• Most clutch and transmission problems on the Ford Explorer arise because the operator rides the clutch, meaning the driver keeps his foot lightly pressed on the clutch at all times. Another common problem with the clutch in a Ford Explorer is due to poor maintenance of the bearings that allow the drive shaft to rotate easily. There are, however, other problems that can occur with normal use of the Explorer.
  
  

Gear Shifting Problem

• The Ford Explorer has a retaining plate that holds the gear in place when the operator shifts gears. This retaining plate can break and cause the gears not to shift correctly or jump out of gear after the driver has shifted the transmission during acceleration. The only cure for this clutch or transmission problem on a Ford Explorer is to have the retaining plate replaced.
  
  

Clutch Slipping

• Clutch slippage is a problem that causes the Ford Explorer not to move or accelerate after the gears have been shifted. To check for clutch slippage, put the Explorer in high gear and release the clutch. The Ford should stall. If it does not stall and begins to move slowly, the clutch is slipping. This can be caused by low transmission fluid so check the fluid level to ensure that it is full. If the transmission fluid level is full, then the Ford Explorer has a worn clutch plate that either needs to be replaced or the clutch plate can be soaked with fluids to check for a transmission leak around the seals.
  
  

Hard to Shift Transmission

• A Ford Explorer should shift into gear easily under normal operating conditions. An Explorer with a low transmission fluid level or the wrong viscosity of transmission fluid may be hard to shift from gear-to-gear. Another common problem, when the transmission has a hard time shifting gears, is with the clutch linkage, which may need to be adjusted or lubricated. Many of these clutch and transmission problems can be eliminated by having the vehicle serviced on a regular basis, where all lubricating is performed and fluid levels filled or checked.