delayed engagement from park

[admiralyost]

My 1993 explorer 2wd (88000 miles) has a bit of delayed engagement when going from park to reverse, reverse to drive, etc. While driving, it shifts at the correct intervals, but, is a little rough (both up and downshifting through all gears). What to do, what to do?

[theoldwizard]

First, check the transmission oil level while the engine and transmission are hot, idling and in park.

While you are checking the oil, is it bright cherry red (not dark red or brown) and does it smell burnt. If dark or burnt, you are probably looking at a rebuild sooner rather than later.

If Everything is looks good, I would drain it (don't forget the torque converter) and change the filter.