5R55E shift flare resolved

[bluestream1]

I would like to share my experience with the 5R55E Shift flare problem. A little background on this truck: 2000 XLT SOHC 4X4. In 2003 at 110,000 Kilometres I dropped the pan, installed B&M drain plug, changed the filter and did a fluid flush with 13 litres of Motorcraft Mercon V. I also snugged up the valve body bolts after reading this forum. No Problems for 2 ½ years. In November 2005 at 145,000KM I noticed a slight shift flare after towing my boat back from Lake Huron. I decided to drop the pan and look for debris (none found) and change the filter before doing anything major. The flare was only noticeable when warmed up, but became progressively worse. I ended up with a 1-2 flare, and a 2-3 flare, delayed reverse and forward engagement. At least on four different ocasions I got the flashing OD light, so I expect to have set a code. At the Ford dealer I talked to the Tranny specialist and he said it was probably a valve body problem, and not real expensive. I asked if I can do any damage by using it, and he says no,” the damage is done” so I left it till this summer. After reading the diaries I decided to just take it to the dealer for repair. (Auto tranny phobia) I went to pick up the truck expecting the work to be done, and I was told I need a rebuilt tranny at $3300 plus tax. They say the bands are likely worn and servo seals hardened due to poor design and proximity to cat. They report: “After lengthy road test confirmed that 1-2 shift and 2-3 shift has slight flare and delayed engagement in drive and reverse. Check fluid pressures- OK WDS and EEC test for tranny concerns – datalogger test no codes found, suspect piston seals worn and bands also worn will cause slipping when warmed up. Recommend: tranny overhaul.” After paying $220 and having no work done, I go to start the truck and hear a loud bang. Dash light comes on, and I check under truck and find my belt tensioner lying on the ground. Now I know they are crooks and after another $234, I go home with a sore butt vowing to never return. I re-read the TSB on this problem and noticed the “no engine braking in manual first" symptom. I check and found slight engine braking when cold, and no engine braking when warm. I now decide to do the valve body myself. Ford Canada wants $260 for the EEC solenoid alone, so I order parts from a site sponsor. On removal I found a blown valve body gasket by the reverse servo. I was going to replace the reverse servo seals, but the dealer said they come 3 to a pack and he didn’t want to stock them. I reused the old seals and the old servo gasket. I Installed Ford update kit 3L5Z-7M203-JA and new separator plate 1L5Z-7Z490-HA and new solenoid bracket and new ECC solenoid. It took 7 litres of ATF to fill it up and I am pleased to say the shift flare is gone as well as the delayed engagement. The transmission seems to work much better, and the engine seems to rev lower. Fuel economy is improved, I recently got 28 MPG. (Imperial gallons, highway, 100 KMH with AC off.)

I do have a few tips:

I removed the front drive shaft from the transfer case, and set the shaft to one side. This allowed the pan to slide off to the driver’s side. I also I used RTV sealant and bonded my new pan gasket to the pan and let it dry overnight. This made the pan easier to install. The heat sheild does not have to be removed, I just pushed it up and out of the way. I welded the drain plug in after getting slight leaks in the past. This valve body upgrade is not a difficult job, and I would encourage you to go for it if you have a moderate amount of mechanical skills.

I would like to check my band adjustment, but can’t figure out how to get the shift cable off, so if anyone has any ideas I would like to hear them.

 

[Glacier991]

Thanks for sharing. I maintain that in the 5R55E many problems can be fixed by VB rebuilding. Hence the Diary. Many many many shops want to rebuild fully salvageable trannies with VB problems. You CAN do it yourself.

All that said... not everything wrong with a 5R55E is VB related... so ask here and let us help you.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is a link to my thread on adjusting bands: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158160

 

[bluestream1]

I have read the band adjustment thread, and it seems simple enough. I can't seem to get my shift cable off of the DTR sensor or out of the cable bracket. I need to do this to get the torque wrench on to the band bolt. Any ideas on removing this cable?