05 expl 5r55s diagnostics and repair. a self educating journey.

[ManIdontevenknow]

Thank you for reading.

Background

I bought an 05 explorer at an auction. Honestly I got burned but that's ok. I had very low expectations going into this. I just needed something relatively new and in need of a loving hand to nurse her back. this trucks purpose in life is now to allow me to learn how to be a good home diagnostician. my experience, up until recently mostly includes plug and pray parts changing and high quality youtube channels like Schrodingers Box https://www.youtube.com/user/mattshadetree who is a scientist by trade and mechanic/youtuber by hobby.

to put this into perspective: I bought my first multimeter the same week I decided to rebuild my first any(transmission)thing. But I promise that I will be doing this right, with proper research, diagnostics and hopefully you.

( I just wanted to add that I am willing to compensate, within reason, the person(s) that help. I'm looking to ask a million questions and realize how much time and knowledge will be needed to answer.

Current status

code p0745. pressure control solenoid. Drove the care 20 miles back home. when shifting to third I feel like I had to get the car as fast as possible while in second and letting go, sometimes feathering the gas to get it to shift. couldn't tell at all if I was in 3rd or 4th. second drive I'm certain I was able to get it into third.

first link is my personal imgur account hosting pictures I will be taking throughout this process. https://imgur.com/gallery/AG9dQ

looks good for 900 bucks

what the hell is that!?

everything I found. may have lost some pouring the fluid off. the top right small piece is plastic.

after feeling for metal chunks. found 1.

its 230am, I'm signing off. will be back tomorrow to move forward and edit.

 

[nathan mayden]

It looks like a broken band tab and a band anchor.

 

[nathan mayden]

For clarification you have an intermediate and overdrive band and one of the bands has broken and the anchor fell out. You will have to remove the transmission pump to see the internals.

 

[ManIdontevenknow]

thanks for identifying those pieces.

Ok, not much happening today due to weather. put the pan back on and waiting for the local salvage yard to get back with me about a transmission. I'm hoping they will let me take a peak at a couple of them. would be cool to find one that has been updated.

 

[ManIdontevenknow]

other than the 2 giant chunks of metal. would this amount of shavings on the magnet be considered normal?

 

[nathan mayden]

From my experience planetary gear sets always make a little fuzz after a while I only worry about chunks and slivers. Who knows when the last time the oil was changed in that you're looking at a build up that could have taken quite a while.

 

[transman304]

Very common problem. Not out of the ordinary on the swarf on the magnet. This pic will give you an idea where the broken piece goes.

 

[ManIdontevenknow]

Just an update. Had my tonsils removed and am doing all things far slower than I normally would.

I just wanted to say thank you and I apologize if it seems that ive abandoned the thread or wasted you guys' time.

 

[transman304]

Glad you are getting along good Thanks for the update.

 

[ManIdontevenknow]

As far as the car goes. right now I'm trying to decide what would be best. I could buy a rebuild kit, I could buy the specific parts I need. My plan is to do the best thing possible, soon as I found out exactly what that might be from a far wiser person than i.

 

[nathan mayden]

The only way to know for sure is to dig in there and see what happened. A junkyard unit is always a risk but a low mileage unit may end up cheaper if your unit is trashed. Could get lucky and only need seals and a band or two.

 

[ManIdontevenknow]

I have found a 2005 explorer 2 wheel drive for 500 bucks. has a bad motor and 137k miles on the tranny. Ive been searching with few definite answers but can i use the 2 wheel drive tranny in my 4x4 by only switching out the gearbox at the end of my tranny?

 

[transman304]

Won't work. Transmission as to come apart to change output shafts.

 

[nathan mayden]

Transman is right you can't put the 2x4 tail shaft housing on the 4x4 unit without swapping the output shafts and that entails complete disassembly of both units.

 

[ManIdontevenknow]

Yea, i can see that. i was sort of looking at it like i was willing to put an unlimited amount of work into this learning venture. being realistic though i dont think i want to toy with the transmission i plan to drive when i get it back together, for better or worse.

I think i have found a solution. Met a really nice guy on facebook marketplace selling a 05 mountaineer AWD with a bad motor and rebuilt trans. Im not sure what to think, he has a few very nice classic cars, some engines over here a transmission laying over there. well kept person and home. from my point of view i dont see why he doesnt fix and sell it. maybe he doesnt need the work or money i dont know. after meeting them im feeling pretty confident about the vehicle. looking to rent a tow dolly and get that bad boy moved home.

now to learn about towing. ill probably break something if i dont. i bet its gonne be a SOB to replace the engine but ill have a backup motor and tranny to play with at my leisure.

 

[transman304]

Remove rear drive shaft before trying to tow on a dolly!

 

[nathan mayden]

Don't forget no towing in overdrive

 

[ManIdontevenknow]

Im having a hard time being able to tell, for sure, whether i can use the AWD trans from the mountaineer in the explorer. I think it would be a whole lot easier to switch out the transmissions than the motor. what do you guys think? is one harder to do than the other?

 

[nathan mayden]

Trans always sucks but if they're identical it's easier than the motor and wiring and accessories.

 

[transman304]

Transmission is the same between 4x4 and AWD units. Just 2wd has different length output shaft.