5R55E fluid change questions

[StephFR]

I've got a 97 2WD SOHC with 5 speed automatic, which from what I've read should mean that I've got the 5R55E transmission.

Automatic transmissions are kind of new for me, coming from european cars with manual transmissions... so bare my ignorance here!

After reading some posts I discovered that the last time I change the fluid in the tranny I only changed what was in the pan, so about 1/4 of it!

So I've got a couple of questions here:

- is the torque converter sharing the same fluid as the one I got from the tranny pan? So will the the flush method I've seen here using the cooling lines flush everything including the torque converter (may be not the fluid in the tranny radiator I presume?)?

- I'm kind of fond of synthetic lub, so planning to use Mobil 1 ATF synth: any good/bad experience with that fluid?

- I've read somewhere (I'm not sure if it was applying to the 5R55E, but forsure for some Ford tranny) that using this Mobil 1 synth ATF you have to use an additive to prevent this fluid to damage a seal or coil or ... could I get more details on that?


Thanks.

 

[dogfriend]

I've got a 97 2WD SOHC with 5 speed automatic, which from what I've read should mean that I've got the 5R55E transmission.


So I've got a couple of questions here:

- is the torque converter sharing the same fluid as the one I got from the tranny pan? So will the the flush method I've seen here using the cooling lines flush everything including the torque converter (may be not the fluid in the tranny radiator I presume?)?

Yes, the fluid in the pan is shared by the torque converter and the rest of the transmission. In some auto trans, it is possible to drain the torque converter separately, but this is not possible with the 5R55E. The only way to change the fluid in the converter is by doing a "flush".

- I'm kind of fond of synthetic lub, so planning to use Mobil 1 ATF synth: any good/bad experience with that fluid?

Aldive has been using Mobil 1 ATF for several years, he gives it a good recommendation. (You can search for his posts using the advanced search option)

- I've read somewhere (I'm not sure if it was applying to the 5R55E, but forsure for some Ford tranny) that using this Mobil 1 synth ATF you have to use an additive to prevent this fluid to damage a seal or coil or ... could I get more details on that?


Thanks.

If you are using the most current version of Mobil 1, you do not need to add anything to it - it is certified as a Mercon V ATF. You need to use Mercon V in the 5R55E.

 

[manaen]

one thing to add regular mercon V is a synthetic blend, make sure you go with something that is fully synthetic. Blends are not even close to full synth in performance. But it has to be a full synthetic that specifically says it is mercon V, there are additional additives in the mercon V. If you go with a full synth that is not mercon V (ie III/IV) then you would need to add the additives.

I'm not sure if this is across the board, but my torque converter on my 5r55e is not drain able. Although I thought I remember reading about some that were

I say this all the time, but I consider it very important for transmission longevity. Get an additional tranny cooler, external filter, and temp gauge. It will save your hide in the long run.

Browse through the stickies in the transmission section there is some great stuff there

 

[aldive]

I used to use Mobil 1 ATF and had no problems whatsoever. I never added any additive to it either.

I now use Amsoil ATF.

By all means go synthetic.

Good luck ....

 

[StephFR]

Thanks a lot for those good information / advice

I will search for this external tranny cooler and filter.