4r55e 5r55e Ranger / Explorer Transmission Problems - CLICK HERE

[pawpaw]

Originally Posted by stonesilo I have a 5r55E transmission in a 99 ranger. The transmission winds out in 1st gear to about 25-30 mph before shifting. When placed on hand held scanner, the transmission thinks it is in a different gear and believes it has shifted when in fact it has not. Sometimes it calls for a shift that does not happen and other times it just gets the gear wrong. (Like believeing that it is starting out in 3rd,) I am going to change the ss2 but I am not sure exactly which selenoid that is. Can someone help with that. I also got a engine error code about the MAF sensor being bad, I know that can effect the transmission, but the code has since gone away but the transmission problem remains. Anyone got any clues? Thanks Welcome to FTE. I had a similiar sounding shift problem with my Taurus, along with some other symptoms, that turned out to be the speed sensor. So if you also have a speed-o acting out, the ABS system acting out, or a ABS trouble light on, or the cruise control acting out, maybe suspect the ABS speed sensor, mounted atop the front center of the rear differential pumpkin. All of the above things, along with the tranny, use the speed sensors signal to do their thing & can be affected by, a corrupt rear ABS speed sensors PID signal to the drive train computer. Some more things to ponder.

[stonesilo]

Thanks, I do not have cruise control, is there a way to check the speed sensor in the back or do I just replace it? I was also thinking about the shift position sensor. I think it use to be called the neutral switch, on the side of the transmission. I was wondering if that was contributing to my problem. It looks like there could be so many things affecting this transmission that what I need is a "Ford whisperer". Or someone who can do a Vulcan mind meld and wrench it's deepest secrets into the light. Thanks.

[ticker]

Originally Posted by stonesilo

Thanks, I do not have cruise control, is there a way to check the speed sensor in the back or do I just replace it? I was also thinking about the shift position sensor. I think it use to be called the neutral switch, on the side of the transmission. I was wondering if that was contributing to my problem. It looks like there could be so many things affecting this transmission that what I need is a "Ford whisperer". Or someone who can do a Vulcan mind meld and wrench it's deepest secrets into the light. Thanks.

The speed sensor at most would run you about 20 bucks. I would go this route first because it's an easy fix. I don't think you'll need to do anything with the neutral switch but if you do decide to replace it make sure to use a flare nut wrench or the sides of the switch will colapse on you. If you don't already have one, get youself a basic code reader which would cost about 40 bucks but well worth the investment. It plugs into the brain of your car so I guess this is as close to a Vulcan mind meld as you can get.

[pawpaw]

Originally Posted by stonesilo

Thanks, I do not have cruise control, is there a way to check the speed sensor in the back or do I just replace it? I was also thinking about the shift position sensor. I think it use to be called the neutral switch, on the side of the transmission. I was wondering if that was contributing to my problem. It looks like there could be so many things affecting this transmission that what I need is a "Ford whisperer". Or someone who can do a Vulcan mind meld and wrench it's deepest secrets into the light. Thanks.

Well do you have any of the other symptoms, like the speed-o, or abs system acting out with the tranny shift problems???? If not, then the speed sensor isn't likely the problem.

To read the speed sensors PID output to the computer, you'll need a Scantool that'll read PID's, like a Actron CP9145, ect, that'll plug into the in cabin diagnostic port, then have someone drive the vehicle, while you monitor the speed sensors signal to the computer.
Inexpensive code readers can't display sensor PID's, they'll only pull & erase the engine computers trouble codes

However on scannng the transmission computer, most aftermarket Scantools can't read the tranny computers trouble codes, they'll just read the engines emission control computer trouble codes & sensors PID's.

So you'll need a gararge, tranny shop, or Dealer, with a high end scantool, to pull the tranny computers trouble codes & they'll likely charge something to do that, but I'd have it done, rather than guessing & throwing parts at this problem & hoping for a fix.

So if you don't have any of the other speed sensor symptoms, I'd opt to having a shop do a tranny computer trouble code scan, as those codes can offer up good trouble shooting clues as to what's wrong.

Take the time for a proper diagnosis & you'll be more likely satisfied with the repair outcome.

Let us know how it goes.

