A Modest proposal for those 5R55E Owners - EPC Solenoid Replacement Proposal

[CDW6212R]

I'm watching intently also. With mine done recently I'm planning to drive it for a while still. Regards,

 

[Glacier991]

Ok, more info.... we may be getting closer... some have asked what info the company would want... here is a sample idea of that:

specific vehicle type and year,
mileage at installation,
whether or not there was a concern that was aimed to be fixed either by the EPC swap alone or with the EPC swap in conjunction with other updates (e.g., "2-3 flare, replacing EPC and updating VB per TSB, etc.),
age, sex, and occupation (optional) of the primary driver,
driving mix vehicle has been typically used for; e.g., 15% offroad/hills unloaded, 5% offroad/hills loaded/towing, 10% city loaded/towing, 20% interstate loaded/towing, 30% city unloaded, 10% interstate unloaded (or something like that... probably a list of those with boxes to indicate percent),
city and state,
method for adapts clear if applicable (e.g., "disconnect battery" or "cleared by scan tool", etc.),
comments on performance during first 100 miles with new hardware,
comments on performance during 100 to 500 mile period after installation,
comments on performance during 500 to 1000 miles period after installation,
comments on performance after 1000 miles with new hardware.
Update at one year after installation.

Everyone ok with that? I have about 25-30 folks expressing interest. In a perfect world I would like 50 but what we have is good.

If, a big IF.... this works, I would be the point of contact and you would get the solenoid thru me and communicate thru me. You WILL sign a release/waiver <g> to participate if this is how it works out.

 

[Rick]

If you need more testers, I could post a notice on the main forum page.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I don't have a current EPC problem with my 96 (4R44E), but I'm willing to sign up.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Will be Rebuilding my 98 SOHC tranny next month I am in.. I will need all the help I can get.

 

[BrooklynBay]

We don't have a 5R55E rebuild diary yet (only a valve body diary). Maybe you could make one?

 

[Nocturnall]

a family memeber is rebuilding my transmission for me but I would still be interested in installing this and being a part of the trial run.

 

[Glacier991]

When we get all the details worked out, ssuming we do, what I am going to do is have anyone interested PM me their snail mail address so I can send them out a program description, with what is expected of them as a participant in this test, along with a waiver and release/hold harmless agreement. When returned, I'll ship the solenoids.

Now mind you, this is not yet a done deal, but I wanted you to know the current plan.

 

[97greenmonster]

So you would like me to place you a PM if i would like to participate?

 

[Glacier991]

Wait until I know this is going to go down as we are thinking.

 

[97greenmonster]

Ok, will do Glacier!

 

[zhanx]

We don't have a 5R55E rebuild diary yet (only a valve body diary). Maybe you could make one?

I have a Tranny that i will be rebuild after i swap in a manual. could do this

 

[Glacier991]

Do not lose hope faithful Transmission Forum members. In final stages of negotiations to see if we can make this work. This is not nearly as simple as it might/ought to seem. It is important that those who eventually DO participate to know that you are not acting as consumers, but as testers of an as yet unproven design. The form you sign will acknowledge that and the fact that this design *May* not work as intended. The end of the wait may well be in sight... and if it isn't we'll know that too. This has been a fascinating glimpse into the auto world with a major manufacturer. They are careful, cautious and care beyond what a lot of folks might expect. They really put their all into the design phase. I am very impressed. Fully realizing they may put this out for "testers", they still want to be real sure it works as they want and you have a good experience and can report good results rather than just reporting problems for them to fix. A real quality company. In my estimation, they went UP in my mind... if that was possible. I wish more companies were like this one.

I hope to have a specimen of the form I expect you to sign to participate available online soon. This is a rare opportunity and a rare situation... been tough to design around.

Glacier

ps. stay tuned. and this is not some teaser or come on.

 

[Fredness]

I'm in, if you still need folks...
1998 Explorer Sport, 85,000, replacing because I know I'm on borrowed time, will be done in conjunction with a fluid flush, new filter and VB TSB upgrade.

 

[quasarsky]

148,109 miles
98 ford explorer xlt

slips out of overdrive. i think i have that 2-3 flare. i'm still in

 

[97greenmonster]

Im still in. Im really hoping this works. My truck has slowly shown a shift problem. Im going to flush this weekend and see if that helps.

 

[Az Ford Fan]

If you’re still looking for lab rats I’m up for a bit of testing. Just one question? This upgraded part is not in the "alpha" stage of testing via the volunteers is it? I’m assuming its post controlled environment pre-market release real world testing. Either way I’m still up for a reason to get the tools out and tinker around the truck.

 

[dogfriend]

This upgraded part is not in the "alpha" stage of testing via the volunteers is it?

That was one of my initial concerns, but as I understand it now, this design is used in other transmissions, but is being modified to work for the 5R55E. Its not a completely new design and the company has experience with building other EPC solenoids.

 

[97greenmonster]

This sounds like a solid solenoids, and i will be more than happy to participate. I know that i may only be 16, but i can still fix stuff and provide a reliable comment.

 

[Allbert]

If you’re still looking for lab rats I’m up for a bit of testing. Just one question? This upgraded part is not in the "alpha" stage of testing via the volunteers is it? I’m assuming its post controlled environment pre-market release real world testing. Either way I’m still up for a reason to get the tools out and tinker around the truck.

Az Ford Fan, you're description ("post controlled... testing") is very accurate and complete.

97GreenMonster, if you can install the solenoid, drive the truck, and tell us what you think of the shift quality, you're a qualified participant as far as I'm concerned.