The trans of my 98 Explorer (4WD, SOHC, 5spd AOD) is beginning to have a problem deciding which gear it wants to be in. It does a lot of up and down-shifting under either light or moderate acceleration - but, so far
- only when it is thoroughly warmed up. The first few miles of the day are pretty normal.
The vehicle only has 84K miles on it. I've tried to baby the trans because I've read the news group since before I bought it. I did fluid and filter changes at 30K and 60K. The fluid is currently right on the full mark, clean and not burned or discolored.
At almost the same time that I first noticed these symptoms, it seemed as though the engine wouldn't idle down when stopped for a light or sign. I guessed dirty throttle body and cleaned it. Now I have a shiny clean throttle body - and a motor that doesn't idle down. Hmmm.
Ideas?
Can this be a mild tranny failure - maybe some control device going out as opposed to a total failure? There is no apparent slippage when it is stable in a gear. That seems encouraging.
Thanks,
Joe