[stonesilo]

I don't seem to have the other problems.
I originally took the truck to a transmission repair place. They told me the truck was starting out in 3rd and it had some other problems that could be fixed for $1,100 to start with and the price would go up as they got in the transmission. I could tell from the way the truck started out it wasn't in 3, rolled to easy and engine rev'd to high before the shift, that the diagnosis wasn't exactly right.
My friend had some sort of palm pilot and was able to tell what gear the transmission was calling for and what gear it thought it was in. The truck, according to the palm scan tool, thought it was starting out in 3rd, when it was not, it would call for a shift that never occured, and finally it would shift to 3rd. Our guest is that it called for a shift and the ss2 (B), solenoid failed to engaged and that there is an additional problem with shift positioning switch. Do you by any chance know which solenoid is the 2/b one? Thanks

[stonesilo]

I found out which solenoid is SS2/SSB, It is next to the EPC solenoid and 2 down from the TCC solenoid. On that side of the valve body.

[pawpaw]

Nope, I'm not an internal tranny guy, why not read through this thread, or try a thread search & see what turns up.

EDIT: WOOPS, we were posting on top of one another, I see you found your answer.

[haiglerD]

I have a 1995 ranger 3.0 2wd auto 137k with similar problems. As far as i know the trans is a 4r44e with o/d (it has a 18 bolt pan if that helps). Would this repair still apply or work? I tried changing the fluid and got only minor impovments. Also its more of a slipping out of gear and back into the same gear then a shifting problem. Band adjustments?????? Please any info helps Thanks

[k2ryder84]

my truck is an 03 2wd with a 3.0l in it. the o/d off light starts flashing and then it will shift hard from 1st to 2nd. after reading this thread i tried driving in first and letting off the gas. the truck continued to roll. this means its the valve body gasket correct? it also has a squeeking noise coming from what sounds to be the transmission. its definately not a belt though. could that squeek mean anything else is going on? any help is greatly appreciated. i plan to repair the valve body this weekend. i would like to tighten the bands while im at it and replace the speed sensor. can anyone tell me where the band tension stud is located?

[michael541wood]

hello all. heres my problem. i have a 95 ford explorer xlt 4x4 with 164,400 miles on it (i know its a ton of miles!!!). it has a 4r55e automatic transmission in it. now when i hit the gas the rpm's will max out and not shift out of first gear, UNTILL i let off the gas then it shifts into 2nd. then it will drive fine untill i stop or unless i reach a hill and it downshifts the rpm's max out again untill i let off the gas again and it shifts. also will do it if i give alot of gas to try and speed up, rpm's max out untill i let off gas then it shifts and drives fine again. can anyone tell me what the problem is? i took it to a transmission shop and was told " 2 grand for a new transmission buddy" but i got a feeling they were just trying to suck my wallet dry. someone please help. greatly appreciated!!!

[kheflw]

96 explorer 4wd auto 6 cylinder - not sure which trans that is.

Trans slowly died a month ago. Hard shifting at first, then then the overdrive light started blinking, then we only had reverse, got the truck home, and now dont even have reverse.

I'm trying to get the truck running to cash in on the Cash for Clunkers $4,500 program.

Any known tricks to get another 10 miles out of the trans? Engine runs fine, I can tow the truck to the dealer, but not sure if that quailifies for the program.

Any help?

Thanks
Hef

[Rockledge]

Originally Posted by kheflw

96 explorer 4wd auto 6 cylinder - not sure which trans that is.

Trans slowly died a month ago. Hard shifting at first, then then the overdrive light started blinking, then we only had reverse, got the truck home, and now dont even have reverse.

I'm trying to get the truck running to cash in on the Cash for Clunkers $4,500 program.

Any known tricks to get another 10 miles out of the trans? Engine runs fine, I can tow the truck to the dealer, but not sure if that quailifies for the program.

Any help?

Thanks
Hef

Under the clunkers program, the trade-in vehicle must be in "drivable" condition. Unfortunately, it sounds like your Explorer tranny is probably too far gone for that. But I'd be willing to bet that, if you were to go to a dealer and tell them of your situation, they can still find a way to make it work for you.

[enyapp]

My vehicle is a 1999 explorer with a 4.0L SOHC engine and has close to 160,000 miles. The owner's manual refers to the transmission as a 5R55E. It will run fine when it is first put into gear ("D"). I can drive to work in the morning (30 miles) and back home in the evening with out any problems. However, If I stop somewhere and take it out of drive (i.e. to get gas) then go to drive off (in "D") it has a problem shifting from 1st to 2nd. The rpm's will rev up and I have to let off the gas pedal for it to shift. I have not changed to fluid in a long long time, but, it still looks red and doesn't smell bad. So, when I had to stop (turn off the engine), I would start off by shifting into "1" then "2" while driving working up to "D" like a manual transmission. After doing this the transmission would shift OK. Then I discovered I could just shift all the way to "1" and back to "D" before starting off and the transmission would work fine. I am planning on changing the transmission fluid myself (first attempt). While I'm in there I would like to attempt to fix the 1st to 2nd flare (if that is an accurate discription). I do not have a CEL or flashing O/D light. I have done my research and it looks like it could possibly be related to old Mercon V fluid, TSB 33-22-10, and/or TSB 99-16-10. This forum has been very helpful in other DIY fixes for my vehicles so any advice you may have for me will be taken into consideration and greatly appreciated.
Other Questions:
Is Motorcraft better than Castrol brand Mercon V?
Is the dealership parts department the only source for the replacement parts?

