96 Ford Explorer transmission & electical

QUEENIE323

MEMBER
1996 FORD EXPLORER

Hi. I have a 96 Ford Explorer XLT 126,000 mi.
The transmission has been slipping for a few years now. It is automatic and this mostly happens going into 2nd. I have no trouble on the highway. There is also a rattling noise under the hood, most noticible at a stop while in gear.
I don't know if this is related, but also, fuse #26 keeps blowing. It controls the back up lights and the automatic door locks. I have to replace it every 3-4 days!
Also, the passenger side back door lock is inoperable and stays locked.
Please, any help is appreciated. I don't have alot of money, and don't know what to get fixed first & most economically.
Thank you.

1 Reply

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

The most costly is the one you have been avoiding for 2 years. If you can deal with it that is yours to do.

The rattle under the hood, the first thing that comes to mind is an exhaust issue. Check to see that the heat shields on the exhaust pipe are still very tight. Sometimes they loosen up and they can really give you the feeling that a major problem is occuring.

Check the wiring harness at the rear of the car. Inspect the wire for any nicks in the covering. I strongly suspect that the wire is grounding. It can be groiunding to the body of the car or to the wire next to it. Check it over very well and use electrical tape on any suspected sections.

If you can manually pull up the unlocking button and the door does not unlock or the button moves up very freely, I suspect that a rod has come disconnected. Removing the door panel (and the manual will help with how to do that) you can inspect the mechanism.

If you can knock off any of these projects yourself, give yourself a pat on the back.