This was my company car that I got for a good price last summer when we got new ones. After one year the transmission went out and it was replaced. Since Winter started it seems whenever it is a little slick out the transmission has trouble staying in gear. It clunks and it almost feels like there is a lot more power going to the front wheels. It is a little scary on the freeway. It does not do it all the time. I have had few problems driving around town. Also if you go a consistent speed on the freeway it is okay. The weirdest thing is that sometimes if you stop, put it in park, turn off the engine, and wait a few minutes, it is okay again. Is it that solenoid going bad in mine?

2005 and 2004 models suffer the same fate. My 2005 Explorer only had 22,000 miles on it when it started clunking into reverse after a several second delay. It would also slam into 4th gear. Didn't even try to pass anyone, it would take forever to try to decide what gear to go into then it would go back into second revving the engine up to explode range. The shade tree mechanics at the ford dealer changed the solenoids they called it a six pack. I think they drank too many six packs before doing the job because the problem re-appeared soon after the warranty went out. Now the losers want $800 to fix it again. If I thought they were capable of fixing it right I would give them the money but these morons should get them selves fixed so they don't breed anymore. My solution Several times I've heard that the fluid that ford used was collecting on these solenoids causing them to stick. I bought some ZMAX for transmissions and had my local oil change place put it in while he changed the trans fluid and filter. This was done three weeks ago and everything is still working like it should. All my problems are gone for now. I hope this is a permanent fix.