[enyapp]

Originally Posted by stonesilo

I have a 5r55E transmission in a 99 ranger. The transmission winds out in 1st gear to about 25-30 mph before shifting. When placed on hand held scanner, the transmission thinks it is in a different gear and believes it has shifted when in fact it has not. Sometimes it calls for a shift that does not happen and other times it just gets the gear wrong. (Like believeing that it is starting out in 3rd,)
I am going to change the ss2 but I am not sure exactly which selenoid that is. Can someone help with that.
I also got a engine error code about the MAF sensor being bad, I know that can effect the transmission, but the code has since gone away but the transmission problem remains.
Anyone got any clues? Thanks

Check into TSB 99-16-10. This sounds similar to my sympton. I copied this from another search and tried to reformat it to make it easier to read. It was all running together when I pasted it into a word document.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 99-16-10, Date of Issue: August 9, 1999 Related Ref Number(s): 99-16-10
ARTICLE BEGINNING
CONDITION
TRANSMISSION - 4R44E OR 5R55E - SLIPPING SHIFT/DELAYED OR NO ENGAGEMENT
APPLICATION
Model(s): Fordreferrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600">ath o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f">ath>fficeffice" />>>
: 1999 Explorer, Ranger Mercury: 1999 Mountaineer
Bulletin No.: 99-16-10 Date: August 9, 1999

>>
ISSUE
Slipping transmission shifts and/or delayed or no transmission engagements may occur on some vehicles. The Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) solenoid may cause stress on the attaching bracket. This stress causes the bracket to break and the EPC solenoid to back out of its bore causing line pressure to drop too low or fluctuate, allowing friction clutches to slip.

>>
ACTION
Diagnose and inspect for damaged EPC attachment bracket, and replace the bracket and EPC solenoid with new bracket and revised EPC solenoid. Refer to the following SERVICE PROCEDURE for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Perform normal diagnosis for this concern.>>
2. Perform Line Pressure Tests as listed in the 1999 Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger Workshop Manual. >>
3. If pressures are low, perform Pinpoint Test for the EPC solenoid. >>
4. Inspect the bracket that attaches the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC), Shift Solenoid B (SSB), Shift Solenoid D/Coast Clutch Solenoid (SSD/CCS), and EPC solenoids to the main control for damage. If the bracket is damaged, replace both the bracket and solenoid. >>
5. If the bracket is not damaged, inspect the solenoid for the affected date code (refer to the following Manufacturing Date Code Chart) and ID marking (Fig. 1 , Views 1, 2, and 3). If the solenoid is one of the affected, replace it.
MANUFACTURING DATE CODE Date Code Month/Year 868xx August 1998 869xx September 1998 870xx October 1998 871xx November 1998 872xx December 1998
6. Inspect the fluid pan for major contamination.
If contamination isl minimal, clean the main control, but do not replace.
If majorl contamination is present, perform normal transmission overhaul as required, including main control replacement. Pay particular attention to the condition of the friction plates. Repair as required. >>
7. After repairs are completed, verify concern has been fixed.
PARTS INFORMATION Part Number F87Z-7A100-AB F87Z-7A100-BB F87Z-7A100-CB F87Z-7A100-DB F87Z-7A100-EB Main Control (4.0L SOHC Explorer) XL2Z-7L491-AA Bracket XL2Z-7G383-AA Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid Part Name Main Control (2.5L Ranger 4X2) Main Control (3.0L Ranger) ffice:smarttags" />lace w:st="on">Mainlace> Control (4.0L Ranger) Main Control (4.0L EI Explorer)

>>
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage.
OPERATION: 991610A
DESCRIPTION: Replace Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid And Clean lace w:st="on">Mainlace> Control (Includes Time For Road Test) - 4R44E Or 5R55E.
TIME: 1.2 Hrs. >>
OPERATION: 991610B
DESCRIPTION: For Line Pressure And Pinpoint Tests, Use "A" Time As Outlined In The Warranty And Policy Manual.
DEALER CODING: BASIC PART NO.: 7G383
CONDITION CODE: 01 OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000
Fig. 1: Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid >>

[enyapp]

Well I ordered the parts. They should be in this Tuesday. Wish me luck!