I have a 2002 3.0 with the 5R44E. I don't like how late it shifts into 5th gear. Is there a way to make it shift into 5th at 45-50 instead of 55? I feel like I have to let off the gas half of the time to make it shift and I don't have a heavy foot. If anything, driving with a light foot seems to make it shift into 5th later.

 

There is a way. Get a custom software program for it. No, I don't know where to get one of those.

 

Has it always done this? How many miles? It could be the valve body.

 

I have an '09 2.3 5R55E, it does the same thing + it unlocks the converter at the slightest grade

 

I suspected that the converter may be unlocking on mine too. Seems like these autos are crap. Then again a friend of mine had a 4r55e beat the snot out of it 280, xxx never had an issue...

 

If your tires are any taller than stock, that would cause the symptoms you describe. Conversely, installing shorter tires will tighten the shift spacing due to the reduced load. It's the same effect you would see from changing the rear gears.

A custom software program was available some years ago (Bama), but I think he left the business.

 

the only change is 235/70's instead of 215's that were on it new

 

That makes over an inch difference in height and is enough to cause the downshifting on a lower power model truck. High elevations can have the same effect, too. It's what they're designed to do.

 

Likely agreed.

There are many free online calculators that will determine what changing tire size will do to associated rpm. That is going to change the shift lock schedule.

Like Mark said. Custom tune time.

D