2000 Explorer tranny problem

[oharris]

I hope you all can help me out. I have a 2000 Explorer XLS with the OHV V6 and 5 speed automatic transmission. (5r55e?) I'm gettin no compression braking with the selector in 1st gear. It works fine in 2nd and in Drive with the OD off, but not first. Seems to shift fine otherwise despite having 201k miles on it. Is this something simple I can fix without removing the tranny?

 

[drbenz]

Two questions, does reverse work ok and do you have engine braking in 3rd with the o/d off?

 

[oharris]

Two questions, does reverse work ok and do you have engine braking in 3rd with the o/d off?

Yes and yes. All seems normal otherwise.

 

[drbenz]

Well that doesn't leave many possibilities, engine braking only comes during manual low when the low/reverse band and the coast clutch are applied, since reverse works and the coast clutch is applied in 3rd with the o/d locked out, the only thing I can think of is that the trans doesn't know that your in man low. A trans shop near you might be willing to check the trans with a scanner that would show if the range sensor is working properly.

 

[oharris]

OK, thanks. Am I in danger of doing further damage to it?

 

[drbenz]

If everything is working ok in drive it won't matter much if the computer does or doesn't see that you are in man low. Start worying when the trans slips or doesn't engage a gear.

 

[oharris]

If everything is working ok in drive it won't matter much if the computer does or doesn't see that you are in man low. Start worying when the trans slips or doesn't engage a gear.

Gotcha! Thanks again!