5R55W Solenoid Block Replacement

[timtop1]

5r55w Fix and new trans pan ?

First of all, thanks for all the great data on this site.
What was the verdict on having the PCM flashed after replacing the solenoid block on an '04 AWD ?
Also, any input on using Lucas Stop Slip or other additives and any referals on a replacement trans pan with a dipstick so I can easily check fluid level and condition.
Thanks again.

 

[olesurveyor]

I had trouble getting my pack down because of some plastic tabs is this normal? they both broke I hope they come on the new pack any advice would be great

 

[gradney1975]

I am having the same problems with my 02 Explorer. Brought it to a shop and they charged me $500 bucks to change my solenoid block and it was dong the same thing. Then the man told me my casing was cracked and wanted to charge me $400 for that. I never went back there again. I am at my wits end fighting with this I need to really get this fixed now.... I was going to change my transmission all together, but would like to know if there is a cheap resolution to my problem. Dont know how much longer it will last before it goes competely out. Please HELP!!!!!

 

[dishdude]

I am having the same problems with my 02 Explorer. Brought it to a shop and they charged me $500 bucks to change my solenoid block and it was dong the same thing. Then the man told me my casing was cracked and wanted to charge me $400 for that. I never went back there again. I am at my wits end fighting with this I need to really get this fixed now.... I was going to change my transmission all together, but would like to know if there is a cheap resolution to my problem. Dont know how much longer it will last before it goes competely out. Please HELP!!!!!

Did you ever get this fixed? Mine is at AAMCO now gettting it checked out.. Says its missing 2nd and 5th..??

 

[RICPDB]

Same here. Missing 2nd and 5th. AAMCO told me that it would cost between 2k and 3k. After looking around here and other places online, the problem seems more likely to be a bad solenoid. I'm planning to replace the pack myself after gaining some knowledge from others in this situation!

 

[mcbranc]

The trans on my (2002 explorer 4wd Auto) as a delay from 2nd-3rd and when i cut on gas it engages. The code on it is
P0747 (Pressure Control Solenoid A). Also the O/D light starts blinking.
I drove like that couple of days and now can't go on reverse. It's like the back wheel was shaking. After few hrs, i tried and in engaged but with difficulties. I've checked the code again and is the same P0747.
Any thoughts on that? I'm planning on changing the fluid and filters and looks to me that i won't work. May be, replace the solenoid body or just that solenoid A.

Where can i get the fitting that screws in the pan draing plug?

 

[mcbranc]

Any part number for the solenoid block? Where to buy?

 

[RICPDB]

Well, I purchased two solenoid blocks (the first one was claimed to be remanufactured, but arrived damaged) on Ebay. The second was supposedly new OEM and did arrive in original packaging. I purchased this one from "bpparts" on Ebay out of Denver.

Unfortunately, replacing the solenoid pack didn't fix my missing 2nd and 5th gear issue. A $300 gamble that didn't pay off. While I was in Advance Auto purchasing my ATF for the job, I noticed the Lucas additive "Transmission Fix" that claimed to free up sticky valves. As I suspect that my probelm is a sticky valve in the valve body, I bought it and (with some difficulty) pumped it into my transmission.

This morning was the first time I have driven since adding and it actually ran perfectly. The transmiision shifted smoothly for the first time since I originally lost 2nd and 5th over six weeks ago. Incredible. $12 fix. However, as I was pulling into my office, the O/D light started flashing again and I was out 2nd and 5th gear... again. I'm going to take it for a spin at lunch to see if there is any improvement. I'm hoping that it just needs to run a while. I think this at least confirms that my problem is a sticky valve and not something worse...

 

[shroomer]

I bought a solenoid pack from someone on ebay. I got the part in a bag with ATF in it. Is this normal? Did your solenoid pack come covered in ATF? My part was supposed to be a brand new Ford part. The package was sealed.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The fluid helps prevent rust.

 

[RICPDB]

My part arrived the same way... packed in ATF.

Follow up on my previous post. The Lucas "Transmisison Fix" hasn't solved my problem. The first few miles seemed like I was home-free, but after that it was back to "normal." No 2nd or 5th gear.

I'm really thinking that this is a stuck valve issue and I really don't want to pull apart the valve body. I'm wondering if there is a more agressive additive for sticky valves?

By the way, I'm not interested in pouring money into this Explorer. It's old and tired.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check the servos & servo bores, and adjust the bands? You might have a broken band. Do you have transmission related codes?

