1999 Explorer Sport - tranny issues..

[reeko]

Just bought a 1999 Explorer Sport with 170k miles and automatic 5R55E tranny. Drives great, but occasionally it feels like it's in limp mode for a few seconds upon start up.. will rev but hardly move. After a few feet it will generally "catch" and run normally. If it doesnt, I stop and shift in to 2nd and back in to drive, and it then its fine. Tranny oil looks and smells fine as well.

After getting it going, It will ride fine. I will stop at stop lights and it will take off normally. Only seems to happen when i first put it in drive after starting it.

any help or advice is appreciated. Thanks guys!!!

 

[Mike65]

Probably the first thing you should do is check for any codes (if you have a scanner) or stop at an auto parts store & have them scan it for you. Does the O/D off light flash, or get a CEL (check engine light)?.

 

[reeko]

no CEL, no O/D light.... Ill run it by autozone to see if they get anything out of it..

I initially thought torque converter, but I would assume that it would slip always, and not stop after 30 secs. Now I am thinking it's related to how the torque converter fills with fluid. But I don't know enough about trannies to make any real speculation.

 

[reeko]

UPDATE: So, when it's slipping, I can put it in second gear and back to D and that ALWAYS fixes it.

When I check the ATF idling in park, it looks too high. however, if I check it while in Drive w/ the wheels chocked (assuming I drive it and confirm its not slipping at that time) then the level is normal.

I think my torque converter is having trouble filling up with ATF upon startup. Is there a solenoid or valve that may be suspect?

 

[08Exploder]

Could be s failing pump, a stuck valve , leaking pisston clutch, could be a pump spline shaft, a valve body, a bad seal on the filter, A leaking valve plate very hard to diagnose over computer I would get a manual and get a pressure gauge and do tests to see what pressure readings are in various selected gears if not in spec you have a fluid issue if in spec you might have an electricle issue.

Tom

 

[Macgiobuin]

The sprag in the very back of the tranny may be going. It has a nylon cage that sometimes melts and makes it difficult to catch and hold onto the shaft. It needs to hold in order for 1st gear to work.