02 Tranmission Problems

[sacomstock]

Basic info: 02 Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 3.5(?) Axle with a class II towing hitch. currently 49k miles. All stock, no mods.

Alright my question is, I towed a trailer from Texas to Georgia (only had about 27kmiles at that time). Of course the 3.5s are only rated to tow 3k lbs, but my trailer ended up being 4k lbs (military, had to have it weighed). So I get to Georgia, unhook the big beast and at first I didn't have any problems with the transmission. After a couple of months I notice that it was beginning to slip every so often. Not all the time, but usually between 1-2 and 3-4. I've taken it into the dealership twice while it was under warranty, and of course they couldn't find anything wrong with it.

Basically I'm wondering if a simple filter change and flush of the fluid will help my situation before I shell out the $150 for it. I've taken it into the dealership once to have the fluid change, but they told me it was not needed since the recommended interval was at 100k mile.

Thanks for any advice
Steve

 

[TPLYNCH]

How is the fluid level and color? Does is smell burnt?

 

[Brain]

What shifter position did you have it in? I think the manual says tow in the Drive position, but I have towed in the OD (solid D) before, and it ended up doing some damage. Burnt up my overdrive band pretty bad, and from what you describe, this is your problem also (burnt up bands). The overdrive band is applied in second and again in fifth gear. The intermediate band is applied in fourth gear. So to me it sounds like it could be either/both of your bands. This is just an initial guess, but it would be a problem that you couldn't see without pulling it apart. How long is the warranty period?

 

[sacomstock]

I haven't been able to check color or smell of the fluid. From what I've read on here I have the 5R55W transmission, with no dipstick. I towed it in D with the overdrive off.
I actually took it into Ford this morning, talking with the service guy he basically told me they won't flush it until 100k miles. I ask them why, and he told me because that is its recommended service interval. He continued this story even after I told him that I towed a 4k lbs trailer from TX to GA. So, they took a look at it to see if it was putting out any codes, which of course it wasn't. Did a test drive and handed it back to me.
The warranty period has already expired for it, but I am thinking about getting an extended warranty just for the fact that I have to keep paying for this vehicle for a couple more years. Once I get that or have the money I may go in and demand them to pop open the transmission and take a look.

Any more advice would be appreciated.

 

[CDW6212R]

4.6 V8 has 5R55W
4.0 V6 has 5R55E

I have heard about there being no dipstick, is that true?

I would do one or two things. First I'd call an aftermarket trans company( I like Transgo). Explain story, and ask if they have yet made anything for the trans.
With their recommendations, I'd get their correction kit if they yet have one. Then I'd find out what the fluid change procedure is and do it.
Good luck, and if you will ever tow again, add an additional cooler now. If you do, add it in line with the radiator cooler, and in parallel with any current cooler.
Don

 

[IAmTodd]

It is true, there is no dipstick. They fill the transmission just like a differential. Fill it till it runs out the hole. So checking the fluid is impossible, pretty much. If you didn't take out the Extended Warranty, I'd take it to an independant tranny shop and have them check it out. They can diagnose it on a machine, and it could possibly be an easy fix. I'm not suprised to see that yours is going, our's went on the '02 at 33k. Full rebuild by Ford

I think the tranny for the 4.0 is the 5R55S. Atleast I've heard that somewhere, not 100% sure though.

 

[CDW6212R]

I learned them when I was checking gear ratio's, but I am fuzzy about them now.
I think that the Lincoln LS has the 5R55N.
I think that the Lincoln Aviator has the 5R55S.