What are the Ford Explorer transmission solenoid problems? Grinding and Jerking are the most common transmission solenoid issues, among others, for the Ford Explorer.
When a solenoid is perfect with no problems, it allows you smooth gear shifting and transmission fluid running. But it doesn’t work efficiently if it becomes defective.
Failing the transmission solenoid is the root cause of many engine issues, including a 5R55s transmission solenoid pack. What are others? Yes, we’ll discuss all the transmission solenoid problems throughout this post.
As a Ford Explorer owner, it’s vital to know what, why, and how to fix transmission solenoid issues. Let’s discover them all!
Ford Explorer Transmission Solenoid Problems: Let’s Explore
A wide range of issues may happen with you when the transmission solenoid of the Ford Explorer gets flawed. You can have trouble while shifting gears with slippage.
Also, you’d find the transmission system downshift when you slow down the engine. It usually happens for faulty solenoid valve when it becomes vulnerable to lower engine performance.
We’ll get the detail after the summary table of all solenoid problems. It’ll give you a quick view of the potential issues, symptoms, and reasons for the Ford Explorer transmission solenoid:
| Problems | Symptoms | Reasons | Solutions |
| Grinding & Jerking | Rough shifting | Damaged transmission | Clean/replace |
| Non-Responding Throttle | Hard to throttle | Dirty fuel filter/defective components | Faulty engine components |
| Engine Stalls | Tough to start | Failed transmission, air, and exhaust system | Repair/replace |
| Smells Burnt Up | Delay shifting | Overheating/components breakdown | Refill/replace fluid |
| Slippery transmission | Gears slip | Damaged transmission | Repair/replace |
Common Ford Explorer Transmission Solenoid Problems Discussion
Are you seeking to know: do Ford Explorer have transmission problems? We’ve learned a bit about the topic from above. Here you’ll get the details about the common Ford transmission solenoid issues.
Grinding & Jerking
Grinding and jerking are the most common in the Ford Explorer when it has a solenoid problem. It results in your vehicle won’t work with its natural rhythm. Even the issue makes an automatic transmission system faulty.
When it occurs with your car, it makes your driving disgusting. Moreover, the Ford 2020 Explorer transmission issues can be a real threat to internal components damage if you leave it without fixing.
Fixing Tips
Make a routine to clean its injectors using a cleaning solution. It should overcome the jerking issue. If it happens frequently, take the injectors out and clean them. Otherwise, you may need to replace flawed injectors.
Non-Responding Throttle
It may occur suddenly when you drive your car. You don’t get any response from the throttle despite pressing hard. This is one of the regular 2013 Ford Explorer transmission solenoid problems.
The faulty internal mechanisms and dirty fuel filters are the leading causes of the issue. If it happens with your vehicle, you will get with hard or no/slow to throttle response when you press it.
Fixing Tips
Performing basic maintenance should fix the issue. The maintenance includes replacing fluids, fuel filters, air filters, and tire pressure. You may need an expert mechanic to do these maintenance tasks for optimum results.
Engine Stalls
The Ford Explorer is prone to engine stalling at lower speeds. It’s another common but serious engine problem that may happen to a failed transmission clutch. It pairs the transmission and the engine forever, stopping the differential or shaft rotations.
Fixing Tips
Firstly, check your car’s fuel system. Replace it when it’s abnormal in color. Then, check the exhaust and air systems for problems; fix them. Also, the issue may happen for electrical and transmission system issues. So, check them all, discover the culprit, and fix them.
Smells Burnt Up
The overheating of the transmission fluid is the main reason for the burning smells. It also can appear for an internal breakdown of the engine components and sludges.
Don't take it lightly when you get a burning smell anytime from your car engine. It can be a minor sign of a major engine issue. The Ford Explorer transmission solenoid pack faces this issue frequently.
Fixing Tips
Check the control panel for possible warning signs or error codes. If they’re working fine, check the transmission fluid levels. You may find it at the lowest levels or dirty to see. So, refilling or replacing the old fluid should fix the issue.
Slippery Transmissions
Typically, the Ford Explorer has a durable and well-built transmission system. But it can be slippery for damage to the system. It starts responding slowly, making the gear shifting slippery and sometimes hard to create the Ford Explorer transmission recall. The issue triggered the complete engine malfunction in due course.
Fixing Tips
It could be a complicated fix related to the engine and transmission system. You must consult a professional auto mechanic to identify and resolve the issue.
What’s The Cost To Fix The Ford Explorer Transmission Solenoid Problems?
The fixing cost of the Ford Explorer transmission solenoid may be above $3500. Depending on the severity of the damage, the cost can rise or decrease.
For example, if the service includes flushing transmission fluid and other fluid replacements, it may cost around $200. While facing a problem with the solenoid shift interlock, it’ll cost about $150 with labor and parts.
When you need a 5R55S solenoid pack replacement, it can cost up to $700. It’s about a 5-hour job to complete with diagnosis and fixing. The costs of transmission solenoid problems vary depending on location, labor, and parts availability.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What Happens For The Transmission Solenoid Problems?
Your car's transmission solenoid problems can grind, jerk, non-responding throttle, engine stall, burning smell, and transmission slippage. When the transmission solenoid becomes faulty, it can’t get signals from the components linked with it. As a result, it doesn’t respond, leading to issues.
Is A Defective Transmission Repairable?
Yes, you can repair the transmission system with minor issues. They need to maintain or fixed with a single part, and you can do it without rebuilding the complete transmission system.
How To Identify A Defective Transmission Solenoid Pack?
Applying the Ohms law is a simple method to check and discover solenoid problems. Also, you can use a VoltOhmeter to test the solenoid. Applying voltage drop is another way to check a faulty transmission solenoid.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Transmission Solenoid?
The 5R55S solenoid pack symptoms include sticking, rough shifting, delayed shifting, and trouble while downshifting. You must fix them immediately after appearing the symptoms to avoid internal engine damage.
How Long Does The Ford Explorer Transmission Last?
Usually, the Ford Explorer transmission system is durable. It can last between 80,000 and 180,000 miles if you maintain it properly. But your driving habits and the places you drive your car can affect the transmission system's life expectancy.
The Bottom Line
We’ve discovered all about the Ford Explorer transmission solenoid problems. So, you should be able to fix the issues without any difficulties. However, you can avoid these complications if you maintain routine maintenance.
Check the transmission solenoid's health is vital if you get any other warning signs. It’ll help you fix the issue at the earliest stages reasonably. At the same time, you’ll be able to avoid further issues through routine maintenance.
In return, you’ll get your vehicle in the most excellent condition, giving you optimum mileage and engine performance. All these will give a perfect and smoother driving experience.