Anyone have any issues with the 5 speed auto?

[BajaXplorer]

My wifes X has 67,500 miles on it and it appears to be slipping when going from 1-2 but Im not 100% sure.

Just wondering what if anything I should look for .
I changed the transfluid with semi-synth Quaker~State Mercon V about a year ago. Fluid looks good and red still and doesn't smell burnt or isn't foamed looking.

Thanks

 

[Majisto]

Well given that the 5R comes from the A4LD, it shouldn't be the most reliable tranny in world, but I can at least vouch for my 92K mile tranny and say that it runs perfectly. It not only shifts firmly, but it also has never slipped even once, and that's saying a lot with how I drive it

Oh yes, and no fluid changes ever... I know, I'm an idiot for never changing it, but it's been so long that I'm just gonna let it die on its own instead of changing the fluid.

 

[TPLYNCH]

There are problems with valve bodies/gaskets with it. There is a TSB for it. One way to check if they are bad is to put it in 1 on a hill and see if you have any engine braking. If not, it needs service. I think Ford has been fixing them when people bring them in for tranny service (fluid/filter change). At least, I think they did to mine @60K cause before I went in, no engine braking. After, I had engine braking.... There is a "sticky" thread that has the TSB info.

 

[TPLYNCH]

found the thread...http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=22155&highlight=no+first+gear

 

[Zeos]

My trannie (5R55E) didn't exibit that symptom, but would slip between 1/2/3 and eventually degraded to the point where I almost completely lost reverse. After pulling it and tearing it down I found everything perfect inside (clutches, bands, seals) but the valve body gasket was blown out......coulda been fixed in the truck if I wasn't so hardheaded and followed Opera House's advice and checked it first

 

[mbryda]

Maybe mine was an anomolie, but my '00
s 5r55e was shot at 59k. I was just driving around when the OD light started flashing and then she wouldn't shift out of 1st under WOT (or near WOT) - just ounced off the rev limiter.

Took her to the trans guy and he (and I) thought electrical, as it seemed to be shifting fine through all the other gears and not at WOT.... Unfortunately it was throwing the slipping in 2nd and slipping in 5th codes....

He got it apart and his findings were:
Torque converter was shot (rattling)
5th planetary was pitted and ruined
Whole tranny was basically toasted.

He said it looked like the insides of an over 100k transmission that towed!!! This was with a fluid change at 30k as well. I guess I got the one built on a Friday!

The odd thing he said was that although this was not the best transmission for Ford, he sees more Chevys than Explorers (even owns an Explorer himself)...

Oh well, $1900 and a week later the truck was back in business.

 

[Majisto]

Chevrolet's Hydramatics are very weird transmissions. I had one go out at 100K miles on the old Buick Century which is why we now own a Taurus. Chevrolet transmissions are bad because they usually don't warn you when they are going out. The Buick just died on me one day...

 

[SWLathrop]

Read my last post. This may be your problem...
Tranny issues