Not the usual 5R55E problems

jcactusleo · 08-04-2012, 05:24 AM

Ok, so I know about the 2-3 flare issue, all well and good. My problem however is when I put the shifter from park down into drive, it doesn't go into gear right away. It makes a buzzing noise in D and N and when in D, you can rev the engine high and then it slams into gear. If you go past D, into 2, then back to D the noise goes away and it drives just fine. Sounds like a fluid flow problem?

Took it to a shady (I know, please be nice. I was poor at the time) trans mechanic who said he dropped the pan and could tell immediately it needs a rebuild for some part that leaks in the center of the trans. You guys got anything? Thanks!!

*corkey* · 08-04-2012, 06:37 AM

sounds to me like the shift is not in sync to the trans , may be off just a bit,

with the engine off, key on, foot on the brake, cycle the shifter from P to D, see if it lines up properly , you will feel the notches , if they are off a bit, you will have it not engage properly, and it will do what you are describing

to adjust , i think you will have to lightly bend the tab that the shift cable goes through slightly, don't horse on it, it's just a sheet metal bracket.

DO NOT BEND IT TOO MANY TIMES ,or it will just break off too,
, and make sure the shifter is in the middle of the notches or the problem could get worse,

drdoom · 08-04-2012, 08:15 AM

Did he put a pressure gauge on there? Also if it is 4WD you want to eliminate the transfer case. That is usually a loud grinding sound, not buzzing. Now I have heard torque converters make some good racket. Kind of like when cats are growling at each other...you give it a little gas the pitch changes.

JK080 · 08-04-2012, 09:19 AM

I would install a line pressure gauge and if the pressures are off I would suspect the EPC solenoid. If the pressures are in line the I would suspect a sticking Fwd modulator valve.

Either way, the forward clutch engagement valve is not getting regulated EPC pressure to stroke the valve and apply forward clutch. When shifted into 2nd or low, Intermediate oil will stroke the forward clutch valve regardless of EPC pressure. Shifter can then be moved into the drive position and all will appear to be normal until shifter is moved into neutral.

08-04-2012, 05:24 AM	#1
jcactusleo Wannabe Elite Explorer Sterling, CO 1999 Explorer XLT Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Not the usual 5R55E problems Ok, so I know about the 2-3 flare issue, all well and good. My problem however is when I put the shifter from park down into drive, it doesn't go into gear right away. It makes a buzzing noise in D and N and when in D, you can rev the engine high and then it slams into gear. If you go past D, into 2, then back to D the noise goes away and it drives just fine. Sounds like a fluid flow problem? Took it to a shady (I know, please be nice. I was poor at the time) trans mechanic who said he dropped the pan and could tell immediately it needs a rebuild for some part that leaks in the center of the trans. You guys got anything? Thanks!!

08-04-2012, 06:37 AM	#2
corkey Elite Canuck, Eh ?? In the Great White North where winter never seems to end ,Ontario,, still ice fishing,, 96xl,99xls,old Rangers Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 5,445 Vehicle Specs	sounds to me like the shift is not in sync to the trans , may be off just a bit, with the engine off, key on, foot on the brake, cycle the shifter from P to D, see if it lines up properly , you will feel the notches , if they are off a bit, you will have it not engage properly, and it will do what you are describing to adjust , i think you will have to lightly bend the tab that the shift cable goes through slightly, don't horse on it, it's just a sheet metal bracket. DO NOT BEND IT TOO MANY TIMES ,or it will just break off too, , and make sure the shifter is in the middle of the notches or the problem could get worse, __________________ Log Roller,, Fox Coilovers 35's and others, , Truck of the month Ranger Of Danger,,,project truck, also look for Blues Traveller Elite registry, ,

08-04-2012, 09:19 AM	#4
JK080 Wannabe Elite Explorer North Ga Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 115 Vehicle Specs	I would install a line pressure gauge and if the pressures are off I would suspect the EPC solenoid. If the pressures are in line the I would suspect a sticking Fwd modulator valve. Either way, the forward clutch engagement valve is not getting regulated EPC pressure to stroke the valve and apply forward clutch. When shifted into 2nd or low, Intermediate oil will stroke the forward clutch valve regardless of EPC pressure. Shifter can then be moved into the drive position and all will appear to be normal until shifter is moved into neutral. __________________ Master Certified Transmission Rebuilder of 25 years of all Makes and Models Transmission Shop Owner and Operator

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08-04-2012, 08:15 AM	#3
drdoom Wannabe Elite Explorer VA 1997 XLT 4.0 SOHC 4WD Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,502 Vehicle Specs	Did he put a pressure gauge on there? Also if it is 4WD you want to eliminate the transfer case. That is usually a loud grinding sound, not buzzing. Now I have heard torque converters make some good racket. Kind of like when cats are growling at each other...you give it a little gas the pitch changes.