Auto Trans Prob = Bad fuel Economy?

[freeze_1au]

Hi Guys, New to the Forum but hoping to find an answer to my question

I have had HEAPS of cars and thought I would try a different 4x4 so I got myself an 03 Ford Explorer or Exploder if you like - knowing fully their reputation but I like to give things a go!

It is a 4.6Ltr V8 Limited with all the bells and whistles which is great, but one thing these Explorers are known for, is the transmissions randomly failing!

Mine is no exception and is clearly now on its way out - the occasional flare, delayed engagement, or odd noise - this will be getting replace as soon as I have the fun tokens!

MY QUESTION - could the problems with the Trans be causing unusually high fuel consumption?

Im no idiot and I understand a 2 tonne 4x4 with a petrol V8 is always going to use a lot of juice, but I did my research before buying and read plenty of reveiws that suggested anywhere from 12-14ltr per 100k's cruising/and light work around country town (no joke - Google it!)

I'm getting about 24.5ltrs per 100k's at the moment (by the dash display) taking it fairly easy!

Anyone know if I can expect this to improve with a Brand new trans?

Cheers !

[madmelon]

If there's a clutch/brake dragging or allowing slip then there's going to be wasted energy. Also, if it goes into a failure mode you'll just get one high gear with heaps of torque converter slip which is also terrible for fuel economy.

[freeze_1au]

So prob should have mentioned there are no codes (so assuming not in any failsafe mode) and the problems are intermittent - so trans is on it way out but in general most people prob wouldn't notice it doing anything strange!

Just thought maybe with it showing some signs of failure there could be some big losses through the trans

[sgt_doofey]

When was the auto last serviced? Could just need a good service/flush and come good again.

[freeze_1au]

When I bought it had a slight noise. Wasn't paying attention sounded like a noisy drive belt pully.

Stuck it on a hoist and realised it was coming from trans. Did a full fluid exchange and new filter - noise still there.

Bit more research on American sites found out a common failure inside torque converter cause a 'rattling' noise - pulled trans and sent off converter for a rebuild and upgrade to lockup clutch - noise fixed ! YAY!

Trans started playing up after first filter change. Spent many hours confirming fluid level (stupid system) and replacing trans filter again.

Spoken to Bayford auto trans - Ford specialists and will be getting a new trans soon as I can save the coin. Just hoping when I do replace it the economy improves because it IS a good vehicle - but bloody expensive to drive and the first baby is due any day!!