The transmission cooler (possibly part of the radiator) has failed
NO!!!! do not do this, oil is oil, transmission fluid is transmission fluid, and antifreeze is antifreeze, do not mix any of these, it can perminately damage your engine.
the cooling tank in the radiator for the transmission is bad
Transmission and antifreeze.
Water or antifreeze.
From the transmission? No? But antifreeze & transmission fluid can mix. Your transmission uses a small portion of the radiator as a transmission cooler, normally at the very bottom or side. In very rare instances, this cooler can develop a leak and allow transmission fluid and antifreeze to mix together. The only fix is to replace the radiator.
The trans fluid will take on a pink, milky look.
Oil, Antifreeze, Power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant...
If it is motor oil in the anti freeze, then it is either a cracked head, cracked engine block, or a head gasket blown. If it is transmission fluid in your antifreeze, then the radiator is leaking from the transmission cooler ----- although usually that would cause antifreeze to be in your transmission fluid.
The 1996 Ford Explorer uses automatic transmission fluid (ATF), not antifreeze, for its transmission system. Antifreeze is used in the engine's cooling system to prevent freezing and overheating. If you're experiencing transmission issues or leaks, it's important to check and maintain the ATF levels, as low fluid can lead to serious transmission problems. Always refer to the owner's manual for the correct type of fluid and maintenance guidelines.
You have a leaking transmission cooler, usually part of the radiator. The transmission fluid is mixing with the antifreeze turning it pink.
Sounds like transmission fluid is getting in to your antifreze. Some types of antifreeze are normally red in color.
check your radiator hoses and change gaskets