2001 Ford Explorer Transmission Flare & Replacement cos

MRAXELROTH

MEMBER
2001 FORD EXPLORER

Transmission problem
2001 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Automatic 123000 miles

I recently purchased this used, & noticed transmission was slipping b/w 2nd & 3rd - upon AAMCO road test, it was determined that I was getting a flare b/w 1st & 2nd. Problem is internal. Est $350 for a tear-down & suggest transmission rebuild or replacement -

When they went to pull the engine codes, NO codes came up. Tranny Fluid was over-filled, dark & burnt. Flush and Fluid replacement cannot be performed.

They also have recently come to own a Ford Explorer where the tranny lost reverse, etc. They rebuilt it to OEM specs and have quoted me $1500 to switch the tranny's out including warranty. This Trans. Has 89k miles - Does this sound right? Should I bargain with them as far as letting them keep my old tranny to rebuild to use for the other ford explorer they plan to sell? Or should I get a second opinion? Any help would be appreciated.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

If the trans is slipping and the fluid is dirty and burnt, chances are the clutches are out of it and it will need rebuilt. As far as the cost they are offering, actually it is a good price. Most range around 2000 to 2500.

As far as you old trans, you can try to negotiate, but chances are they are considering you trans as a core already.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 AT 11:28 PM

MRAXELROTH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Joe - Thanks for your response. Now that I know what they've quoted me is fair, I guess the REAL question(s) is/are:

Now that the clutches are "out" even though the truck isn't giving me trouble now while driving,

1. How important is it that I replace my current tranny ASAP? Could I not continue to drive the truck as is for at least a few thousand (if not more) miles? And,

2. Is it dangerous to drive long distances with my current transmission like AAMCO suggested? (Not that I don't take their word for it! Haha)

2.5 In addition to the above, what's the worst case scenario here if this isn't done right away? Since it does still 'work' - is the danger while its 'working'?

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Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 AT 1:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Eventually, the transmission clutches will give out and the truck won't move. If it is still working, if you are easy on it, you may get more miles out of it. I don't know how far I would drive it. It may last for a long time the way it is or could go out soon. I wish I could better answer that for you, but in all honesty, one can't be sure. As far as danger, if nothing is leaking, the real danger is if it goes bad in a location that places you in danger.

I wish I had better answers for you, but this is one of those things that no one can answer until it happens.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 AT 6:29 AM