Cost To Replace a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT Transmission

This is where I have to hand it to the dealer (sorry guys). For about the price Tom states (which is right), Ford offers Genuine rebuilt transmissions with a 3 year / unlimited mileage warranty at no extra cost. I don't mean to toot the dealer's horn but it is a pretty good deal.

Something must have changed. The guy around the corner who worked for AAmco stated Ford dealerships would call him up when they needed a rebuilt tranny.

Could be that there's a limited number of transmission models and years available.

I doubt you need an entire rebuilt tranny, unless the vehicle has been dogged or some catastrophe failure. The last time I needed tranny repair was 1999. A guy I went to HS with took over his dads shop about 40 years ago. He repaired my 1996 explorer tranny by removing it and replacing some part(s) My nephew still has the truck and it over 300K. The only thing he does is bring it back to the tranny shop every 40K for a complete oil change and filter. Cost about 80 bucks.

Could be Tracy. I was having a little problem with the 2003 a while back (overdrive light occassionally and bad shifting) I brought it to my guy and he said it was a ten minute - electronic bolt on gizmo and cost about 40 bucks. I asked if I could replace the tranny (v6) with something more sturdy. He told me there was only one tranny for the V6, that's it, no upgrades.

Well my 2002 Explorer XLT failed New York State inspection. It threw three trans codes. Two were about failing gears which fails the inspection. Funny thing is the car rides fine on long and short hauls. Was told to take the car to AAMCO. So I was charge $100 for the ultimate diagnosis and accurate repair estimate. The estimate was to rebuild it and started at about $3500 but could not be guaranteed until they actually got inside the transmission.. So at that point with the shop I had an open ended estimate. Not going get involved with that. So it sounds like I was going to be seriously over charged.

Bob, If there is a tranny shop in N.Y. that has been family owned for a generation go there and have them check it out. For 3500 bucks, or a lot less, you can probably get a remanufactured trasmission. Keep in mind the difference between rebuild and remanufacturer. Rebuild means repair the tranny up to the point where it failed. Remanufacturer is totally different, And they do not remanufacture trannys at AAmco.

Oj Can you tell me the name and location of the family owned trans shop? Thanks, Bob

Bob: I live in So. Louisiana. I'll give you the name and address if you want, but it is a long ride.

OJ, Thanks I did not read you answer correctly, but I used to live in New Orleans 23 years ago.

Commenting on Tracy's comment to go to the Ford dealership ... I would not feel confident replacing a Ford transmission with another Ford transmission. Every Explorer we've owned has had transmission problems. We've maintained the vehicle, and yet it's almost a given that when they reach a certain mileage, they're goners.

OK, for a little insight about Ford's remanufactured transmissions: Ford Motor Company does not rebuild them - an authorized remanufacturer does. Ford specs them and supplies the parts. - Not all dogs bite. Most are abused. -

I've owned Explorers since 1996, all v6's. The 96 tranny went out at about 60K, The family owned shop repaired it. The 99 went out at about 75K, The family owned shop repaired it. In both instances my friend told me to bring it back every 40K for a complete fluid change and new filter. (about 80 bucks a pop) No more problems. The 96 has about 280K and the 99 just turned 200K. My 2003 has been in every 40K for the procedure since new. Pushing 120K with only one problem, a bolt exterior part having something to do with the overdrive. Forget about the 90K change interval listed in the owners manual.

Bob: I'm not familiar with the vehicle inspection department of N.Y., but I find it suspicious a state inspection facility would find faults with a tranny you state works perfectly fine then suggest you bring it to a particular repair shop for an estimate. I may be overly suspicious, but I would probably bring it to a Ford dealership, and without telling them about what the inspection department said, have them check it out. Or go to a different inspection location for another bite at the apple.

I have 2002 ford explorer this morning i warmed it up before going to work.i pulled out my driveway drove a block In the o/d light came on i pulled over to find transmission leaking from under the truck then wouldn't go in any gear neutral did work so we could push it .the truck was fine when i was leaving my home a round piece we found on ground where leak started o/d didn't come on until almost all fluid was out anyone know what that piece could be and do i need a hole new transmission or

Without seeing the part it would be only a wild guess at what it could be. You should tow it to a tranny shop for a diagnosis. Hold on to your wallet!

