1997 Ford Explorer Transmission Coolant Mix

1997 FORD EXPLORER
Avatar
HARMANKARDON35
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My tranny died the other day, engine just spun-up on the highway and i lost momentum. Transmission repair shop said the fluid was contaminated with antifreeze. How could this have happened? Vehichle is 97 ford explorer 4.0L v6, 145,000 KM.

Thanks In advance
Nick.
Aug 14, 2006 at 9:40 AM
Avatar
MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:08a757ff8f="harmankardon35"]My tranny died the other day, engine just spun-up on the highway and i lost momentum. Transmission repair shop said the fluid was contaminated with antifreeze. How could this have happened? Vehichle is 97 ford explorer 4.0L v6, 145,000 KM.

Thanks In advance
Nick.[/quote:08a757ff8f]

Your radiator cools not only your engine coolant, it cools the transmission fluid also. If your radiator goes bad internally, it can get radiator fluid in your transmission, and transmission fluid in your coolant. You are not only going to have to get the trans repaired, you will need to replace your radiator, and flush the engine to replace all of the fluid.
Aug 14, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Avatar
HARMANKARDON35
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
funny thing is, it looks like the rad is fairly new (not original equipment anyway...)
Aug 14, 2006 at 11:03 AM
Avatar
MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:ee7910adc6="harmankardon35"]funny thing is, it looks like the rad is fairly new (not original equipment anyway...)[/quote:ee7910adc6]

Maybe they had a radiator problem and had the radiator replaced. Mean while coolant had gotten into the tranny and they didnt know it. It took some time for the damage to be done.
In this case, the radiator you have may not be bad. I would disconnect the tranny fluid lines from the radiator and run the engine up to operating temperature. If no coolant leaks out of the open tranny line holes, then it may be ok. Most shops have the ability to pressurize your radiator system to check for leaks. This will accomplish the same test.
Aug 14, 2006 at 12:12 PM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Repair the transmission and flush all contaminated fluid. Because the radiator also cools the transmission, an internal radiator leak can mix coolant into the transmission fluid. Pressure-test the cooling system, or disconnect the transmission cooler lines and warm the engine to see whether coolant comes out. Replace the radiator if it leaks, even if it looks newer, since earlier contamination may already have damaged the transmission.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Ford Explorer 4.0L reported a sudden loss of drive on the highway and a shop finding antifreeze in the transmission fluid. The expert explained that a failed internal radiator cooler can mix coolant and transmission fluid. Even if the radiator looks recently replaced, prior contamination may already have caused the damage. The recommended checks are to test the radiator cooler, replace it if leaking, repair the transmission, and flush the fluids.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle