2002 Tranny Issues

[junglekid]

Just got back from vacation and while driving back my OD light starts flashing and when I accelarate to about 4000 RPM it will not shift and the RPMs increase to 7000 RPMs like I am in idle. The service light also came on. My extended warranty expired last year and I have 66000 miles on the car. I now hear a big clunk or bang when switching into 3rd gear and I cannot accelarate past 3000 - 4000 rpms. I believe my tranny is going out. What is the typicall cost of a new/rebuild tranny? Is it worth getting fixed?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Your symptoms are related to the transmission going into FMEM mode. This is what you would call a "limp home" mode that is programmed into the computer to boost up your hydraulic pressure whan a fault is found. This will make your vehicle shift very hard. The first thing you would have to do is get the codes pulled. Once you get your computer scanned, post the code here, or look it up in the under the hood section under EEC V. There is a sticky that has links to codes written by Explorer DMB.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is the link just in case you are having a problem trying to locate that thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147880

 

[junglekid]

Thanks, I will go and get the codes pulled. Once

 

[BrooklynBay]

AutoZone should be able to pull your codes for free. Don't let them talk you into buying anything until you post the codes here. They aren't mechanics. Sometimes a code could look like a certain part is bad, but it is really another part that is the culprit. That is what is called a diagnosis.

 

[junglekid]

I rented a tool and got the following error code P0745 Pressure Control Solenoid Malfunction.

 

[BrooklynBay]

That is your EPC solenoid. It cost $112, and is available from WWW.FastPartsNetwork.Com. That is one of the site's sponsors. You could replace it without removing the valve body. Drop the pan, and you will see it. Look at Glacier's 5R55E VB rebuild diary. How many miles do you have?

 

[junglekid]

62000 Miles. Could there be anything else wrong. We just had the tranny fluid replaced about 2 weeks ago as well.

 

[BrooklynBay]

That is very low mileage for an EPC solenoid.

 

[daveleeander]

You won't buy just the EPC solenoid if that is a 2002 XLT 4X4 with the 5R55W. They come in a block, all 8 of them. Not hard to change, takes about two hours. Mine started going at 60k to 70k miles also. Local Ford Stealership wanted $290.00, I got mine for less from a GENTLEMAN out in CA I believe.

Here's what they look like.

Dave

 

[Wrench]

Trans fluid change

What method was used to replace the fluid and what kind of fluid was used?
Was the oil pan dropped and filter changed?

 

[junglekid]

Thanks for the info. Is it hard to replacd the Solenoids for someone who does not work on cars that much. Will the service manual help from Autozone? When I had the transmission fluid replaced the technican said the transmission was not the original. The filter would not fit. What should I do then?

 

[BrooklynBay]

If the filter did not fit, what did he install? I hope he put in the correct filter. That modular block is just bolted on, and shouldn't be hard to replace. Your transmission uses Mercon V ATF.

 

[Glacier991]

<=== Idiot....

I was reading the advice here and didn't find any reason to jump in.... but I forgot that some of the later models use the 5R55W. And Dave Leeander is correct that it is the entire block that gets replaced in the 5R55W. In fact I seem to recall it solved Dave's problems and it drove better than he or his wife ever remembered. If you have a 5R55W let me know. I can be a gentleman at times. I always keep a couple new ones around.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Glacier's VB rebuild diary was originally written for the 5R55E, so that is why I first thought of the single EPC solenoid for $112. The single ones did last over 100K miles. I don't know why the newer modular solenoid blocks don't last that long. They are easier for the manufacturer to install on the assembly line, but are more expensive to replace. At least you will get all new solenoids at the same time with it.

 

[junglekid]

They installed the old filter because the part ford listed part was totally different and would not fit. They ordered the part from three different stores and each filter was the same. Is it bad to put the old filter back in? I am having a hard time locating the part I need though. Does someone have a link to a part number?

 

[junglekid]

Glacier, How do you tell if I have a 5R55W? I am not the greatest at cars but learning quickly.

 

[Glacier991]

On the drivers door frame there is a sticker, and it will list trans type with a letter. Get that for us.... and someone smarter than me can tell you what trans you have.

 

[junglekid]

I found the sticker but could not find anything that states what type of transmission it has. It was manufactured in 10/01. I found some of the following letters though - R, K, DB, RC-71, F0066, T0103. Hope this helps.

 

[junglekid]

TR: R - It looks like I have a 5R55W transmission.