5R55S trans diagnosis

[Deleted member 355508]

My daughter has a 2009 explorer xlt with the 5r55s trans and 135,000 mi. When warm it seems to function normally. When cooler it kinda slips from 0 on up. it will still move but slips. There are no warning lights. Apparently It has been doing this for a few months . I have no previous history of this vehicle. Fluid level is ok, but getting brown. Just wondering if anyone has had this particular problem and what cured it. Obviously the fluid needs to be changed. would this fix it? I've seen solenoid pack and servo replacement as possibilities. Is it fixable or time for a new trans? Thanks for any help.

 

[94Eddie]

First, I am far from an expert on transmissions but here is my take. The five speed transmissions in the 3rd and 4th gen Explorers are not very reliable. I had one go on me at 110k miles and, IMO, yours is ripe for a failure based on the mileage on it, the brown fluid and the symptoms it is showing. Personally, I wouldn't throw time and money trying to patch it together and would opt for a rebuilt transmission with a good warranty.

 

[2010 Eddie Bauer]

First, I am far from an expert on transmissions but here is my take. The five speed transmissions in the 3rd and 4th gen Explorers are not very reliable. I had one go on me at 110k miles and, IMO, yours is ripe for a failure based on the mileage on it, the brown fluid and the symptoms it is showing. Personally, I wouldn't throw time and money trying to patch it together and would opt for a rebuilt transmission with a good warranty.

If you end up replacing the transmission, be sure to get a remanfactured unit. These are "redone" in a factory to be like a brand new transmission and will last longer. Rebuilt transmissions still reuse some old parts and, depending on the skill of the rebuilds, may not even last as long as the original transmission. My remanufactured transmission came with a five year/100,000 mile warranty.