HELP - '97 5R55E Automatic Transmission

glfredrick · December 16, 2003

Help from someone that knows these transmissions!

I ordered a rebuilt 5R55E and when it arrived it did not have a place to put the front externally mounted sensor for the computer. (I think that it measures the high gear hub speed.) It does have a place to moung the rear sensor (low/reverse hub).

I think that the service department is going to try to tell me that the transmission will work without this sensor, but I am having a hard time believing that.

So, does the transmission NEED this front sensor or not? Do the later model cases (98 and up from what I can find) work in place of the 97 model? What will happen if I end up installing this tranny and the sensor does not read? Will I get error codes, and will it mess up anything?

What sucks is that I specifically TOLD them that I had the 97 model with the EXTERNAL SENSOR! It is even printed on the invoice!

So, Oprera House, or anyone with experience with these models, please respond.

Thanks!

glfredrick · December 17, 2003

Well, I have searched and tried, and I think that I have found an answer that might be helpful.

The Automatic Transmission Service Group has put out an update on the 97 5R55E transmission for Ford Rangers and Explorers. They say that Ford made a mid-year manufacturing change and that the forward Overdrive Drum Speed Sensor (ODS) was eliminated.

Their recommendation is to cut the two wires leading to the sensor, and to connect them securely and also heat shrink them to protect from moisture under the truck.

It seems that Ford decided that the computer did not need the extra information - and this supposedly corrects improper or erratic shifts on the early 97 model year 5R55E's.

NOTE: They do not recommend removing the sensor if your transmission case has a position for it - it seems that there is some difference internally that calls for the sensor if the case has a hole for it. Experiment with this at your own risk!

They also say that Ford released a new part number for replacement cases - F77Z-700-DB

I confirmed this information from a Ford Transmission service technician - who advised further to solder the wires, and to REALLY make sure that they are water tight! Seems that the fix is good, but the corroded wire casues other issues. He also indicated that this WILL NOT cause codes on the computer.

Hope this helps some others in the same fix...

glfredrick · December 19, 2003

Well, I got the new tranny in and it works. Finally...

I am actually getting good at putting those things in and out of the 97 Ex. I did it myself yesterday except for a bit of help steadying the tranny on the jack for the initial uplifting procedure.

I can do a write up of the install if anyone cares... let me know. I have a couple pics, but not too many - I do have a few tips that I learned as well if they are helpful.

Oh, btw, I will have some 5R55E rebuild parts for sale on eBay this coming week if anyone is interested. Things like the bands, clutch steels and disks, the $100+ solenoid that always goes out, etc... I replaced the entire unit with a reman, and I'm pulling out the new parts before I core the old unit - "ZERO" miles on the new parts! - the wheels never hit the ground.

mlmpetert · May 11, 2004

I know its been a while since you had this post, but if you could still do a write up or tell me some of the hints you learned along the way id really appreate it. My 1997 5r55e trans just lost reverse and looks like its burning up pretty fast. If you still had any pictures that would be great to.
Thanks a lot

Opera House · May 11, 2004

With first problems you most likely have valve body gasket problems. And yes, you will burn it up if you keep using it. Chances are the two VB gaskets and low servo cover gasket will fix it up.

mlmpetert · May 12, 2004

I took it to the dealership and they charged me 130 to tell me i need to replace the trans. They said the band is broken on the reverse gear. The trans fluid is brownish and has tiny metal flakes in it (it wasnt like this a week before i was able to bring it in). They said the computer reading showed that the trans was slightly slipping and causeing a lot of heat, and thats what broke the reverse band. You think that it could still just be valve body gaskets? I dont know transmissions at all.

Thanks, Peter

Opera House · May 12, 2004

You either waited too long or the band just snapped and it didn't relate to the valve body. Regardless, it is too late now. If you don't have reverse, you don't have first either if the band is snapped.

Glacier991 · May 12, 2004

I'm not sure but I think only manual first has the band applied, but I might be mistaken.

mlmpetert · May 12, 2004

Well i dont think the band is snapped then, 1st gear workss fine. 1st to 4th work perfectly its just reverse that doesnt work. Ive only put about 50 miles on it since its happend. Does any one know of a thread that has a description of some one installing a trans, with hints and suggestions or even pictures.

Thanks for the help

BrooklynBay · September 19, 2006

glfredrick said:
I can do a write up of the install if anyone cares... let me know. I have a couple pics, but not too many - I do have a few tips that I learned as well if they are helpful.

I know that this thread is pretty old, but did you do that write up?

HELP - '97 5R55E Automatic Transmission

glfredrick

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glfredrick

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mlmpetert

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Opera House

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Glacier991

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