'98 SOHC 5R55E problems

[bryansr]

Hello all,
I have a 98 Eddie Bauer 4.0 SOHC 5R55E with 124k miles. I've not kept up with tranny fluid changes like I should have and, understandably, now having problems. @80k I took it to a local transmission shop for it's first fluid change. Due to the mileage they wouldn't touch it, and suggested that I run it until it started giving me problems. They said if I do decide to change the fluid, to just change the filter and what was in the pan. It started shifting strangely earlier this fall, and I could hear what sounded like fins pinging at times, so I decided to change the pan fluid and filter myself. Fluid from the pan was darkish red and there were no pieces in the pan, just a small amount of fine gray sludge on the magnet and fine metal shavings on the old filter. It ran fine for about a week then the OD light on the dash started flashing. I had it scanned and it showed a P0741 code, which I guess is a TCC solenoid, which I've yet to change. I also found the fluid was about 1/2 qt low, so I topped it up and took it for a test drive. Now reverse almost always engages slowly, drive sometimes engages slowly, and it's slipping at around 40 mph. It has also developed a whine when I start it, although sometimes I shut it off and restart and the whine is not there. I've only put about 100 miles on it since the filter change, and it's parked now until I get it fixed. Once I get a warmer day, I plan to drop the pan again and see if there are any pieces in it. Any thoughts on it? I'm sure it's something with the tranny, but also see where others have had similar symptoms with a transfer case. A whining noise when parked can't be a transfer case, can it?

 

[koda2000]

could be you need a new torque converter (the pinging sound and slow engagement) and a transmission rebuild (the slipping). i agree with your transmission shop's advise. it probably would have failed sooner if you'd had it flushed at 80k. a full transmission rebuild will cost more than the truck is worth. the 5r55e transmission is not a particularly strong one. 124K (especially never having been serviced) until failure is not out of line for this transmission. if you love the truck, get it repaired. you can probably find a used trans for around $400, but you'd have to provide the labor and there's no guarantee how long a used trans will last.

 

[drdoom]

Bryan do a search in the transmission forum for my thread trial by fire. A little bit of info in there about code p0741.

 

[koda2000]

Bryan do a search in the transmission forum for my thread trial by fire. A little bit of info in there about code p0741.

You're obviously a very resourceful guy. Nice writeup and pics. I try to do all my own repairs, but I don't know that I'd be willing to tear into a transmission and I'm guessing most of us feel this way. You must have gotten a great deal of satisfaction from doing the job yourself. Were you able to do the job w/out having to purchase/borrow any special tools? With projects like this I seem to always have a part that will go in multiple ways and whichever way i decide to use is the wrong way. Then I end up having to do the job twice. Digital cameras are sure a big help in remembering how something goes.

 

[drdoom]

Thanks Koda . I kinda had to tackle it myself, as the good transmission shop quoted $3800USD, so with work being slow to nonexistent, it was a make or break moment. I used my own tools and made or improvised what I lacked. And a big 10-4 on the digital cameras & laptop!

 

[bryansr]

Well, I have a decision to make on this. I dropped the pan again a few weeks ago and had a lot of metal in it and on top of the filter, much more than it had from the first 124k miles. Keep in mind, it's only been driven about 150 miles since the last filter change. I called a local guy who does rebuilds and he said not to even mess with it, likely hardpart damage and, if I'm gonna fix it, I should just have a reman transmission put in it. I had already priced it through Ford, $3k and has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. I love the vehicle but just struggling with the decision of with putting more into a transmission than the vehicle is worth. On the other hand, where else am I going to get a 4wd , and one I have confidence in, for $3k? Any opinions?

 

[my98nnj]

Look for a low mileage transmission at your local LKQ parts yard.
They usually come with a limited warranty.

 

[bryansr]

An update, I ended up having Ford put a reman in it, and it shifts really nice now. Pricy, but it's 36 months that I don't have to worry about the transmission. Now I'd like to change the gear ratios for better mileage. I currently have the 4:10 or 4:11's in it, and only get 16 to 18 mpg on a good day with a tailwind. I assume it would be easier to switch out the entire front and rear axles to avoid having to adjust ring and pinion backlash? What do I change to correct my speedometer? Thanks for any input.