I've been having some unusual problems with the Explorer for the last year or so. To top it off what I thought was a transmission problem turned out to be the transfercase. Anyways, while removing the trans I noticed that two of the harness connectors going to the trans had bare wires and the wires were touching. I'm sure this was contributing to some of my issues. So I went to Ford to see if they carried replacement connectors which they did but at over $75 a piece. So I went to the wrecking yard and cut the two I needed off another truck which cost me $4 each. Much better. I rewired in the new connectors so hopefully that will resolve my issues. I guess I'll find out once I finish installing the trans and transfercase.
The moral of this story is that you should check your connectors periodically. Especially ones that are under the car or truck like mine were. They get built up with oil, dirt, etc. that eats away the insulation and exposes the wires. I had this same issue when I first bought the Cobra.
Old connector.
New one.