2002 Explorer - tranny just started acting up.

[kolb]

First post here. I tried for the past hour doing the "search" so please forgive me if this is redundant for senior forum members.

We have a 2002 Explorer with the 4.0 SOHC, and the all wheel drive. I think this makes it a 5R55W trans, correct? Also, thanks Ford for no dipstick! :thumbdwn: The truck has about 107xxx miles on it and has never given any problems (although I have never liked the lazy/slow downshift into what never seems the right gear). We never tow with this vehicle either as we have a 1 ton for that.

Last night, while going up a long hill at about 65mph, the trans down shifted into what I think is condition "OD, converter unlocked". With the rpms about 2500+/-, I noticed a cyclical slipping while going up the hill. The trans would slip rpms up about 200 rpm (very subtle) for a few seconds, then back down 200 rpm for a few seconds. It kept doing this until the converter locked back up from reaching the top of the hill. I have also been experiencing a converter shudder off and on for quite some time that recently seems to be getting worse. Two years ago Ford said this was "sys norm...A OK". In the morning I am going to drop the pan and filter and change the fluid and filter to see if that helps. I'll also try to drain the converter if it has a plug. Any suggestions on other things to do? I kinda acts like low fluid but I haven't seen any leaking. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and have my own lift so I have the ability to do most of my own work. I just don't have much tranny knowledge. Sorry for the long message. Oh, and I don't have any "check engine" lights lit or "OD" light blinking.

ANY help is GREATLY appreciated!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The solenoid blocks have an average lifespan of 60k miles on the 5R55W. You already have well past this amount. Check the valve body gaskets, and valve body bolts while you have the pan down. I would suggest getting a new solenoid block. If you are up to the task, a shift improver kit might be a good idea. The 2002 has the 5R55W except for the Sport Trac which has the 5R55E. WWW.TransmissionPartsUSA.Com should have the parts. Get the Viton D ring seal kit for the low/reverse servo too. The gaskets also come bonded onto separator plates. They make boost valves with O rings, and end cap kits with O rings. This minimizes shift flares to prevent as much hydraulic pressure loss as possible. Use Mercon V ATF.

 

[kolb]

Only solenoids I found there were for 2004 and up. Are they the same for the 2002? Help!

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/5R55W_5R55S_transmission_shift_solenoid_p/230-00023393c.htm. I think they should be the same, but I would suggest calling them before ordering it.

 

[kolb]

I called Trans Parts and the solenoids will work on the 2002. He said the other items (end plug kit, d-ring kit, and boost valve) showed no listing for the "W" model. Any other suggestions? I lowered the pan and the fluid was pretty dark. I didn't find any obvious problems yet and the magnet had minimal deposits on it. Should I just order the soleniods and call it good or do I dive into the VB and put in new gaskets and a shift improver kit?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you see any corners of the gaskets flaking apart? Did you check the torque of the valve body bolts with an In./Lb 1/4" drive torque wrench? Try the solenoid block for now. You could always do a valve body rebuild if necessary. BTW, since you contacted them about the solenoid block, they updated their listing to say 2002 instead of 2004. I had a feeling that it was a typo in their listing.

 

[kolb]

Yeah, he did the correction while I was talking to him. No visible gasket problems. All of the VB bolts were able to be tightened a half turn. I didn't have torque specs so I just snugged them down with a 1/4" ratchet. I also picked up some Lubegard Platinum for the refill with Merc V. I guess I'll just order the solenoids for now. I'll let you know how it all works out when I get it put back together.