Ford put in a new (or remanufactered) tranny at 175K miles. Cost approx. $4K. 60K miles later and I need to have the tranny repaired again (out of warranty). I trust the local AAMCO dealer - estimated $2K to rebuild it.

Wow $4000!! I would think that warranty should have been for a lifetime.

I have a 2002 Expedition XLT 5.4l and it will not drive fastener than 15 MPH... Do I need to replace the entire transmission?

Jwesley4152. If your problem is within the tranny, it sounds like the torque converter needs replacing.

I have a 2002 Explorer V6 . Trying to accelerate it seemed like my 2nd gear went out.. .once I got to 30 mph it was fine..Tried taking it to a shop to check fluids, but I was scared I wouldnt make it so turned around and came home. Does this mean new tranny?

Not necessarily. There are electronic systems to your vehicle which governs when it shifts. It could be that. Try to find a family owned tranny shop which has been around for a while. Personally, I stay away from national chain concerns

Dealer cost for 2002 re-manifactored tranny $4,850 plus tax ,I could buy another car...Just saying...

Purchased a 2002 re-manufacturered 4.0 engine and had it installed for 3G's. Reman tranny cost much less, if one is required. Dealer cost much more than reputable shop. Just saying,

well i have a 2002 ford explorer xlt lately the overdrive light had been flickering now my truck stalls and goes to 3 or 4 rpms and drags then kicks into gear for two mintes and do it again had it looked at and they said i had metal in the trans so its bad i need to replace it but it drove fine until they checked it

My2003 experienced the same problem with the OD light. Fortunately I grew up with a guy whose dad owned a tranny shop. We're in our 60's now and he operates the shop. Brought it to him and he placed an electronic reader on the engine and replaced some electronic gizmo in about twenty minutes. It's been working fine for four years. Try finding a mom and pop place in business for a while. Seems every time read about tranny problems the shops always recommends replacing it.

Oj I was reading through responses on here and I will say I'm feeling a lot more hopeful. What was done to your 03? I have an 02 doing the same thing and if it could be fixed by the same process I'd like to know what to look for. As a single parent with a tight budget I would like to keep my 02 for a bit longer and you have given me hope with your experiences that a full transmission replacement may not be my only option. Thanks in advance to any information you'd have to help.

Allow me to explain further what mine was doing. Way back then, occasionally the OD light would come on and the vehicle would experience a mild shifting problem. Sometime the light would go off while driving, sometime stay on. When the vehicle was parked, the light would go off and not come back on after restarting and ran fine. I called the shop and the workman said when it comes on do not turn it off and immediately bring it to his shop and do not shut off the engine. I did as he said when it occurred and he plugged up a scanner to the engine, read a code and turned off the engine. I asked if I should leave the vehicle and he said just make myself comfortable he sending the runner for the part. Transmission did not come out of the vehicle to repair it and I was on my way in a little less than an hour. Minimal cost. That was five years ago and I cannot locate the receipt. I'll see him later this afternoon and ask if he can remember what he did. I'll get back later when I have the answer.

Caught him having his morning coffee. If my instance he stated the intermittent OD light was caused by a bad overdrive servo which did not require the tranny be removed from the vehicle for it to be replaced. Not saying that is the particular problem with your vehicle, but it is common within the 2000 to 2004, maybe later explorers. He did state, however, to rip out the maintenance page in the owners manual where it states to service the tranny with an oil and filter change every 90K. Have it performed every 30 to 40 K, It's a hundred bucks well spent.

OJ--we have identical problem. We had tried grabbing an output speed sensor, friend tried to get it on, couldn't loosen old one enough, his efforts kicked on the s fine light

Oops--sorry. Kicked on the engine light. Took to a tranny shop that used to be great. Not any more. They say they swapped it but I don't think they did it right (too much to get into). Engine light stays on and od light still intermittent. They told us they don't know what's wrong and just get new trranny! So I'm going to another shop. What's the engine part he was referring to do u think?? Thanks so much.

how much transmission oil does a 1999 model hold please

I have a 02 Ford explorer with shift delaying issues. the engine runs great and I've replaced a ton of things on it. I had another 02 with similar issues and have had to replace all the same things on it but the transmission and it had more miles on it. I have changed the filter and did a flush on it and its seems to be driving better. Do I really need a new tranny?

