2002 Explorer 5R55S Transmission Won't Shift Manually Into Third

[Mr Mumbles]

Hi Guys. New member here and first post. I just completed a total rebuild of my 2002 5R55s trans and transfer case including new bands, clutches, servos, bearings, torque converter, and along with a TransGo SK 5R55W shift kit. This transmission had been rebuilt by the previous owner shortly before I bought the vehicle but I decided to freshen it up while it was on the bench while I replace the rear seal in the 4.6L motor.

It shifts up and down thru the gears just fine and the TCC doesn't slip anymore but what the problem is, it doesn't do anything when I shift it into third from drive while moving. It still behaves as if it is in drive and shifts thru the gears. In fact, I can start out from a stop in third and it shifts up thru the gears as if it was in drive. Dropping it into second gets results and it does what it's supposed to do. Everything checked out while it was apart and the solenoids all ohmed out within spec as did the three speed sensors. I plugged it in and no codes showed up and the check engine light never comes on. Now I'm wondering if the Transmission Range Sensor might not have something to do with it. Does it have anything to do with shifting besides being a neutral and reverse light switch? TIA!

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Hi Guys. New member here and first post. I just completed a total rebuild of my 2002 5R55s trans and transfer case including new bands, clutches, servos, bearings, torque converter, and along with a TransGo SK 5R55W shift kit. This transmission had been rebuilt by the previous owner shortly before I bought the vehicle but I decided to freshen it up while it was on the bench while I replace the rear seal in the 4.6L motor.

It shifts up and down thru the gears just fine and the TCC doesn't slip anymore but what the problem is, it doesn't do anything when I shift it into third from drive while moving. It still behaves as if it is in drive and shifts thru the gears. In fact, I can start out from a stop in third and it shifts up thru the gears as if it was in drive. Dropping it into second gets results and it does what it's supposed to do. Everything checked out while it was apart and the solenoids all ohmed out within spec as did the three speed sensors. I plugged it in and no codes showed up and the check engine light never comes on. Now I'm wondering if the Transmission Range Sensor might not have something to do with it. Does it have anything to do with shifting besides being a neutral and reverse light switch? TIA!

welcome to EF!

 

[Fix4Dirt]

i havent had a hance to fully read this yet, will later but from
a skim this seems like it could be relavent? maybe? downshift bumb..not the solenoid..driving me bonkers

 

[Mr Mumbles]

Well, I replaced the TRS on the outside of the tranny with a new Dorman product and it cured the 'stuck in drive' problem when the selector is placed in third. The problem now is the trans wont start out or shift into third, it bypasses third gear and goes straight into second from drive. I thought the new Dorman might be faulty and replaced it with another brand but it still does the same thing. Third gear only works while the selector is placed in drive and the tranny is going up or down thru the gears. This is annoying as I need to manually select third gear for hills or towing. Now I'm wondering if the loose gaskets for the separator plate which were included in the rebuild kit might be leaking. Next step might be to go to my Ford dealer and see if I can get a plate with the gaskets bonded to it. Also pick up a Ford solenoid gasket. Any ideas?

 

[Fix4Dirt]

wait rereading your thread you used a 5r55w shift kit? are they compatible with 5r55s? i thought all the 3gs were 5r55w no? @JK080

 

[Mr Mumbles]

The only difference between the W and the S I'm aware of is the 2nd and 5th gear ratios. They have a different tooth count on the OD planet, ring, and sun gears. Other than that they are the same so the Trans-Go shift kit I used will fit either.

W and S trannies were both used in the '02 Explorers. Mine is a late build and the owners manual says it has a W but the VIN and tooth count confirm it as a S tranny.

Contacted my Ford dealer and the separator plate with bonded gaskets is NLA here in Canada so I might order one from the US. I want to have one on hand as I think I'll drop the valve body and double check it for smooth operation and make sure the correct gaskets were installed. If it checks out, the problem might be in the wiring harness. Winter is coming so I gotta get it done soon. If I can't figure it out, I'll insure my '96 F-150 shortbox 4X4 which I've had since new.

 

[Mr Mumbles]

Just rethinking this a bit and first I'll try resetting the PCM/TCM to see if it has to learn new strategies after the rebuild. It's quite possible as I remember the ignition being turned on while the tranny was out and it might have scrambled something.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

d

Just rethinking this a bit and first I'll try resetting the PCM/TCM to see if it has to learn new strategies after the rebuild. It's quite possible as I remember the ignition being turned on while the tranny was out and it might have scrambled something.

id that result in anything?