 

[bigbuick]

I had the flashing O/D light problem and I believe the code was the Pressure control solenoid. So I thought I would have to replace the coil pack. When I pulled the pack out I checked everything with a ohm meter and found that one of the trace circuits from the connector to the coil of a solenoid in the coil pack was broken. I pried open the pack, soldered the trace back together and used a heat gun to close the plastic case back together. I also ran an external jumper wire from the connector terminal to the coil terminal incase my solder bridge broke. This was about a year ago and it is still going strong.
Hope this helps somebody.

 

[brock2280]

Transmission wont shift into any gear in 02 explorer

I have a 02 Explorer XLT 4.0 4X4 and I started it up this morning and went to put it in reverse and nothing happened. Put it in drive and same thing nothing. I shut it off and waited a second and started it, but still no action. When I rev the motor and shift between all the gears it revs down a little but no sounds or movement at all. I have had problems with it shifting in reverse (it would delay a second and then shift hard into the gear) and also it wouldn't shift out of 1st gear unless I let off the gas around 20 or 25MPH. It did this ever since a motor got put in it in February of this year. I am fairly convinced it has always been the solenoid block. But would it just fail instantly like this and will the solenoid block still fix my broke truck now? please help me.

 

[sshoemaker]

I have recently started having shift issues with my explorer. It was shifting rough across all gears. I took it to a local reputable transmission shop who changed fluid and filter and said it looked fine. It drove great for about the next 200 miles and I started getting rough shifts in and out of overdrive at several different speeds usually between 40-50 and 60-65 and this is usually when going up a slight incline. I have no check engine lights and the overdrive light doesn't flash or anything. Could this be a solenoid issue or something else? I will be taking it back to the same place, but I would like to be more informed before handing over a chunk of cash.

 

[hulbertech]

Another One

It looks like this thread is old and I'm not sure anyone will read this, but I am posting to share the fact that I am having shift issues between 2 and 3 as well - plus I need to vent. This has been going on for over a year and it hasn't got worse, but I am going to replace the sol pack this weekend. The wife and I have just got used to making it work by letting off the gas at 3000 RPM. I too have the ODB code that says bad solenoid. I finally have the time to dive in and I really appreciate this post to know what I am getting into.
This issue started with the engine light coming on and the slip after 2nd gear. If I'm turning a corner and can not come to a complete stop, it seems like the tranny gets confused and then will start clunking into 3rd and the OD light will start blinking rapidly. When this happens, I have to change driving style and start letting the gas off at 2500 RPM to minimize the "clunk" into 3rd. After turning the engine off and restarting, the OD light is out and we go back to letting the gas off at 3000. It seems so many people have had this problem there should have been a recall or a free fix. I know that 176K millage is out of warranty, but still...
I also have seen this 'O2 EB just start falling apart - it seems. All the interior door trim pieces have started coming out, the back hatch has a crack down the center, the key won;t come out of the ignition, the stereo volume only turns UP with the knob-I have to use the control on the steering wheel to turn it down, I replaced all 4 wheel bearings (my 92 still has originals), there is a whine in the rear differential. ug! I like the truck so I keep it - cheaper than replacing the whole vehicle, but FORD really seemed to lose pride in workmanship on this one.
Well I'll post to update on how this project goes. I am hoping I don;t need to flash anything or get it all back together and have the same problem.
Thanks again!

 

[RVJ]

solenoid block??

All I can add to that is , after everybody I took the '03 said the same; internal failure, needs to rebuild...solenoid block did not fix anything...so I took the whole tranny for a rebuild..Long story short, it came back the same way.

Disconnected the battery, pulled out the ECU connector from both sides, put everything back: no more errors/ or noises...
Try that at least once, just as a free experiment, quick and easy test.
Ricardo

 

[hulbertech]

Thanks for the reply! I did a quick search, but can't find what you mean about disconnecting the ECU connector? Could you elaborate on that?

Thanks Ricardo

Blaine
KI6NMK

 

[BrooklynBay]

He was referring to the connector on the computer. Don't disconnect the computer before you kow what the code numbers are. A scanner is capable of clearing codes without unplugging anything.

 

[hulbertech]

Ahh. I have reset the errors with my scanner - and I noted the code - that's what led me to the solenoid and to this post.
I haven't tried to disconnect the computer yet.
As soon and the transmission slips again, the engine light comes back on and check transmission on the message center comes back. It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure it's the ODB read the p0775 code. At least if I get the new sol pack in, the shop can't charge me for a new one if it doesn't fix the issue - I'm hoping.
Anyway - thanks again!