Three problems related to transmission not engage have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Faulty transmission in 1998 Ford Explorer. Vehicle was bought from Ford dealership, approximately 4 yrs. Old when purchased. Trans. Not shifting properly after first year of ownership or approx. 65,000 miles. Would not go into reverse at all shortly afterward. Hard and late shifting from 2nd to 3rd, and transmission will frequently totally disengage while driving at 55 to 60 mph, engine will rev. , but car will start slowing down. Engine sounds like it's going to blow up while waiting for transmission to shift. Had transmission rebuilt by private mechanic and problem is still the same.
Automatic transmission fails to engage properly in either forward or reverse gear.
The transmission stop working on the highway at 70mph. Foward or reverse gears will not engage. To get off the highway I switch to 4w low. The dealer said the transmission gear broke and the 4w gear chamber were damaged. Dealer could not find the part needed it will not be available until 2001. Dealer used a subsitute part. .