2025 Ford Explorer Slipping? Here's How to Fix It

What's Happening

"Slipping" is a broad term used by vehicle owners to describe a sensation where the engine revs increase without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed or traction. It's a symptom, not a single diagnosis, indicating a failure in the power transfer system. This disconnect between engine effort and road movement can stem from issues in the transmission, the drivetrain, or even the traction control systems. Based on community reports, this problem manifests in several key areas of the vehicle, requiring careful diagnosis to pinpoint the exact cause.

From the Community

Analysis of 100 owner discussions reveals that "slipping" is a commonly reported but often vaguely described issue. Owners frequently mention specific components when detailing their experiences. The upper intake manifold is cited in contexts where unmetered air entering the engine causes erratic power delivery that feels like slipping. Problems with the AWD transfer case are a predominant theme, with many reports of fluid-related failures or mechanical wear causing a binding or slipping sensation, especially during turns. Interestingly, electrical gremlins are also implicated; faulty lights or issues traced back to fuses in the glove compartment have been linked to erratic behavior in computer-controlled systems that manage traction and power distribution, indirectly creating a slipping feel.

What You'll Notice

Owners describe several distinct sensations, all falling under the "slipping" umbrella:

• Transmission Slip: The most common description. When accelerating, the engine RPMs flare or surge dramatically, but the vehicle accelerates sluggishly or not at all. This may be accompanied by delayed gear engagement or harsh shifts.
• Drivetrain Bind/Slip: Particularly in All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, owners report a "hopping" or "chattering" sensation during low-speed turns, as if the wheels are fighting each other. This can sometimes feel like intermittent traction loss or slip.
• Erratic Power Loss: A less mechanical, more sporadic feeling where power seems to cut in and out unexpectedly, similar to a misfire but often without the classic shudder. This is frequently tied to electrical or sensor issues.
• Traction Control Activation: The feeling of momentary power loss or braking applied by the vehicle's stability systems, which can be mistaken for mechanical slip if the system is malfunctioning.

Why This Happens

The root causes are as varied as the sensations, but community-verified fixes point to these primary culprits:

1. Worn Transmission Components: Automatic transmissions rely on clutches, bands, and pressurized fluid. Worn friction materials, degraded or low fluid, or failing solenoids that control hydraulic pressure can all prevent solid engagement, causing the classic RPM flare.
2. AWD Transfer Case Failure: This is a major highlight from the data. The transfer case directs power to front and rear axles. Old, contaminated, or incorrect fluid can cause internal clutch packs to slip or bind. Mechanical failure of these components or their actuators is also common.
3. Vacuum Leaks & Sensor Issues: A leak in the upper intake manifold or associated hoses creates an unmetered air leak. This skews the air/fuel ratio and can cause the engine to run poorly and lose power erratically. Faulty wheel speed, transmission, or throttle position sensors can send incorrect data to the vehicle's computers, causing misguided torque management that feels like slip.
4. Electrical Faults: As noted in community reports, issues stemming from the glove compartment fuse box or other body control modules can disrupt power to critical systems. For example, a fault affecting the transmission control module or AWD controller can directly induce slipping behavior.

Owner-Verified Repairs

Ranked from most frequently reported/effective to more specific solutions.

1. Service the AWD Transfer Case (Fluid Change)

   • The Fix: Drain and refill the transfer case with the manufacturer-exact fluid. In many cases, this alone resolves binding and slipping sensations in AWD systems.
   • Why it Works: Over time, fluid breaks down and loses its lubricating and friction-modifying properties. Fresh fluid allows the internal clutch packs to operate smoothly.
   • Community Success: This was the single most cited specific action for resolving AWD-related "slipping," especially when done proactively.

2. Diagnose and Repair Transmission Issues

   • The Fix: Start with checking the transmission fluid level and condition (color, smell). A fluid and filter change can help if the fluid is dark but not burnt. For more severe slip, diagnosis of internal pressure, solenoids, and clutch packs is needed.
   • Why it Works: Proper fluid level and pressure are essential for clutch application. Addressing this can restore normal operation if caught early.
   • Note: A burnt smell indicates significant internal wear, where a fluid change may be too little, too late.

3. Inspect for Vacuum Leaks and Clean Throttle Body

   • The Fix: Use a smoke machine or carburetor cleaner spray (listen for RPM change) to find leaks around the upper intake, throttle body gasket, and vacuum hoses. Clean the throttle body of carbon buildup.
   • Why it Works: Restoring proper air metering allows the engine control module to deliver consistent power, eliminating erratic stumbling that feels like slip.

4. Electrical Diagnostic Scan and Fuse/Connection Check

   • The Fix: Perform a full OBD-II scan, noting any codes from the transmission, AWD, or body control modules. Physically inspect and clean connections at the battery, grounds, and the glove compartment fuse box for corrosion or loose fuses.
   • Why it Works: Modern drivetrains are computer-controlled. Clearing faulty communication or power supply issues can restore normal system function.

Cost Analysis

Costs vary wildly based on the root cause and vehicle.

• DIY Repairs:

  • Transfer Case Fluid Change: $50 - $150 for OEM fluid.
  • Transmission Fluid/Filter Change: $100 - $300 for fluid and kit.
  • Vacuum Hose/Intake Gasket Replacement: $20 - $100 for parts.
  • Electrical Connection Cleaning: $0 - $20 for contact cleaner.

• Professional Repairs:

  • Transfer Case Fluid Service: $150 - $300.
  • Transmission Fluid Service: $200 - $400.
  • Transmission Overhaul/Replacement: $2,500 - $6,000+.
  • AWD Transfer Case Rebuild/Replacement: $1,500 - $3,500.
  • Diagnostic Fee: $100 - $200 for initial scan and assessment.

Recommendation: Given the data, starting with a transfer case and transmission fluid service is the most cost-effective diagnostic and potential fix for many slipping issues, especially in AWD vehicles. If the problem persists, a professional diagnosis is crucial before committing to major repairs.

FAQ

Q: My car slips when turning but is fine going straight. What's wrong? A: This is a classic symptom of an AWD transfer case issue, often related to worn fluid or clutch packs. The different wheel speeds during a turn exacerbate the binding or slipping. A transfer case fluid change should be your first step.

Q: Can low transmission fluid really cause slipping? A: Absolutely. Automatic transmissions are hydraulic systems. Low fluid leads to low pressure, which prevents clutches and bands from applying firmly, resulting in slip. Always check the fluid level and condition first.

Q: I changed my transmission fluid and now it's slipping worse. What happened? A: In transmissions with pre-existing, significant wear, new fluid can be too slippery for the worn clutch materials to grip effectively. It can also dislodge debris that then blocks valves. This often indicates the transmission was already failing, and the fluid change merely revealed it.

Q: Could a simple electrical problem really make my car feel like it's slipping? A: Yes. As reported by owners, faults in modules that control torque management, traction control, or transmission shifting can cause abrupt power cuts or strange shift behavior that feels mechanical. A thorough diagnostic scan is key.

Q: Is it safe to drive with a slipping transmission or AWD system? A: No. Continued driving can cause rapid, catastrophic damage due to excessive heat and friction. What might be a simple fluid fix can turn into a need for a full rebuild. Diagnose and address the issue promptly.

Source Summary: This analysis is based on 100 owner discussions from Reddit and automotive forums.