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New owner woes

Messages
5
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Mont belvieu
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#1
Having some trouble trying to figure this one out. First ford, bought it almost 2 years ago and has been flawless since with the exception of yesterday and today. Wife was driving and noticed yesterday it would bang in/out of a certain gear but couldn’t tell me which one it was. Checked fluid, was a little low and smelled somewhat burnt I figure hell I’ll get it flushed and changed when I get off work since it’s her primary vehicle with the kids. On her way to drop one of em off today, the power train module/reduce power light come on and through ford pass. Not sure what that could be honestly. She said the shifting is hard around 30mph. No codes according to her. 2020 with 70k miles on it. Never had an issue before and def out of warranty. Burnt fluid smell. I’ve seen some TSB and some others that have a bunch of codes pop up with it. Would getting fluid changed out help the situation? Or more so looking at a big fix? Any help or I guess pointers on what to look at would be appreciated
 

Messages
498
Reactions
237
Points
37
Location
Round Lake, IL USA
Vehicle
'21 Explorer ST
#2
There are a couple bulletins about hard shifting. Have you serviced trans fluid before this point? Would deff have dealer look at it and mention the TSB's around the transmission. Good luck, hopefully codes match up and point them in right direction.
 

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Messages
5
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Points
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Location
Mont belvieu
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #3
I’ve seen quite a few TSB related to shifting so I’m not sure which route to go. Trans has not been serviced, I read manual when we bought and said 150k miles or so but within last week started running round on here reading about service times and have it scheduled to go tomorrow then this come up today. Driver CV axle also needs to be replaced I pick one up today and was planning on doing it real quick before taking it in tomorrow. Called local dealer and they’re not taking transmission issue related vehicles as they’re 2 1/2 months behind. A reputable shop around me quoted $350 for fluid/filter change and am going to do that and see what happens. Fingers crossed
 

Messages
498
Reactions
237
Points
37
Location
Round Lake, IL USA
Vehicle
'21 Explorer ST
#4
Wow, thats a back-log for sure at the dealer. Can always try another place to at least get it looked at with the codes. Without knowing the issue the fluid service may not change anything, just something to be aware of.
 

OP
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Messages
5
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Mont belvieu
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #5
Unfortunately you’re right. But I figure it can’t hurt at this point. But I do have it scheduled to go to a local trusted shop in the morning. They’re gonna do the fluid/filter change and check into any other possibilities. Just hoping it don’t come back for major issues. Initial thought is it being a little low maybe it’s affected things but idk now with the reduced power issue. We really do love the ST so, fingers crossed. Thanks for the TSB info
 

Messages
25
Reactions
7
Points
2
Location
Charlotte
Vehicle
2024 Explorer ST
#6
Good to invest in even an inexpensive code reader. Even better a laptop, proper cable, and Forscan software. Otherwise you are pretty blind when it comes to knowing if the vehicle is aware of a problem itself. Very rare a simple fluid change will "fix" something, but it sounds like it needs to be changed anyway so here's to hoping!

This is a new vehicle for me, and right off the bat I'm seeing to not trust the Ford suggested maintenance schedule. I mean they don't even call for diff fluid changes ever! It reeks of not giving a shit as long as the vehicle gets through its warranty period for them.
 

OP
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Messages
5
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Mont belvieu
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #7
I should just slide some money to my brother for the ford software. He’s a tech at a GMC dealership here in town. I’ve been all GM before this ST. Just see how tomorrow goes. Fluid change is kinda just a cheap option to check into and see where it goes from here.

I def noticed that. Plan is to change all fluids once I get it back from this adventure and hopefully roll out with no more issues!
 

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623
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162
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#8
Having some trouble trying to figure this one out. First ford, bought it almost 2 years ago and has been flawless since with the exception of yesterday and today. Wife was driving and noticed yesterday it would bang in/out of a certain gear but couldn’t tell me which one it was. Checked fluid, was a little low and smelled somewhat burnt I figure hell I’ll get it flushed and changed when I get off work since it’s her primary vehicle with the kids. On her way to drop one of em off today, the power train module/reduce power light come on and through ford pass. Not sure what that could be honestly. She said the shifting is hard around 30mph. No codes according to her. 2020 with 70k miles on it. Never had an issue before and def out of warranty. Burnt fluid smell. I’ve seen some TSB and some others that have a bunch of codes pop up with it. Would getting fluid changed out help the situation? Or more so looking at a big fix? Any help or I guess pointers on what to look at would be appreciated
First, I’d go get that code pulled from somewhere like an Autozone. I don’t think it’ll hurt to get the tranny fluid flushed, probably should do it anyway due to your mileage.
 

OP
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Messages
5
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Mont belvieu
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #9
First, I’d go get that code pulled from somewhere like an Autozone. I don’t think it’ll hurt to get the tranny fluid flushed, probably should do it anyway due to your mileage.
Will it have a code for it being just the wrench and no check engine light? I’m used to it being just the SES light for everything in all my trucks I’ve had. Little different here. I have a lil code reader I planned to hook up when I get home
 



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