Transmission Whining

Fluid level is slightly high. When the noise is heard, the transmission can spin faster than the engine, but when the engine is sped up (gassed), it usually catches and turns the wheels faster via the trans. Sometimes though, it will not re-connect until I have coasted to an almost complete stop. All four exposed drive shafts have been checked for anything rubbing - clear. This seems to be something between the engine and trans breaking free - torque converter?

I just had the exact same problem with my 96 Explorercome to find out it was the transfer case the gearing for the rear wheel drive in my transfer case was shot which was causing it to have neutral like symptoms at speeds of 30 to 45 miles an houras far as the whining mine is still dealing with that but everything else seems to be running fine haven't figured that part out yet but I can tell you that you are neutral like symptoms is either the transfer case or it could also possibly be the valve body gasket inside the transmission is blown

I had a problem with my 2002 ford explorer v6 I was missing with the Idle and all the sudden the transmission started to whin and didn't want to shift to second gear no unless I give me more gas, so I decided to turn the idle screw back were is was before now it shift normaly but the whinning comes everytime I come to stop sign or traffic light. Anyone knows what could it be.

cdsoliday, was your problem resolved? Mine would take time to go into drive (it had been like that for years but never failed). I was low on fluid and ended up about 1/4 over the line (maybe a bit less). I ran the truck hard with 800 for a few days and 800 lbs to the dump on the last day. When I got near the house the transmission was winning in drive. I figured this was it and tryed to make it home. It finally gave out at a light when it wouldn't go forwards anymore. With traffic behind me I went from park to reverse and turned off and on the engine. I got it to go for seconds at a time to get it onto the median. When she kicked it while reving the engine it was pretty hard hitting but gave out just as quick. I've read now that there are all sorts of solenoids that may cause this or the valvebody not being aligned if someone had opened her up. I was thinking bands or other deeper internal parts but if it's something more serviceable by droping the pan, I might have a go at checking ohms on solenoids and such. Thanks in adnvance for any advice from you or anyone else.