2005 Explorer Tcase?

[lightninguy428]

Hi all. Newbie here. My wife recently totaled her Honda so we bought an '05 EB Explorer 4x4 V-8 with 66k miles. We bought it yesterday. We test drove it last Sunday and it shifted fine with no noise. Today was the first day she drove it. It is now banging really hard into Reverse and it also goes in to drive really positively. The bang/clunk sound seems to be coming from the t/case. Has anyone had this problem? What model t/case would it be? Thanks a lot.

Jim

 

[jrford]

Welcome,
sorry but it sounds more like a transmission issue. if its slow in shifting Search “Transmission 5r55w” or “5R55W Solenoid Pack” There is a known problem with the servos failing Not a cheap fix either but it dosn't require a rebuilt trans to fix it, if thats the problem. Bands breaking, solenoid blocks, the servo bores wearing out prematurely are common problems on the 5R55W/S transmissions. Only problems with the transfercases is the shift motor or module. It engages the 4wd or dosn't when you want to.
Mine an '04 at 50k just went in for a complete trans rebuild, lost my 3rd gear, turns out a snap ring failed holding the planetary in place. Only cost me $1600 with a lifetime Warr. for a compete rebuild. Should be good for another 100k. . .

 

[lightninguy428]

Thanks for the info. I've been away in Idaho on a deer hunt. The tranny doesn't shift slow it just bangs into drive and reverse. It seems to shift fine when driving. BTW, who decided not to put a tranny dipstick on these? There is no sign of leakage from the tranny. I pulled the driveshaft off and checked the rear pinion for slop and I also checked the u-joints. I will grease the slip joint on the d-shaft and see if that helps. Any other suggestions? It sounds like something is loose/sloppy in the transfer case. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[easy2no]

Ford has a TSB related to this problem (TSB 05-21-8)... You may contact your local Ford dealer and see if the can help you or subscribe to Alldata...

 

[lightninguy428]

I looked up the TSB on alldata. This seems like an option before replacing the tranny or tcase. Is there anyway to modify the solenoid instead of replacing? I know a couple of companies sell kits that deal with this problem, or do I have to buy a new one now that it already has the symptoms. I am pretty familiar with auto trannies so it should be no problem. When I get home from Loiusiana I will try the diagnostic check that alldata recommends. BTW, where is the least expensive place to buy a new solenoid? I have seen them around $265. Anywhere cheaper? Thanks a lot.

 

[IZwack]

Have you made sure the vehicle is not in 4wd? Or maybe try removing the front driveshaft temporarily and see if this "banging" sound goes away?

 

[easy2no]

Try www.directfordparts.com I have had good luck with them pricing...

 

[m8r8j]

mine (2002 xls 4.0) was slamming into reverse too, lately the problem seemed to go away. it sounded like it was coming from my transfer case though. i pulled the rear driveshaft and there's a little rotational slop in my rear end. i replaced the universal joints and this helped a little bit, but the problem is still there a little bit. today i cleaned my MAF and my IAC and my idle speed dropped a ton, and it seemed to help the problem also. it still remains slightly though. i blew my tranny about 2 months ago, and ford installed a certified rebuilt one, so im guessing its not coming from the tranny since its brand new (ish)?? but i could be wrong.

 

[Nytroman]

is it "hilly" where you live? i have noticed a slight thud when going into gear on a hill.

 

[lightninguy428]

When it's parked on any incline it won't do it because the slop will have already been taken up by the vehicle rolling forward or backwards. It sounds like the solenoid pack I have been told about and read about. I am going to my local stealer to see if they have them in stock. Do I need to drop the tranny pan to replace it or is it on the outside of the tranny case? Thanks

 

[lightninguy428]

Nevermind. I had it confused with a servo. Looks like it shouldn't take to long. Is there a trick to filling the tranny and checking the level?

 

[lightninguy428]

I swapped out the solenoid pack friday and refilled the tranny with mercon V fluid using the procedure that alldata shows. It seemed to work for a while but now it is doing the same harsh/delayed reverse engagement. The pan was clean, there was zero clutch material. The magnet had a tiny bit of debris on it but nothing more than normal. Do the six servos that are in the tranny ever cause this problem? I sure thought the solenoid pack would fix it that is why I paid out my ass for one. I am sure the actual tranny (clutches, bushings, steel, etc.) is still good. Is there anything else I should look for? I greased the slip yoke on the rear d-shaft and I made sure it wasn't in 4 wheel drive. Any other suggestions guys? Thanks a lot for the help.

 

[lightninguy428]

http://www.transtarindustries.com/tekDownload.asp?ID=86

This is what I replaced. Is there a vb kit i can put in it?