2003 5R110 Reverse Issue and "Clunk"

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Mar 23, 2017 | 11:19 AM

Jacob90

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2003 5R110 Reverse Issue and "Clunk"

On my 2003 6.0l Excursion, the 5R110 is having some issues with reverse lately. Sometimes when you put it in reverse it doesn't actually engage. The only way to make it "fall" into gear is by giving it a little fuel, which then sends it into reverse. Now here me out, I'm not hitting 3,000rpms when I do this, just a light raise in rpms will get it in gear. Solenoid issue, possibly?

I haven't noticed if it does this when it won't go into reverse or if it does it no matter what, but it will make a light clunk when going forward after using reverse. A very light, but noticeable clunk. Is this most likely a U-Joint related issue? Got under it and moved the driveshaft around, didn't notice any play at all, but perhaps I wasn't checking properly (wiggling it left and right).

Excursion is RWD (2WD) and has right around 183k miles on it, acquired in October with 172k miles, so not positive on previous history of the transmission. Also I know my gear selector mount is broke, so it cluster is off, but I certainly don't think that, in of itself, is the cause of my issues. Maybe I'm wrong?

Any idea'rs?

Mar 23, 2017 | 11:53 AM

pirate4x4_camo

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From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob90

***snip
Sometimes when you put it in reverse it doesn't actually engage.

***snip

Also I know my gear selector mount is broke,

Any idea'rs?

Just saying

Mar 23, 2017 | 11:55 AM

Jacob90

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Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo

Just saying

I figured that was just for the cluster "optics" though, or am I wrong? You can feel, through the lever, it going from park to neutral to reverse to drive just fine. Also, this was doing it before that went out.

Mar 23, 2017 | 04:28 PM

pirate4x4_camo

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From: Northern California

Just trying to eliminate possibilities, but from the sounds of it I'd agree that you have some sort of transmission issue going on that I would get diaganoised sooner rather then later. Personally I do not know the test procedure down to pin point the cause..... maybe mark will chime in with the answer

Mar 23, 2017 | 08:59 PM

Jacob90

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Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate4x4_camo

Thanks, hopefully someone can point me in the right direction, as I'm pretty clueless on this one. I have searched the forums, but everything pertaining to the 5R110 isn't what I'm seeing as symptoms on my Excursion. Seems like reverse is either gone or other issues, not the strange RPM requirement to fall into gear.

Mar 23, 2017 | 09:39 PM

Mark Kovalsky

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob90

It's possible, but it also could be a worn clutch seal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob90

I haven't noticed if it does this when it won't go into reverse or if it does it no matter what, but it will make a light clunk when going forward after using reverse. A very light, but noticeable clunk. Is this most likely a U-Joint related issue? Got under it and moved the driveshaft around, didn't notice any play at all, but perhaps I wasn't checking properly (wiggling it left and right).

Wiggling the driveshaft means absolutely nothing. If you want to check the u-joints you MUST take the driveshaft out. They CANNOT be checked with the driveshaft installed.

The clunk is probably due to a lack of grease on the slip yoke in the driveshaft.

Mar 24, 2017 | 08:41 AM

Jacob90

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

It's possible, but it also could be a worn clutch seal.

Wiggling the driveshaft means absolutely nothing. If you want to check the u-joints you MUST take the driveshaft out. They CANNOT be checked with the driveshaft installed.

The clunk is probably due to a lack of grease on the slip yoke in the driveshaft.

Based upon previous comments and your signature, I take it your the resident guru on the matter.

Figured I wasn't checking it right, so I'll look into the slip yoke more. As for the strange RPM related issue, guess I'll have to do some more digging in on that. No transmission codes, but not sure if a solenoid would throw one to begin with. Fluid doesn't smell burnt and is clean, so that's always a plus.