5R55E Missing shifts

[Glacier991]

Originally posted by 2001ExpSport:

"WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

What are these provisions?

My 5R55e has the missed shift into 3rd(4th?) It started at 55k and the dealer always said it was fine. Took it to a tranny shop and they pulled the pan, said it needed a complete rebuild. I told them to shove it and went to get a flush. That immediatly fixed it.

Now at 100k it started again and it is very obvious. Another flush did not fix it this time. Took it to a Ford shop and they said they couldn't find a problem. Am I going to the wrong ppl or are they trying to get out of fixing it? Actually now that I think of it I took it to three places and they all said they couldn't find a problem. Other than that it shifts, brakes(while in cruise mode) and pulls just fine.

Help!!

Matt"

 

[Glacier991]

It is important to note which shift is impaired. Bottom line is that if a flush fixed it before... it was more likely than not sticky spools and or a sticky shift solenoid(s). This is one you can fix without a rebuild - you did well Grasshopper in ignoring the "it needs a rebuild" mantra the trannie shops always sell.

I think you might well want to rebuild your vave body this time around and do the mods. Good time to do it at 100K, and there are some newer Sonnax upgrades I will be showing soon...

 

[2001ExpSport]

I had it floored the other night to see what would happen and it went up to 5500rpm in 3rd and stayed there. At that point the check engine light went on. Once I let off, the light went out and it shifted. That would put in the realm of 3rd to 4th.

It did this long ago, closer to maybe 35k and I had no idea why it did that, Now I know. For some reason I remember that day well. Then again they may not be related.

Anyway, thanks for the compliment about not getting the rebuild and thanks for moving my thread. I found the other thread thru a search and didn't realize it was a diary. I kinda figured a rebuild at 55k was a bit premature. They where telling me about how they were going to beef it up with a HD torque converter and heavy duty bands, etc.

You mentioned a VB rebuild. I can do a lot of stuff, but I am not sure I could do the VB rebuild. If I had a detailed manual, maybe. The toughest thing I have done was replace the clutch on my wife's 01 Maxima using a 99 Haynes manual. I've torn apart differentals, pulled and repaired the entire front suspension/axel etc. on another Explorer and made repairs. What kind of special tools do I need? Can the tranny stay in the vehicle? Is this a one day job?

Finally, how much for a shop to do this?

P.S. I had it flushed last week. It drives better, but the miss is still there.

 

[Glacier991]

A detailed manual ? You posted IN the detailed manual my friend. With all due respect you CAN do this. Go read the 5R55E VB diary... Do not be cowed by the fact it is in an automatic transmission. An industry was built on keeping us in AWE. You CAN do it. Or you can buy a rebuilt VB from many places and install it yourself. From the feedback, few shops want to do piecemeal tranny rebuilds - as in rebuild your VB. You can do it better.

 

[2001ExpSport]

A detailed manual ? You posted IN the detailed manual my friend. With all due respect you CAN do this. Go read the 5R55E VB diary... Do not be cowed by the fact it is in an automatic transmission. An industry was built on keeping us in AWE. You CAN do it. Or you can buy a rebuilt VB from many places and install it yourself. From the feedback, few shops want to do piecemeal tranny rebuilds - as in rebuild your VB. You can do it better.

Sure...fine...twist my arm

I'll read the diary, when will it be in print? LOL

Will it tell me where to find all these parts? How much time should I set aside for this rebuild?

 

[2001ExpSport]

What about a towing VB, just saw one.

 

[Glacier991]

Give yourself an easy Saturday... drop the pan, take a bath in the ATF dripping, take a bath, rebuild VB and reinstall - maybe do a flush first and change the filter while you are in there. In advance I can help you on parts. I'd recommend you do the FORD mod and the Superior kit. You may take a few weeks gathering parts. From what you have done, this will be a piece of cake, just new for you is all.

 

[Glacier991]

a "towing VB" is just what you will and can do yourself for much less. And end up with MORE.

 

[2001ExpSport]

a "towing VB" is just what you will and can do yourself for much less. And end up with MORE.

Forget about that towing VB

Here's what I found. Is this just as good as doing a rebuild or will I save more money with the Ford and Superior parts?

http://www.phoenixhardparts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=402

 

[Glacier991]

This is a difficult call on my part. I know this company to have a good reputation. I have directed folks here before as well as to CentralValveBodies. Do I think you can do as well or better for less, on your own? yes. depending. maybe.

This is a stock VB. Upgrade is better on this VB. Maybe buy theirs and upgrade ? OR DIY?

Like I said, tough call.

 

[2001ExpSport]

I'll do the rebuild/upgrade...

 

[Glacier991]

Read the 5R55E diary a couple times. Also, I'll soon post about the Sonnax Bore plugs, a VERY worthwhile addition. Your call, but replacing the EPC is also not a bad idea either.

 

[2001ExpSport]

THere has been mention of possibly a bad or clogged solenoid. What's your opinion on that?

http://www.transhardparts.com/parts/parts/56842B-01.htm

 

[Glacier991]

Very likely. High on my list of suspects. The shift solenoids are simple on/off solenoids. You can clean them as you cycle them on a 12v connection. They tend not to wear out so much as just get gunked up. The TCC and EPC are modulated and DO wear out, especially the EPC. At 100K I'd replace the EPC. It will set you back $112 for OEM. The Sonnax offering is new and i have never priced it. Sonnax is wisely seeing a HUGE market in 5R55E valve body rebuilds, and gearing up their offerings to match. I am impressed, but then I like Sonnax.

 

[2001ExpSport]

OK, so a rebuilt VB is without solenoids I take it?

 

[KaiserM715]

I also recommend that you get the ATSG manual for this tranny. It covers a complete rebuild, but you will need the diagram that shows the torque pattern and the other diagrams that show where all of the balls and the retainers go are handy if one of them falls out. I got mine for about $12 and change.

 

[Glacier991]

on a VB rebuild, candidly (and in all modesty) I think the 5R55E valve Body Rebuild Diary in the sticky threads above is better than the ATSG, and free. If you buy either the Superior or Transgo shift kits their diagrams are far better than ATSG in their limited VB section.

Most rebuilts include solenoids, but they are not new ones generally.

 

[2001ExpSport]

Trying to find the Superior VB kit. Where did you get yours?

BTW, I printed the diary....

 

[Glacier991]

I buy mine locally from ATC (www.aceomatic.com) but they are available online and often on E-bay in the "Stores" as well as actions.

 

[2001ExpSport]

Glacier, you were right about it taking a long time to get all the parts together. I just received the last parts.

I plan to do this tomorrow, all I need is the torque specs for the VB plate(3 bolts).

Thanks,
Matt