'03 Transmission problem - is it the solenoid pack, or.....?

[wgf5823]

Bought a 2003 Eddie Bauer 4.0 4X4 from my cousin, who had it since new. Currently 107K on the clock. She sold it to me because the O/D light started flashing and "check transmission" message came across the info center, and she didn't want to fool with a transmission replacement. It is slow to shift from first to second (will tach out near redline before it shifts from 1st to 2nd under a moderately heavily right foot). Seems to drive and shift fine otherwise.

I've done a little research (read: looked on YouTube), and it seems that I could have a solenoid pack issue, which would be a whole lot easier & cheaper to replace than a transmission.

My questions are these:

1) Is there a way to verify that the solenoid pack is the problem, without having a mechanic diagnose (OBD-II maybe)?
2) How do I figure out which transmission that I have? I keep seeing things about the 5R55W, the 5R55N, and 5R55S, and I'm not sure if they're all the same, just variations based on model and/or engine size, etc.

I'm no stranger to DIY, or getting my hands/arms/face dirty, and am eager to tackle this challenge and get this girl on the road. I'm glad to have found this site! Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[drdoom]

1. Not really
2. Check your door jamb sticker

 

[ScaryWoody]

try entering your VIN here http://vindecoder.eu/ford

 

[imp]

Flashing O/D OFF light means trouble codes are stored. Find out what they are. Solenoid problems are often successfully diagnosed through trouble codes. imp

 

[mcasdorph]

Bought a 2003 Eddie Bauer 4.0 4X4 from my cousin, who had it since new. Currently 107K on the clock. She sold it to me because the O/D light started flashing and "check transmission" message came across the info center, and she didn't want to fool with a transmission replacement. It is slow to shift from first to second (will tach out near redline before it shifts from 1st to 2nd under a moderately heavily right foot). Seems to drive and shift fine otherwise.

I've done a little research (read: looked on YouTube), and it seems that I could have a solenoid pack issue, which would be a whole lot easier & cheaper to replace than a transmission.

My questions are these:

1) Is there a way to verify that the solenoid pack is the problem, without having a mechanic diagnose (OBD-II maybe)?
2) How do I figure out which transmission that I have? I keep seeing things about the 5R55W, the 5R55N, and 5R55S, and I'm not sure if they're all the same, just variations based on model and/or engine size, etc.

I'm no stranger to DIY, or getting my hands/arms/face dirty, and am eager to tackle this challenge and get this girl on the road. I'm glad to have found this site! Thanks in advance for your help!

Same thing on my '03 Explorer XLT, its likely solenoid B, because mine has a delayed shift into 2nd as well and the light flashes, I've heard a few things, an OBD website said it could be low transmission fluid or dirty fluid (which I'm hoping, just havent got around to getting ATF), another could be bad wiring or connection, or you may have to replace the solenoid pack. I'd start with fluid since its the cheapest.

Transmission code is on the driver door sticker, I can't remember where I seen the codes, or you can use your vin on the fordparts website, it tells you what transmission you have.. My '03 has a 5r55s

 

[dla]

There's a sticky here somewhere about this - check the transmission electrical connector for corrosion.

 

[wgf5823]

Thanks for the VIN decoder link! I now know that I have a 5R55S transmission. I will check codes thru a friend's OBD-II scanner and see what comes up.

 

[wgf5823]

UPDATE:

I've now been driving the Explorer for the last year, and put another 13K on the clock. No work done on the transmission, nor have there been any changes in how the transmission is acting. The OBD is throwing error codes p0755 and p0775. After pouring through an untold amount of threads here, I'm still having trouble finding an answer to exactly what's going on. I know I'm past due to get the transmission issues fixed, and it's time to go ahead and get things done. I've planned on/considered doing the solenoid pack, the servos (with the AJ1E Superior Solutions fix, not the new bore and sleeve route), and possibly even a valve body replacement. I want to get things right, as I'm handing the Explorer's keys over to my oldest (16.5 yrs old, and a new driver - YIKES). Please - any help on what the issues are that need to be fixed, based upon the codes I'm getting? Is there anything else I should consider to update/replace? Given the $800-1100 estimate on parts (servos/solenoid/valve body) plus a little labor from a mechanic friend helping me, should I just consider a rebuilt transmission with all the updates already in place? Thanks for the help!

 

[wgf5823]

I should add that I've paid more attention to the shifting, based upon what I've read here in the forums, and I definitely can tell that the 1-2 shift is actually a 1-3 shift, skipping 2nd gear. And no OD at all. I'm rolling along at almost 3000-3100 RPM's on the highway.

 

[Reklaw]

I ran my 04 XLS for a year with the flashing O/D light and the codes. Then it wouldn't pass Pennsylvania's emission inspection so i finally had to replace the solenoid block. I did that in April of last year. Then in June it stopped shifting into 4th and 5th and I had to have the whole transmission replaced. I'm thinking maybe pay a transmission shop to diagnose it and decide what to do based on what they tell you.

 

[davidmmm69]

swap the valve body and solenoid pack at the same time with fluid and filter. It worked for me 18 months ago it was under $500 for everything.
Since had to put another solenoid pack in when overdrive light flashing. Turned out to be the temperature sensor on the pack.