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Transmission Repaired

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Socal
#1
Have a 2020 that had transmission repaired recently by Ford dealer, under the powertrain warranty. Been having issues since I first purchased it new, but was always told it was normal, go figure.

Didnt find out about the low transmission fluid being low in 2020 Explorer's until about 2 years later, never checked it myself either. Anyways, my symptoms were

- Hard shift to 2nd
- At times, felt like someone rear-ended me when coming to a stop, very hard downshifting
- Very Hesitant to move, possibly gears slipping, when going WOT already rolling
- High Gear Flaring

I never checked the temp on the transmission either using the tow mode nor did it smell like something was burnt. After seeing smoke coming out from driver's side tailpipe (bad turbo seal, turbo was replaced as well). I told them regarding the transmission once again, lo and behold, transmission was bad. Clutches had to replaced, transmission fluid was burnt and low (pretty sure this was the cause), snap ring was blown off, etc. Keep in mind, I had gone to the dealer twice before for these issues.

Took about a month to receive vehicle back, had a loaner so no complaints, happy to say, it drives better than it did when purchased new. 2nd gear is sooo smooth as it should've been from the beginning. Does not hesitate from any speed anymore and no more hard downshifts going to a stop.

Not saying everyone will need it to get replaced/repaired, just posting my findings from my personal experience.
 

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'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#2
Same symptoms on my old transmission, except mine never had any flaring. The downshifts were especially horrible. Also shifted into reverse extremely harshly, like someone hit the car very hardly. Ended up being the same snap ring was gone, and clutches were burnt.
 

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194
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Location
Charlotte
Vehicle
2024 Explorer ST
#3
I had my ATF fluid replaced with amsoil ULV at 2000 miles while having the PPE metal pan installed. I immediately noticed especially cold startup shifts behaving better than with the stock fluid. Not talking about beating on it before warmed up, just driving out of the neighborhood. I know its subjective but it may be prudent to replace the stock fluid sooner than later to something better than the Ford fluid and while at it correcting any potential issues with the factory fill level (aka doing it right).
 

Cruising68

1000 Post Club
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#4
I had my ATF fluid replaced with amsoil ULV at 2000 miles while having the PPE metal pan installed. I immediately noticed especially cold startup shifts behaving better than with the stock fluid. Not talking about beating on it before warmed up, just driving out of the neighborhood. I know its subjective but it may be prudent to replace the stock fluid sooner than later to something better than the Ford fluid and while at it correcting any potential issues with the factory fill level (aka doing it right).
I get that a bit on Motorcraft fluid. Next changes is Liqui Moly Top Tec 1850. Curious to see if it smooths out. Mine goes away within a couple miles.


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