion ceased. Drive forward was not adversely effected before the repairs were completed. Ford motor company recommended the replacement of the transmission with a rebuilt unit at the cost of $2800. With only 61000 miles on the vehicle, I opted for a second opinion. A reliable transmission shop diagnosed the problem with the "exploder" transmission and completely rebuilt the unit for half the Ford replacement cost.

While on vacation from California going to montana I was driving down a 7% grade with my family in the car, our transmission started to spin and we lost all foward/backward propulsion. Upon contacting the nearest Ford dealer, they stated the o-rings on our new transmission filter were broken. They stated they replaced them and charged us 200+ dollars (we have since found out that there are no o-rings on the transmission filter for this make and modle of vehicle) the problem reoccured while in the mountains. Ford then stated that we needed a new transmission, however, in the town we were in on vacation, they were unable to put one in. We then took the vehicle to the GMC dealer who put in the transmission according the instruciton and recommendation from Ford at a cost of $2700. The GMC dealer was having difficulty finding a suitable place to attach the overdrive wireing to the new transmission. Ford talked them through it and I and my two small children were on our way home (after flying my husband home who had to return to work). We were headed out of town and the transmission started to spin again. We were towed back to the GMC dealer who contacted the Ford techs. The Ford techs. Stated that the transmission harness that was originally put on our vehicle was not correct and that they have been having a lot of problems with them because they don't allow the vehicle to shift properly and eventually everything locks up. They stated that it should be recalled but hasn't yet. They sent the GMC dealer a new harness which still was not the right one. The GMC dealer then built a harness for my vehicle to get me home as I had been stranded in montana for three weeks at this point living in motel rooms with my two small children. At this point Ford is taking no responsiblity for this problem. Now my vehicle is at the Ford service center in temecula CA and there cont. To be a problem with the transmission. Help please this is an extreme danger!!.

At 45,000 miles transmission had to be replaced. At 70, 000 vehicle started to hesitate. Consumer took vehicle to dealer. Please provide any further information.

There's a winding and grinding noise whenever traveling at high speeds. It is an intermittent problem with vehicle going into reverse without warning.

Had started vehicle & shifted into reverse and transmission locked up. Reshifted back to driveand then into reverse again transmission locked up. When it happened a third time, transmission damaged left front tire. Vehicle now at dealership.

See description from another dissatisfied owner at odi 702324. No safety defect listed in summary. ( dot number: ).

Mechanic made comment that seals in transmission were defective and were supposed to be replaced but dealer neglected to do so when vehicle was traded in or in for prior services.

Automobile jumped out of park and rolled forward and hit a pole. No injuries were sustained.

Ford powertrain system disengaged while driving down a highway with a steep grade. Auto engine braking control was lost with loud gear tearing sounds. Vehicle speed immediately encreased to a dangerous level during curved down-hill setion of the road. Heavy application of brakes kept us from sliding off the highway and down the mountain side. There was no warning that the Ford gem control module was failing and subsequently instructing the transmission "transfer" case to release/engage in such a manner as to destroy the powertrain and disconnect the vehicle from the powertrain.

Vehicle is not consitent switching in/out of overdrive/4 wd -sticks-Ford denies there is a problem.

Transmission problem occurred beginning in October 1997 until November 1998 when vehicle was returned to Ford per a lemon law settlement. Transmission problems included lack of power, loss of power, erratic idle and throttle. Please contact me for more information per your investigation.

Transmission leaked on the converter causing fire.

When changing gear into reverse defect in transmission will cause a ten seconds delay, vehicle will not move before it will actually engage the reverse gear. Dealer has rebuilt transmission, now saying this is normal with vehicle.

Connector seal between the engine and the transmission was leaking causing a bang when vehicle was put into reverse. Nlm.

Ea99001, throttle body system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to jump forward or backward. Also, while starting vehicle, it will stall out when placing it in gear. Owner thinks part should be recalled.

When backing up, the gas pedal may stick. You must tap the pedal to disengage it. If the transmission is in drive, the vehicle may lurtch forward and if you're on an incline it may roll backwards before engaging.

On slight inclines vehicle rolls either up or down hill. Dealer has been notified.