Three problems related to automatic transmission gear indicator have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2004 Explorer.
Driving vehicle, stopped, put vehicle in park, got out of vehicle briefly , got back in vehicle, pulled on gear shift leaver to put in drive would not go in drive or any other gear, prndl leaver broke off, could not remove key, could shut off the motor, had to have vehicle towed to Ford dealer for repairs. Total cost of repair $1,501. 19. I did not by this vehicle from ourisman Ford. I bought it from a private owner.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. After starting the engine, the gear shifted from the "park" position to "reverse". There was a forceful forward shifting motion when that occurred. In addition, when the gear shift was placed in the "reverse position" and shifting into the "drive" position there was immediate hesitation. There were no warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated the failure was contributed to the shift solenoid which was replaced. An authorized dealer previously replaced the solenoid for identical failure. The contact is aware of the safety risk. The failure mileage was 8,804 and the current mileage was 55,000.
When shifting gears from drive to reverse a heavy knocking noise is produced. The gear selector would hang up in drive and the selector did not return. The vehicle would also unexpectedly jump out of drive. The shift solenoid was replaced but the problem remained the same.