New to me Explorer
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Joined: Aug 2008
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New to me Explorer
Just wanted to check in. Picked up a 2003 Explorer at auction for the wife. High miles, but body and interior are in great shape. Runs good, tranny shifts are nice and tight. Paid a little more to get through inspection than I hoped - had some problems with CV axle up front, a couple bad bearings (including a rear that basically welded itself to the knuckle), couple other small items. But it's done now and in the driveway. Just gotta get tags on it now and clean her up good!
One thing I noticed in reading the owners manual was no dipstick on the trans
So how do I check the condition/level of the fluid? Also, looks like there's a bunch of variations of the 5R55. Anybody know which one I should have? Can it only be changed by taking it somewhere to have it flushed?
Thanks for any help you can give. Just want to make sure she lasts for the long haul.
One thing I noticed in reading the owners manual was no dipstick on the trans
So how do I check the condition/level of the fluid? Also, looks like there's a bunch of variations of the 5R55. Anybody know which one I should have? Can it only be changed by taking it somewhere to have it flushed?Thanks for any help you can give. Just want to make sure she lasts for the long haul.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,817
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Welcome to your Explorer! There are a few other threads that give details on checking and changing the transmission fluid on the 5R55, including how to make your own adapter to allow you to refill the fluid. A Search of the forum should make quick work of finding those threads.
As for which variation you have, I would expect there to be a tag on the transmission that will clear that up once you slide under the truck. According to the factory service manual for the 2003 Explorer, there's only one choice, the 5R55S.
-Rod
As for which variation you have, I would expect there to be a tag on the transmission that will clear that up once you slide under the truck. According to the factory service manual for the 2003 Explorer, there's only one choice, the 5R55S.
-Rod
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Rod,
Thanks. Did search a bit last night. Will definitely spend some more time reading through old threads.
Are there many differences between the 5R55 variations or are they all pretty much susceptible to the same issues?
Thanks. Did search a bit last night. Will definitely spend some more time reading through old threads.
Are there many differences between the 5R55 variations or are they all pretty much susceptible to the same issues?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,817
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
I'm not transmission expert, but from what I remember reading, they are pretty much all susceptible to the same issues. Some model years were filled from the factory with a fluid that did not contain an additive to prevent the servos from sticking so if they did not have the additive added quickly enough, they may be more prone to premature issues.
-Rod
-Rod
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