2004 Ford Explorer 5R55S service questions

[Explorer0204]

So...

I have an 04 4.0L with 60k miles. I bought it at 54k from a dealer so I don't know what the previous owner did. I plan to keep this truck a long time so I simply want to know what is the best way to service the trans.

Full flush?
Full flush with filter and drop of the pan to clean it?
Just a half change no flush?
Every 30k miles? More less?

What would you do in my situation. The trans works fine other then a few little quirks here and there. Nothing ground breaking.

Thanks all

 

[imp]

So...

I have an 04 4.0L with 60k miles. I bought it at 54k from a dealer so I don't know what the previous owner did. I plan to keep this truck a long time so I simply want to know what is the best way to service the trans.

Full flush?
Full flush with filter and drop of the pan to clean it?
Just a half change no flush?
Every 30k miles? More less?

What would you do in my situation. The trans works fine other then a few little quirks here and there. Nothing ground breaking.

Thanks all

I have a 2004, bought with 61K on it. 90K, Torque Converter Clutch quit working. Replaced solenoid pack, working good since, now 132K. (It "told" me the solenoid was bad!). What exactly are your "quirks"? Bear in mind, the "feel" of the shift points will be different for various driving conditions, as the PCM (computer) "tailors" the shifts based on speed, demand for power, etc. The shift from first to second gear always feels "mushy" with light throttle, firms up under heavier throttle. Is this what you mean?

Dribble a bit of fluid out of the trans- there is no dipstick. Check it's condition. Not dark brown or black, no burnt "stink", no leakage underneath vehicle, quit worrying and keep driving. It will tell you when something's wrong! imp

 

[Explorer0204]

I have a 2004, bought with 61K on it. 90K, Torque Converter Clutch quit working. Replaced solenoid pack, working good since, now 132K. (It "told" me the solenoid was bad!). What exactly are your "quirks"? Bear in mind, the "feel" of the shift points will be different for various driving conditions, as the PCM (computer) "tailors" the shifts based on speed, demand for power, etc. The shift from first to second gear always feels "mushy" with light throttle, firms up under heavier throttle. Is this what you mean?

Dribble a bit of fluid out of the trans- there is no dipstick. Check it's condition. Not dark brown or black, no burnt "stink", no leakage underneath vehicle, quit worrying and keep driving. It will tell you when something's wrong! imp

By quirks I mean basically what every automatic transmission does that I don't like. None of em shift as firm as I would like, it takes half a second to go into reverse or drive and basically thats it. Like I said just little stuff. Once in a while it clunks into reverse (TSB on that) and also it will slip just a hair into third once in a while. Nothing that every automatic I have ever driven doesn't do.

 

[imp]

You had a question, but no specific problem, and I answered in kind. Your contentions are vague and therefore impossible to react to with helpful information.

Go flame someone else. imp

 

[Explorer0204]

You had a question, but no specific problem, and I answered in kind. Your contentions are vague and therefore impossible to react to with helpful information.

Go flame someone else. imp

Hey man not trying to flame anyone! I realize my question was vague, I was just searching for a little advice on the topic. I appreciate the response and I was merely trying to explain to you what I meant by quirks...that is all. Didn't mean to offend. I have done the flush and everything is good so far. Thanks for the input.

 

[imp]

Hey man not trying to flame anyone! I realize my question was vague, I was just searching for a little advice on the topic. I appreciate the response and I was merely trying to explain to you what I meant by quirks...that is all. Didn't mean to offend. I have done the flush and everything is good so far. Thanks for the input.

I apologize to you for blowing up. I should stay away from forums that late at night! Good to hear everything is OK. Folks around here knock the 5R55S a lot, claim it is "weak", etc. Bet I can bust any transmission, if I want to. Driving sensibly, accelerating reasonably when bursts of speed only waste gas, goes a long way in transmission life. imp

 

[Explorer0204]

I apologize to you for blowing up. I should stay away from forums that late at night! Good to hear everything is OK. Folks around here knock the 5R55S a lot, claim it is "weak", etc. Bet I can bust any transmission, if I want to. Driving sensibly, accelerating reasonably when bursts of speed only waste gas, goes a long way in transmission life. imp

It's alright I can take it... The 5R55S is ok....but it is definitely a weak spot on the thrid gens I feel. My 2002 was a friggin legend though. That trans was flat towed (without taking stops as often as needed to let it run like you are supposed to) slammed into drive and reverse off road trying to get unstuck multiple times, beat in the fields drifting in the snow mud and grass....good times. At 100k miles that trans only problem was that there was a slight delay going into drive and reverse. That't it. No slips, bangs or anything. This trans is ok...it is just a little rougher than that one was that's all. Overall though it is fine (I am a fanatic so anything I feel is a little exaggerated...just how I am) and If I can get it to 100k or farther I will be happy. Then I will throw a standard in it from a ranger