Just joined (re-joined) and found this thread. I've developed an issue with my 98 4.0L Ranger that I think may be valve body related. She has a Jasper rebuilt trans (done by the P.O.) with just 15K on it but out of the 3 yr warranty time frame. Drove fine since I picked it up last summer but at the beginning of the week it started making a high pitched howl (like high winds through a window) that is speed associated and it feels like the trans is slipping and hunting for gears. The shifts come in later than previously, which I don't mind because I thought it shifted too soon anyway. The howl seems to go away once I'm up to the posted speed limit I checked the fluid and topped it off (about 3/4 quart low), no discoloration or burned smell yet.. Any thoughts?

 

Is there noise sitting still in gear? If so possible converter noise.

If there is noise only when moving and you are sure its the trans and not the Tcase or the rear diff you could have a planetary that is failing. Maybe pull the pan and check for metal debris. You can have non burnt red fluid and still have a gear train failure.

 

maybe the rear end? Running out of pumpkin juice?
.. just a wild guess. But it would be a simple fix...

 

My wifes 04 explorer 4.0 4x4 slips in between second and third gear and you cannot manually shift the gearshift below 3rd gear. I assumed tranny was going out but was told that it could be the transmission control selenoid or the transmission control switch (i think they are the same thing). Does anyone know anything about this? I read that the most common sympton of this going bad is a slip between second and third gear. Haven't checked codes but will when i get home to see what it comes up with. Any help would be appreciated.

P.S. This is the messed up model where you have to add fluid underneath through the drain plug. Was going to change fluid and add lucas to it to see if it remedies the problem.

 

No noise while sitting still, at least I can't hear anything while standing beside it. The fluid in the rear was changed in November and is still full (Jim98F150 nothing is ever that easy for me by the way). Not sure how to distinguish between trans and transfer case noise but I get 4H and 4L without issues and that fluid is full as well. When I get on the throttle the noise definitely comes from the front of the trans. Almost sounds like it's at the firewall. I tried the engine braking test mentioned in this thread and I'm not getting any kind of braking from 1st or 2nd gear. Fells like it just freewheels when I'm slowing down/downshifting.

 

Edit quote "No noise while sitting still, at least I can't hear anything while standing beside it. The fluid in the rear was changed in November and is still full (Jim98F150 nothing is ever that easy for me by the way). Not sure how to distinguish between trans and transfer case noise but I get 4H and 4L without issues and that fluid is full as well. When I get on the throttle the noise definitely comes from the front of the trans. Almost sounds like it's at the firewall. I tried the engine braking test mentioned in this thread and I'm not getting any kind of braking from 1st or 2nd gear. Fells like it just freewheels when I'm slowing down/downshifting." end quote

With no engine braking in low range, it sounds like a blown valve body gasket.

 

I checked code it's coming up 0745 pressure control solenoid A

 

Good idea to have had the tranny computer scanned for trouble codes. EDIT: If you have the 5R55E tranny & are going to service it youself, have a look at the service manual link Rockledge posted here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...55&postcount=5 Be patient, it'll likely take a couple of minutes to download the file.
Let us know how it goes.

 

Does anyone know how to tell which solenoids are a,b and c and if it I'd really possible to change just one? I assume you can because you can buy the individual solenoids. This is in my 04 explorer 4.0

 

If you have to fill the transmission from the bottom then you have a 5R55S, the solenoids for this transmission come as one complete pack with all the solenoids attached.

Like this one,

 

So the individual solenoids napa and advance sell are not the right solenoids for this tranny?

 

I would think they are incorrect, this solenoid block is around 200 bucks.

 

Auto zone has them for $369

 

Wow thats high.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5R55S-5R55W-SOLENOID-BLOCK-PACK-UPDATED-NEW-FORD-OEM-EXPLORER-MOUNTAINEER-02-UP-/200905983673?_trksid=p2054897.l4276
I get mine through Transtar, I think I pay just under 200 wholesale.

 

Thanks I'll check it out