I have a 99 explorer xlt. The trans is puking fluid out the top. I can not figure out where the fluid is coming out. I used mirrors and even a camera to try and see. I have looked at diagrams to see what is on top. Is there a vent up there? Only comes out when I put it in gear. What would cause it to pump out? Drives until all fluid is pumped out. Not really familiar with this trans. I was told its a P5. Advice from others is that it needs to be rebuilt. Before I pull it out, I am a novice at this but have the time, is there anything I can do to narrow down what could be the prob. It has close to 260K, dont think it has ever been changed, bought used. If the filter is clogged, would that cause it to do this? Thanks for any help. Looking for advise before I start throwing money away with servicing it on the truck.

 

Is this the 5 speed auto behind a 4.0?
5R55 is the trans "name", and there are variations which I can't place to year/model such as "5R55E", "--W", "--S" and maybe others. They all share the same weaknesses, which, at 260,000 miles you have avoided or dealt with.

There is a vent on top of the trans. Was it recently filled, maybe overfilled?

If that were the case, it shouldn't pump itself dry, if that is what it's doing.

If it's not overfilled, I would find a remanufactured trans and swap it out.

 

Thanks for the useful info. It is the 5 speed. First it lost reverse,sometimes, then the fluid started coming out. I have to add a quart to move it around. I think a rebuid is the answer. A junk yard trans could have the same probs later. Good advise, Thanks.