Last year posed the question about replacing a 2002 Explorer transmission. Finally replaced it about a year ago and it was a success. This February with 166,000 original miles on it the engine through a rod according to my long-tie mechanic. He said he had seen more than the usual of this with this year Explorer. The expense of replacing the engine was more than the market value of the car so I scrapped it. As it turns out this particular year (2002) Explorer has been documented as one of the worst cars Ford has made in recent times. Transmissions and engines are well known for their premature failures. Virtually all tail gates have cracked(class action on this) and Aluminum hood starts to anodize early on. Ford acknowledges some of these issues but refuses to do anything about them. So I will never buy another Ford product. Buyers beware on purchasing this car or sinking any significant amount of money into it.

Wow i brought a 2002 ford explore nice! truck until transmission failed had Cottman fix it 3000 dollars and 14 months later here we go again sounds like Ford should help Us out Please recall AND HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS OUT IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW!!!

I own an explorer 2002, 4.6 V8 With 150,000 miles. There is a rattle Sound coming from the engine when is cold and fading away when Is warm up. From time to time OD LIgt is on and off when I turn the engine off. The rattle sound happens just when driving the engine cold as I mentioned. Dealer says need s new tranny. A trans Shop says keep driving it until Breaks,Car runs fine. What should I do?

Had same car as you. Car was running fine but when I went yo get inspected here in NY they hooked the inspection computer into the car's computer and three codes popped up that said there was a problem with the two of gears. Could not pass inspection. Paid $3,000 for a new transmission including installation That was fine. Had a similar rattle in the engine at around your mileage. Six months after the trans repair the engine threw a rod. Would have had to invest $4000 for a new engine. My advice trade it in before both your tran and engine blow. My mechanic told me that this particular year of Explorer is garbage.

We were given a 2002 Ford Explorer from a friend. His wife said while he was backing down the driveway, He put the SUV in Drive before coming to a complete stop. Not once but twice. He paid to replace tranny first time. We have been told it has to be a 2002 transmission to repair it. He did keep it clean all the time.

My 2002 Ford Exlorer XLT 4x4 is in the shop right now having a remanufactured Tranny put in. First my OD light started flickering, then Check Engine Soon light came on, then gears started slipping and went out completely. All this happened within 3 weeks. There are thousands of these stories throughout the internet on the 2002 Explorer. I even called Ford and as usual they acted like they didn't know of a problem for this model. Not like they wouldn't admit it. They told me nothing was being done by them too help. So I will have $2500 in a remanufactured Tranny and pray my engine doesn't fail soon. I will never by another Ford vehicle and not because of the problem but because of there lack of concern for the many thousands of people that bought that piece of crap they knew about and did nothing about. I will inform every person I can about this and hopefully they won't support this crap company either.

I'm driving a 99 XLT 4x4 just shy of 300,000 miles. Truck has been from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. I have lived in the AZ, MI, MO, and now LA. I had the of light issue around 150,000 and truck went until 189,000. Lost reverse and so I spent $1600 on rebuilding tanny. Still had issues with OD light at 225,000 it would blink and rpms would go up 200-300, but you stop, turn off engine light would stop and rpms return to normal. Just lost reverse again. This truck has been a champ. Other than paint and clear coat being mostly gone, hood arms worn out and drive side latch breaking. I will continue to own a Ford. I replaced transfer case at 90,000. Dealer said I had submerged it. And I was living in the desert! Other than that it still gets 17mpg in town and 23 on highway! Only charges AC once and that was 8 yrs ago. Control arms the truck can eat, but 4x4 works fine. Many a fire road in AZ, will go thru 2 ft of fallen snow, and always starts. I work at a small college in LA and I have jumped closed to 500 cars when others won't do it. Dusty may not look great but I have put two teenagers behind the wheel, and it has safely gotten each to and from HS. I still take him on the interstate fully loaded 500 mile round trips to move one child back and forth to college the past three years. Right now my second one is trying to wear him out as he drives him every day to HS. Ford does make clunkers but this is my second explorer, first was a 94 that I sold to a neighbor in MI with 117,000 miles and they still own it! Hell my 99 the only time it see a garage is when I need it worked on. Yes, it has sat in -20 below MI winters and 127 hot as hell summers. Cranked almost everytime! I need new tensioners to get rid of tapping in motor but that is only in low end. But my mechanic told me I could replace them about $1600 or $4500 for a new motor when timing chain breaks, but that was 150,000 miles ago!!!! Dusty has been a great ride, so for those of you with explorers don't give up on them!!!!

