5R55E problem questions

[emilime75]

Hey folks. I've been reading all the stickies and different threads on this site but I really haven't found an answer to my question.

I have a 97 Aerostar with the 4.0 and 5R55E trans. I've owned it for about a year now and use it as a work van. It's been good so far, reliable and usefull, but recently the trans has started to act up.

It is a bit slow when engaging from P/R/N into drive and reverse. It also seems to either slip or stutter/shutter a little when accelerating from a stop. Once moving along at cruising speed it seems fine. Most of the issues I have noticed with it are shifting into and out of P/R/N/D and when accelerating from a stop.

I have not replaced the fluid since I bought it because it looked pretty clean and did not smell burnt. I don't know when, if ever, it was replaced before I bought it. The van now has 170xxx miles, I believe it is the original trans and I have no idea if it has ever been rebuilt.

What can I do to try and fix it or get some more life out of it? Are these issues things that a VB rebuild could resolve, or will the trans need to be taken out and taken apart for a full rebuild(I hope not, I rely on this van too much for that)?

Any and all help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ragajungle]

Shudder from an auto trans is usually the torque converter. slow shifting is an indication of low line pressure. It wouldn't be a bad idea to drop the pan and replace the filter and gasket and some fresh fluid will do wonders.

 

[scucci]

I don't normally like any additives, but lubeguard red is awesome.
http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/60902_Lubegard_Transmission_Fluid_Additive_p/301-000060902.htm

 

[emilime75]

I actually dumped a can of Seafoam Trans Tune in it a couple of weeks ago. I am still not believing it myself, but it made a positive difference the very next time I drove it. It's still slow shifting into gear from park/reverse/neutral, but the slipping stopped and so did the shudder.

I was afraid of replacing the fluid simply because of all the horror stories I've heard and read about transmissions going bad after a fluid change. This typically happens on transmissions that haven't had their fluids changed in a long time or never. I don't know when the fluid was changed in this van, but I know I didn't do it and I've owned it for about 2 years now.