Two problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
We were driving along in our 1998 Ford Explorer and the overdrive light started blinking and then it would not shift into 3rd gear. It occurs everytime we drive the car now. We took it to a Ford dealer, they said it was a torque converter and that it was 2000 dollars. About 2 weeks later it would not come out of third gear. Ford dealer said it was not the same problem, and the transmission needed replaced for 4000 dollars. We did some research and found that this is a very common problem from 98-04 Explorers, as they share the same transmission. . Read more...
Torque converter failed, it lost internal integrity & experienced internal clutch damage. Metal exiting the torque converter caused occulussionary blockages at rear section lube orifices elevating internal ambient temperatures while elevating stress to geartrain components. Clutches & bands became metal impregnated. Bearings bushings & washers became pitted due to metalized fluid passing through inner surfaces. Sprags became flat spotted at cam surface - damaged the race & created more metal. Solenoids were metal contaminated. Internal seals were hard, indicating metal contamination. Vehicle would only run in reverse after this catastrophic failure and requires $2400 in repairs. Car only has 46000 miles on it.