I have a 2001 ranger 4.0L 4x4. The tranny is a 5r55e. My question is: I have been getting a slipping going into 5th gear. It shudders like it doesn't want to go in gear all the way then goes in and drives fine. I also have a leak near the torque converter. anyone else experienced this.

 

Yes, I experienced that on mine. I didn't notice any serious leaks on my truck....but I did experience the slipping going into OD you talk about. I had my transmission "powerflushed" and refilled at my local Ford dealer and it solved my problem. I did this at about 74,000 miles...it was probably the first time it had been done unless the original owner had it done under warranty or something.

 

And now it's starting to shift hard occasionally 5,000 miles later...don't know if the two are related or not.

 

A fluid change might take care of that. Mercon 5!

 

I also have a 2001 Ranger 4.0w/5r55e. My tranny also shifts just like yours, mine also does it going into 4th. My dealer replaced my tranny at 3000 miles for this problem, but the new one does the exact same thing. When I brought it back to the dealer the service manager brought out a new 2003 fx4 and we went for a ride, guess what, it was even worse than mine! His conclusion is that its normal, but he said he will personally stand behind this tranny for 75,000 miles. Guess I'll have to get that in writing. Other than that I really like this ranger, its even better than the 97 I had before it.

 

One thing you have to watch out for when you have someone flush and fill your tranny is. Are they REALLY using mercon V?
Most use mercon 3 with an additive that susposedly makes it similar to mercon 5. I recommend you goto advance auto and pick up the mercon 5 at 2.49 a quart first.
I dont see how they can make regular mercon 3 which is a conventional atf, similar to mercon 5 which is at least semi-syn.

Rand

 

I don't like the idea of an additive, either. Mercon V is a different animal than Mercon.

It is important to use it Mercon V when specs call for it. Regular Mercon won't cut it.

 

I took the truck in the tech. said this was normal. But correct me in im wrong if you let a tranny slip it bulds up excess heat and shortens its life. Plus my dad has one the same year and his doesn't do this. Can I force the dealer to put a new tranny in or am I just going to have to deal with the slipping.

 

Are you under warranty?

In any case, at least try and make them flush the tranny and make sure they use Mercon V fluid. It just might do the trick.

FWIW, there was a guy a few months ago who posted in the Oil/Lube Forum and he had a Ford dealer flush his 5R55E and they used the WRONG fluid! He had to go back and force them to do the whole thing again. So even the dealer can get the fluids mixed up.

Also, by having the flush done it leaves a paper trail of tranny service which may come in handy later if you continue to experience problems.

Just my 02.

 

Again, I had mine flushed and refilled and it solved the problem for me. I took it to Ford to have it done because I knew they'd use the proper fluid. Tranny doesn't slip at all anymore....

 

I had it flushed and it didnt help. still slipping. It is still under warranty and the dealer is saying that the slipping is normal. Im getting frustrated.

 

You might try an independant tranny shop and see if they will give you a written diagnosis. It may cost you something for their time, but it if your tranny is on its way out, you want proof.

Just my .02.

 

No, a slipping tranny is not normal. I'd definitely have something done about it before that warranty runs out.

 

the dealer said they won't put a new tranny in and that they all slip like that. they updated my pcm and flushed it and nothing changed. should i call ford and report the dealer to them. Or what are my options.

 

Also there are tsb's i found on this but cant read the whole tsb. Does anyone have the complete tsb for 02-22-2,02-13-8,and 02-8-3. That might be the ticket to make them fix it. and thanks again guys for your help