"Flare" problem.
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"Flare" problem.
It's a 1997 Explorer with a 4.0 SOHC and 5 speed automatic. The car runs fine when cold, but when it gets to operating temperature, then the problem occurs sporatically. The 2-3 shift is delayed momentarily, causing the tach. to go up to around 3K rpm. but always shifts very HARD to the next gear. Someone in this forum posted a link awhile back regarding this problem, and the expert from that link called it "2-3 shift flare". I initally thought that this has to do with the shift governer, but not so sure. The trans. oil and filter are changed on a regular basics, so I don't think changing the oil would help.
Thanks so much in advance for your help,
Huy
Thanks so much in advance for your help,
Huy
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Had the same problem with my 01 Explorer and the 5R55£ transmission at 117,000 km. Stealership did an overhaul that did not correct the problem. They installed a rebuilt after talking to Ford Tech. I questioned them about the solenoids, but they said it was related to valve wear. Am pursuing some kind of goodwill payment from Ford since this is way too early for a transmission failure. Have found lots of references on the web to this problem. The original ford fix was to change the valve body to improve clearances/sealing to prevent fluid pressure leakage. Am not impressed at all with this tranny.
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I had the 2-3 shift flare with my 2000 5R55E a couple years ago. Since I didn't want to do the job twice, I replaced all the parts I could, including the Ford revised separator plate and blow-off valve kit, a new EPC solenoid, and a Superior shift kit.
One of these parts cured the flare, but I'm not sure which one. The Superior kit replaces several aluminum spool valves with steel, and I suspect that one of these could have been sticking. Regardless, I'd recommend installing the Superior kit for anyone with the flare problem.
One of these parts cured the flare, but I'm not sure which one. The Superior kit replaces several aluminum spool valves with steel, and I suspect that one of these could have been sticking. Regardless, I'd recommend installing the Superior kit for anyone with the flare problem.
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I have this same 5 speed auto transmission on my 2002 XLT. At 60k miles the trans started up shifting hard under light load, only when warm. Dealer replace the valve body which fixed the problem.
However, 15 months later and 23K miles. It's doing the same thing; hard up shifting after warmup with light acceleration.
Can't see spending another $500 on it, so I'm just driving it that way.
However, 15 months later and 23K miles. It's doing the same thing; hard up shifting after warmup with light acceleration.
Can't see spending another $500 on it, so I'm just driving it that way.
Last edited by borland; Jun 25, 2006 at 09:58 PM.
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Originally Posted by thelonerangerxlt
I had the 2-3 shift flare with my 2000 5R55E a couple years ago. Since I didn't want to do the job twice, I replaced all the parts I could, including the Ford revised separator plate and blow-off valve kit, a new EPC solenoid, and a Superior shift kit.
One of these parts cured the flare, but I'm not sure which one. The Superior kit replaces several aluminum spool valves with steel, and I suspect that one of these could have been sticking. Regardless, I'd recommend installing the Superior kit for anyone with the flare problem.
One of these parts cured the flare, but I'm not sure which one. The Superior kit replaces several aluminum spool valves with steel, and I suspect that one of these could have been sticking. Regardless, I'd recommend installing the Superior kit for anyone with the flare problem.
Thanks,
02 Mountaineer AWD, 4.0 ohv, 5r55e
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Thomcasey, all of them were under $200. The EPC solenoid was about $100, separator plate about $15, blow-off valve kit about $15, and the Superior shift kit was about $40. All are dealer items except for the Superior kit (#K4R/5R55E).
You'll also need 6-8 qts of Mercon V ATF of course, and a new trans pan gasket+filter.
You'll also need 6-8 qts of Mercon V ATF of course, and a new trans pan gasket+filter.
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Great, thanks. Would this be a backyard mechanic install, or is it shop only?
I just had the tranny serviced (flushed), so I will see how it goes. I see many people complaining about the tranny, but I have seen three on dealer lots with over 100K miles, and zero tranny work EXCEPT religeous tranny flushes @ 30k miles. Maybe an ounce of prevention does really go a long way.
I just had the tranny serviced (flushed), so I will see how it goes. I see many people complaining about the tranny, but I have seen three on dealer lots with over 100K miles, and zero tranny work EXCEPT religeous tranny flushes @ 30k miles. Maybe an ounce of prevention does really go a long way.
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I did mine in a Saturday afternoon. The only special tool needed is an inch-pound torque wrench. If you've changed the trans filter and fluid, you can do this job. Just a few more bolts.
I bought my 2000 used with 36K on it. The flare started at about 45K, and got progressively worse. I finally fixed it at about 55K, and it's been fine for over 30K. I don't know what causes the flare, but it is a common problem in these 'later' models. I do know that it's an aggravation that shouldn't happen in relatively low mileage transmissions. Grrrr.......
I bought my 2000 used with 36K on it. The flare started at about 45K, and got progressively worse. I finally fixed it at about 55K, and it's been fine for over 30K. I don't know what causes the flare, but it is a common problem in these 'later' models. I do know that it's an aggravation that shouldn't happen in relatively low mileage transmissions. Grrrr.......
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