Hey 99ExplorerFan, interesting you said that about the transfer case. I had some weird noises coming from underneath on my 02 XLT and mechanic said the transfer case was full of water. I've never driven it through water, other than normal Missouri rain. He cleaned it out and sealed it. I replaced my trans at almost exactly 200,000 mi. The previous owner had pulled a monster trailer around, and it doesn't even have the towing package. I could not believe that transmission made it 200k. Im at 224k now, and hearing a whirring sound from rear axle, wondiering if U joint is out or something. Was considering maybe having a v8 and new drivetrain put in but from everything i heave read, that is not easy or reasonably priced type of project. My wife wants a camper and I really like my 02 Explorer, but may have to end up selling her.

02 Sport Trac 2WD here. have had mine for a few years. transmission started to shift rough about a year ago from 2nd to 3rd gear. then abut 6 months ago i started to lose Overdrive at times. Then about 4 months ago i lost overdrive altogether. Then about 2 weeks ago when it finally cooled off in GA some, like mid 50s at night, started needing to let the truck warm up a little or it wouldnt shift into any gear without alot of slipping and rpms running up(much like a slipping clutch on a manual).. well yesterday lost 3rd and 4th gear as well as reverse. SO am doing a rebuilt transmission , my mechanic has a friend who works at oreillys and the trans comes with a 3yr unlimited mileage warranty and case, fluids and all im paying 1700 for that, and 400 for install, so out the door $2100 bucks. my Sport Trac has 252,000 miles on it. Love it, but was a hard decision to put that much into something that old. So am hoping this gets me another 60 or 70k miles at least or if all else fails. it is covered for 3 yrs at least.. anyways, my advice is once u have a flashing OD light, start saving, dont replace it right away. drive it and drive it until it goes out. Its a total crap shoot, you might not drive but a few weeks, or maybe like me you get almost a year more and another 15 or 20 k miles like i did. I literally took the truck to florida and back twice with no overdrive as well as North Carolina a handful of times and even took it on a 400 mile trip with no issues with the trans like this to tunica , MS, just made it so i kept it under 75mph, which was a blessing in disguise. rpms are only 3k at 75 in 4th gear. and instead of me taking my suped up Stang on these long trips and running 90 whatever , taking the truck and not really having the ability to drive as fast saved me a ticket i prob would have got one of these trips.. even with no OD my sport trac was grabbing 18 or 19 mpg which isnt that bad. with OD i was usually getting 20 or 21 mpg on trips. the difference was minimal bc i would usually be doing 85 ish in the truck vs the 75 max now..

I have a 02 as well 210, 000 on it. Never has given me any significant problems. My front window regulators just went out. I think I got my money's worth. Just do all the major tune ups along with the minor ones .

bought a remanufactured tranny on the internet for 02 explorer 4x4 $1200 and $600 core charge, $150 delivery fee.3 yr warrenty. Got the $600 back when I sent the core back. No fee to return core

I myself just had my transmission rebuilt on a 2002 Ford Explorer with 133,000 miles, and the cost was $1.950.00 dollars. My Explorer was driving fine,and then my O/D light started flashing, and the truck would slip really bad into 3rd and fourth gear. I took my Explorer to a Trans shop in the area,and it was throwing two codes, a P0745,and the second code showed that I had no 3rd gear. My 02 Explorer is in pristine shape in and out, and to be honest every issue issue I've read about pertaining to this vehicle, alarm going off for know reason,transmission,tail gate,etc.,I've literally experienced. The shame is that their very nice SUV's, and to be honest this vehicle is just a back up vehicle for the family. Would I purchase another Explorer new or used? No,and if Ford would have just done things right from the beginning, I would have purchased many more Explorers.

I, too, will never buy another Ford after the issues I have had with my 2002 Ford Explorer XLT. In 2004 my tail gate lift cracked completely into 3 sections. At 65,000 miles, my transmission went out and I replaced it. Now, at 131,000 miles (6 years later) I need yet another transmission. Good bye Ford, Hello Toyota!