I have been told the transmission "Wave Spring" is faulty in this SUV.

This will depend entirely on the engine size and which version of the engine is fitted. They did a major facelift and update to the model in 2002 so it is possible the answer will be No.
You could try some of the Explorer Owners websites or look for a specialist independent Explorer mechanic to ask.
You could also try ringing the parts department of a dealership and ask. Some dealership parts men do help.

Why not have a good USED transmission installed?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if your car was running and driving great one moment, and suddenly the car would not move at all the next, you will need a new transmission. When the wave spring breaks, it destroys the transmission pump and the error codes will read faulty solenoids. We have replaced 4 automatic transmissions in the last 2 months with these same symptoms. It is very common problem with this make and model and has nothing to do with maintenance.

2002 GMC Yukon

2002 GMC Yukon

2004 TRANSMISSION Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP (One Speed Automatic) - SUV

2004 TRANSMISSION Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP (One Speed Automatic) - SUV

TRANSFER CASE NO FRONT DRIVE

Transfer Case No Front Drive

Cause

Correction

DEFINITION: The transfer case is not delivering engine torque to the front propeller shaft.

Review the Symptoms - Transfer Case and perform the necessary inspections.

Viscous coupling faulty 1. Inspect the transfer case fluid for being black. If the fluid is

black, it is most likely caused by a viscous coupling failure.

2. Test for a faulty viscous coupling. Refer to Transfer Case

Description and Operation.

3. Disassemble the transfer case. Refer to Transfer Case

Disassemble in Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP3 Unit Repair.

4. Inspect the viscous coupling for a bulged cover. Refer to

Cleaning and Inspection in Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP3 Unit

Repair.

5. Replace the viscous coupling if it is faulty. Refer to Transfer

Case Assemble in Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP3 Unit Repair.

Planetary carrier faulty 1. Disassemble the transfer case. Refer to Transfer Case

Disassemble in Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP3 Unit Repair.

2. Inspect for faulty planetary carrier components. Refer to

Cleaning and Inspection in Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP3 Unit

Repair.

3. Replace any faulty planetary carrier components. Refer to

Transfer Case Assemble in Transfer Case - NVG 149-NP3 Unit

Repair.

I just went through the same problem this year twice. My car started smoking some, and I notice a trial of fluid on the road both times. I'm not sure but my car problems may have started when I got my Transmission flushed.

My car has 100,000 miles and I drive my car pretty hard.

I was first told the torque converter went out. Then I was told the Fuel pump needed to be changed. After being without a car for threes months, I just brought a new transmission and had it shipped to the shop.

From researching online, I think the fragile "Wave spring" in the transmission needs to be replaced and the new version of the "Wave Spring" is a solid & thick metal ring.

Secondly, the Mechanic will need a alignment tool to put the transmission back together properly. The tool is called Sonnex or made by the company I think.

Let me know what you find out.

Also only use Transmission fluid for Mitsubishi Eclipse only.

1. Torque Converter
2. Transmission "Wave Spring" broken pieces of the wave spring may damage other parts as it flows through the system or the fuel pump I think.

thats a transmission problem, need to check your fliuid and if its ok bring it to a transmission shop for a diagnostic

its the same thing eclipse trannys have a big problem with the wave spring inside, it breaks and destroys the ******, If you get it fixed again make sure they put a rebuilt one in. Mitsubishi redesigned the wave spring

This might sound odd, but it could be the gearbox output shaft bearing. If the transmission sounds noisier than it did, this could be the issue. Only way to check is to take off the transfer box. Not a major job, but takes a while. Some good fault code readers will read transmission codes, and allow you to see in real time what the sensor is doing - if the sensor suddenly loses signal, then it is very likely to be the a bearing (output shaft bearing most likely) that is at fault, causing the sensor ring to move too far from the sensor. Best guess, but could be other things, so don't go taking that transfer box off without getting a road test with a good fault code reader on it - or find someone with a portable oscilloscope and put that across the sensor - you should be able to see nice square wave pulses - if they get bigger and smaller (variable amplitude), that's your problem. If not, the fault lies elsewhere.

The B shift solenoid is mounted internal to the transmission on the valve body. It can be purchased and replaced. However, if you are not familiar with the internals of an auto transmission I strongly recommend that you have a professional do the job for you. It's not a major job.

i understand why you want to do it yourself - it's expensive to have it done by a mechanic. that's because it's a major job to remove the engine, takes 4-5 hrs. i avoided having it done by having an honest mechanic i've been going to for a long time do something else (sorry, i don't know what) that fixed the problem temporarily. he told me it must be done after 90k miles or so, so i'm saving up.