Q: Ford Explorer sport not shifting/running right.

asked by on January 13, 2017

I have a 2014 Ford Explorer sport I purchased brand new. It has always run great for me. However about 2 weeks ago I was pulling out of a gas station It felt as if it slipped gears, and I got a warning message about my terrain managmebt system, which then wouldn't allow me to change the setting. However, after turning the car off and back on the warning went away and I was able to use it again. But since this happened, the Explorer has been driving super sluggish, sometimes even feeling like it wants to stall. It feels as if it is not shifting gears at the correct time. Also if you hit the gas pretty good, it gives almost no response, and feels like it wants to just die out. I had an issue with moisture in the turbo cooler before, which felt a little similar but not quite.

My car has 39000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is slow to accelerate Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. Thanks for writing into YourMechanic.com about your Ford Explorer. It’s possible that you have a transmission speed sensor or other sensor that is sending inaccurate information to the ECU, or you have a mechanical issue inside the transmission. Due to the complexity of trying to diagnose an issue like this, it’s best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What Is Key-Off Battery Drain?
A battery drain is a term for a component in your vehicle that is staying on and draining battery power even after you have shut the car off and exited the vehicle. It could take a day for it to...
How do I lock the power windows?
The power windows can be locked so that children are unable to operate them. To lock the power windows, press the power window lock switch, which is located in front of the driver’s power window switches. Press this button a...
How do I change the audio controls?
You can customize the audio controls to make the sound system ideal for your ears. The controls that you can personalize are Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fade. Adjusting these controls only takes a few seconds: 1. Press the Setup button....
Rattling noise when idling
The clutch release bearing is the most likely cause of this noise. If so, then the transmission would need to be removed to service it. I recommend having a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to you and run...
Oil leaks into coolant & coolant leaks into oil
If the engine is not overheating or running badly, then yes an oil cooler is most likely the issue as it it will allow oil and coolant to mix. Other possibilities are a bad cylinder head gasket or cracked block,...
Water temperature gauge fluctuates even after replacing the thermostat could it be the water pump
Hello, thank you for asking about your 2003 Honda Element. This can be many different things aside from the thermostat, such as a failing water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement), a failing coolant fan relay, a clogged radiator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/radiator-replacement), or even potentially a...
Random misfire - 2004 Chevy Express 2500
Hello. Most of the time if you have a multiple cylinder misfire such as this, it is caused by a fuel system problem. If the fuel pressure is low, then this will occur. If the fuel pressure is fine, then...
I have been hearing a vibration in the back when accelerating it's almost like a clicking sound.
Hi there. The clicking sound/vibration in the rear of the vehicle upon acceleration could be, several possibilities. A loose wheel (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/tighten-wheel-lug-nuts), a bad wheel bearing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement), a loose or broken suspension component (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brakes-steering-and-suspension-inspection). These are likely culprits but there are...
My car overheated then died i got it started and drove to my house on the way it started making a loudticking noise and when i acc
Hello, and thank you for writing in. To begin we need to determine what made the vehicle overheat, and solve that issue first. The ticking may be caused by the oil, which is subject to issues when overheated, and can...

Related articles

2012 Ford Escape vs. 2012 Honda CR-V: Which One Should I Buy?
SUVs represent one out of every three vehicles sold in 2012, making them one of the most-purchased types of vehicles in the country during that time period. Compact SUVs are a sub-class that are slightly smaller and offer the most...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a City
Living Living and driving in the city means you’re faced with parking constraints, narrow streets, and the constant stop and go of traffic. With all of that said when you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle these are all things...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Personal Trainer
As As a personal trainer, you either operate out of a gym, or you go to your clients. Either way, you probably don’t have to haul any more gear than what fits into your gym bag, so your main focus...