HELP! 2006 Explorer transmission trouble?

Question

I have a 2006 Explorer with 50,000 miles. Lately, when starting from a stop, the tach rev's right up high. In order to get it to "kick" back down, I either leave it alone and it fixes itself, or put it in neutral and rev the engine . I'm thinking the transmission fluid may need to be changed, but I can't even find the dip stick. I called the dealership. Their response? "Well, we can put it on the diagnostic computer for $90.00. If that doesn't show anything, we'll have to run further diagnostics." Translation: Your a girl, And we will run up your bill because we can. KaChing! KaChing! KaChing. Anyone able to give me some thoughts on what might be wrong? And how to check the transmission fluid??

Answer 1

isn't there a warranty still?

I would call up the ford itself and double check that you still have a warranty that covers your transmission, and if it helps you because you are a girl, then either tell them that you are doing this for your 'husband' and you are trying to help them from listening to him.... or find a male that would be willing to help you out

and if you can listen into the phone as well then you can direct how you want the conversation to go, and then have them talk to you also

Answer 2

Ok straight dope:

The transmission is fully computerized , meaning the engine computer controls everything from it's shifting on down. hince we need to look at the computer to see if it sees something first.

There is no normal dipstick on this transmission. It uses a weep hole on the oil pan if it's a 4.0 (90 something percent of explorers are the v-6) and it has to be checked that way. Actually Ford doesn't recommend changing the fluid even though I personally recommend occasional changing for additives (and wholly recommend a machine flush for this unit)

I'd want to make sure there are no leaks as the way it's acting, my guess is the fluid has leaked and this is what is causing your shifting problems.. without looking at it though it would be hard to guess.

Many transmission shops like AAMCO do, do free 21 point inspections but I'd recommend those as second opinions in most cases

Answer 3

sounds like it doesnt want to kick out of the gear its in.  dont rev the engine to much or you will start to have engine problems too.  the transmission dipstick is usually under the hood and near the "firewall" (the part that separtes the interior from the engine compartment.  the dipstick is usually red in color and you want to check the fluid with the engine running and in park, there are indications on the dipstick for proper fluid levels. hope this helps.