97 Transmission problem

[strat4me]

I have a 97 Explorer 4WD, 4.0. In the morning when I strat the vehicle, I let it run for about 10-15mins. I back down the driveway and when I shift into drive it hesitates for about 15-20 seconds sometimes before it engages. Other than that, the vehicle runs great and has no problems shifting any other time, only in the morning. The fluid is full. I took it to a Trans shop and he dropped the pan and said the fluid smells burnt. He suggested I get the trans rebuilt and he gave me a price of $1600.00.

Any comments on this??

BTW Can someone please tell me what kind of trans I have in there?
Should I have it rebuilt or buy a rebuilt? Take it somewhere else?

Thanks,
john

 

[Glacier991]

You have a 5R55E. This is a tough problem to easily diagnose off the top of my head. I'm headed out the door on a short vacation, will give it my attention when I return Sunday. meanwhile others may have ideas (probably better than mine anyway)

 

[Bigg_billy]

5

Well while the pro is on vacation, few things, check the fluid level to be sure the tranny joint filled it correctly. Are you the original owner, how many miles on the vehicle, how long since you changed the fluid/filter. It's to bad you didn't get to check the "burntness" of the old fluid. If you know how to adjust the bands, do so. In your spare time read the 5R55E valve body rebuild diary "sticky" at the top of the forum page in case you have to join the rest of us in either rebuilding it, or having it done. Then you'll be ready for the master's return....

Bill

 

[Glacier991]

First of all.... I am always skeptical of what a shop mechanic says in this industry. I am sorry. There are many many good shops out there. But somehow, this industry also has many many charlatans. Fluid smells burnt eh ? Well YOU have a nose.... smell it. And let me know. That is an important clue. Burnt fluid has a smell kinda akin to burnt toast. (Burnt fluid hugely narrows the possibles here...and unfortunately none of them are all THAT great, save one.)

There is a rather lengthy list of possibles on this problem, but before I spend my time delving into them, I want you to please let me know if YOU think the fluid smells burnt. Also using a clean paper towel wipe the dipstick and describe the color of the fluid.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Sometimes the VB gaskets could be going bad, and not show a problem all of the time. Pull out the VB, clean it out, and get the newer bonded gaskets with the separator plates. If your EPC solenoid is very old, you might want to replace that while you have it out. They sell shift improver kits that might help this problem. Read the 5R55E VB rebuild diary for more information.