2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.6 V8 with 5R55W transmission. Getting Code P0745. I need to change the shift solenoid pack. What do I need to know, other than dropping the pan and valve body and removing and installing the new solenoid pack? Are there any special adjustments or electrical work?

I've been a mechanic my entire life, rebuild engines etc but almost all pre 2000 cars, trucks, Harley's but I've never done much on automatic transmissions except for minor things like shift kits, band adjustment, etc. I know about how to fill the ATF and I've already got the fill adapter. Can I order the solenoid pack based on the 5R55W model transmission or do I need to wait until I actually remove the existing solenoid pack to see the actual model number? Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

 

I'm not certain if it's same same across all 5R55 versions, but when I had my Aviator's transmission solenoid pack replaced out of preventative maintenance, the trusted transmission shop determined once they were in there that "the bores" were worn and really should be drilled and sleeved. That was several years ago so I don't recall all the details. I just remember it only added something like $100 to the total cost of the job so I had them go ahead and do it. They said it was pretty common for that to happen on that transmission. My recall is the bores were originally just drilled into the aluminum casting and become oblong through use. The repair is to drill them and sleeve them with brass.

-Rod

 

Stumbled across your thread while looking for something else. Don't have an Explorer, but my car has a nearly identical variant of your transmission (5R55N) and I had the same code several years ago. A remanufactured solenoid pack took care of it. Details here, including a hidden fastener for the electrical connector:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...-p0745-205599/


A few minor considerations:

Most likely you will need some long Torx bits to access some of the fasteners in front. The fastener heads are recessed in the valve body, and standard short Apex style bits will NOT fit. Here's what I used, but unfortunately this particular example is no longer available, but similar kits can be had:





Sorry I don't remember which size bit was needed. It's been a while, but am thinking I did NOT need the security style with the hole in the end, but I purchased that type in case needed for other applications.

Also, make sure you can loosen the fill plug before draining the fluid. The vehicle should be driveable to some extent with the current code, but if you drain the transmission and cannot refill it when done, you're now stranded. I do not care to discuss how I learned this...

What is your workshop situation? Do you have a lift or other means to get the vehicle up in the air and level? Getting it level for the refill procedure is important. I did mine with 4 jackstands and it was not much fun crawling around under there. A lift would have been a LOT nicer.

 

Thanks for the information. I'll have to get the long torx bits before I start the job. Unfortunately no lift, jack stands working in the yard like I've been doing for a lifetime.