neilpridenz
Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2011
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 6
- City, State
- Christchurch, NZ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2004 4.0 XLT
Hi all, newbie question here.
I have a 2004 Explorer XLT 4.0 in overall good condition and well maintained. The door label tells me it has a 5R55S tranny.
I started to have delayed and harsh changes about 18 months ago, mainly going D-R but started to do it going R-D a while later. To begin with it happened about once a fortnight, now it happens on every 4th or 5th shift or so. The longer the delay, the harsher the shift, sometimes it is hard enough to rock the vehicle slightly when it happens.
It is starting to be a pain when I park and do 3-point turns. More important I am worried this is an indication of an expensive repair soon!
The Explorer has done 95,000kms (60,000miles) and has a pretty easy life. I bought it at 60,000kms and dont know the history before that. My first thought was it is a good idea to change the ATF, but the Ford service schedule doesn't mention it ever needs changed (or even checked, there is no dipstick!)
Talking to the local transmission shop, they suspect the valve body gasket is breaking down and the resulting ATF pressure drop is causing the delays in shifting.
I have taken a sample of the ATF to check its condition - here is a pic with a sample of new fluid to compare with. Probably obvious, but new fluid on left, old on right.
http://twitpic.com/50rybh/full
Based on the colour difference I can see it is certainly not like it left the factory anymore, it also smells very 'used' compared to the new fluid - not quite burnt though. I don't have any experience of what it should look like at 60,000miles to help me decide if it really needs changed? My thought is it probably does need a change...
I took the sample by loosening off the small fill plug, and letting 10ml or so drain out. I was surprised that it wanted to run out with a bit of a gush, I expected a slow drip or nothing. I had to work hard to stop the flow as I tried to screw it back in. The vehicle was quite warm, and stopped. Is this an indication of overfill? I later read that the vehicle should be running for the level check, how much of a difference does that make?
My thought is that I will get the local transmission shop to drop the pan, clean out any gunk, swap the filter and pan gasket. Their recommendation based on the harsh shift problem was to replace the valve body gasket at the same time when the pan was off. They would do a visual inspection of the valve body at the same time. They have given me a pretty reasonable estimate (NZ$450, about US$350 for the whole job including 12L of Mercon V) so I think I will get that done too.
Are there any other 'obvious' items to get done at the same time? What about band adjustment or any other gaskets/small parts worth replacing while we are in there?
Also when it comes to the ATF change, there seems to be divided opinion as to whether to flush through (ie no filter change) or drop the pan and change the filter but leave about 30% of the old fluid in there. Neither seems perfect!
Appreciate any help or comments you guys can offer!
Thanks,
Neil.
I have a 2004 Explorer XLT 4.0 in overall good condition and well maintained. The door label tells me it has a 5R55S tranny.
I started to have delayed and harsh changes about 18 months ago, mainly going D-R but started to do it going R-D a while later. To begin with it happened about once a fortnight, now it happens on every 4th or 5th shift or so. The longer the delay, the harsher the shift, sometimes it is hard enough to rock the vehicle slightly when it happens.
It is starting to be a pain when I park and do 3-point turns. More important I am worried this is an indication of an expensive repair soon!
The Explorer has done 95,000kms (60,000miles) and has a pretty easy life. I bought it at 60,000kms and dont know the history before that. My first thought was it is a good idea to change the ATF, but the Ford service schedule doesn't mention it ever needs changed (or even checked, there is no dipstick!)
Talking to the local transmission shop, they suspect the valve body gasket is breaking down and the resulting ATF pressure drop is causing the delays in shifting.
I have taken a sample of the ATF to check its condition - here is a pic with a sample of new fluid to compare with. Probably obvious, but new fluid on left, old on right.
http://twitpic.com/50rybh/full
Based on the colour difference I can see it is certainly not like it left the factory anymore, it also smells very 'used' compared to the new fluid - not quite burnt though. I don't have any experience of what it should look like at 60,000miles to help me decide if it really needs changed? My thought is it probably does need a change...
I took the sample by loosening off the small fill plug, and letting 10ml or so drain out. I was surprised that it wanted to run out with a bit of a gush, I expected a slow drip or nothing. I had to work hard to stop the flow as I tried to screw it back in. The vehicle was quite warm, and stopped. Is this an indication of overfill? I later read that the vehicle should be running for the level check, how much of a difference does that make?
My thought is that I will get the local transmission shop to drop the pan, clean out any gunk, swap the filter and pan gasket. Their recommendation based on the harsh shift problem was to replace the valve body gasket at the same time when the pan was off. They would do a visual inspection of the valve body at the same time. They have given me a pretty reasonable estimate (NZ$450, about US$350 for the whole job including 12L of Mercon V) so I think I will get that done too.
Are there any other 'obvious' items to get done at the same time? What about band adjustment or any other gaskets/small parts worth replacing while we are in there?
Also when it comes to the ATF change, there seems to be divided opinion as to whether to flush through (ie no filter change) or drop the pan and change the filter but leave about 30% of the old fluid in there. Neither seems perfect!
Appreciate any help or comments you guys can offer!
Thanks,
Neil.
