dblod04 new member with transmission issue

[dblod04]

Hello Forum People, I am David, an old new guy to this Explorer forum. My step-son drives a 2004 Explorer Limited V6 2wd and I seem to be the go-to man when things are not right with it. I am working with this 5R55S transmission that has an OD light and CHECK TRANSMISSION on the message board. This truck had no od and it seemed to me 2nd gear wass not engaging. I did not want to drive it far because I feel like this flashing light is part of the passlock/limpmode to save the tranmission. Am I right so far?I have pulled the pan and the fluid was very old and dark but not terribly burnt. The magnet had very little hair on it and no shavings or chunks anywhere in the pan. I changed the filter and fluid, adjusted the bands and removed the solenoid pack to remove the setscrews and springs and clean each solenoid. I reset the screws to the depth they were originally. I pulled out of the driveway and the od light flashed immediately... I am here to listen to anyone who has found the source of this problem. thank you DavidB

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Scan the computer to find out what the code numbers are. You might have worn servo piston bores if there are over 60K miles on it. There is a replacement servo with O rings which is an aftermarket repair. The OEM repair is to replace the bore with a repair sleeve while rebuilding the transmission so try the servo with O rings first. Sometimes the solenoid block could be bad too. Did you test the wiring harness to see if each wire is in good condition?

 

[dblod04]

Welcome to this forum! Scan the computer to find out what the code numbers are. You might have worn servo piston bores if there are over 60K miles on it. There is a replacement servo with O rings which is an aftermarket repair. The OEM repair is to replace the bore with a repair sleeve while rebuilding the transmission so try the servo with O rings first. Sometimes the solenoid block could be bad too. Did you test the wiring harness to see if each wire is in good condition?

Thank you Brooklyn happy to be here!!! This vehicle has 137,000 miles of life and to my knowledge, I am the first to service the transmission. Sorry about the lack of info first post. I scanned it a couple of times and I get the P0745 shift solenoid A but I have seen 2 code charts that says it is the B solenoid. I did power test and ohm test the harness and solenoid block when I took it off and cleaned out the chambers and springs. The wiring looks great and the connector looks new, even with the water from the A/C condensor running right down onto it. The servos are my next guess as well but as you know it requires removing some exhaust and I have been spraying PB Blaster like crazy on this each time I crawl under the beast. I have all the tools to do most anything Brooklyn just not the body anymore. Do you think the sticking or broken servo could be causing the O/D light flashing and CHECK TRANSMISSION message to pop up when I start down the street? I will pull these servos and check for wear and sloppyness in the case openings. thank you very much DavidB

 

[BrooklynBay]

The shift solenoids in the block go bad after a while even if their coils have the correct ohms. The codes are different for the servos according to the information on the servo bore repair website. Here's the link: Ford Lincoln Mercury Explorer Mountaineer Navigator Servo Bore Fix

 

[BrooklynBay]

I took a quick look at their website. They have hard to find tools as well as solenoid blocks. Here's the link for the blocks: Solenoid Packs/Blocks

You could contact their customer service department before you buy anything to make sure that their parts will solve your transmission issue. The blocks are a few hundred dollars.

 

[dblod04]

Well, Brooklyn, I did not pull the servos. I took a look at the exhaust system on the left side and I am not sure those tight bolts are coming off there anytime soon without breaking and doing more damage. I hear you on the solenoid pack test. I have been looking at the wiring system diagram. I am now thinking the wire to solenoid A running from the PCM is either shorted or broken circuit and I missed it. That would cause the intermittent O/D light and message. When I am driving and the light comes on I can toss it up to neutral, turn the key to off and start the engine and no more light for several miles and it returns. I will trace this out tomorrow. I am headed up your way in a couple of weeks. My step-son is moving back to the city. I will load his apartment here in Alabama and tow it up to his apartment there. thank you for your help I will keep you informed DavidB

 

[BrooklynBay]

I found the wiring harness for the 5R55E but not for the 5R55S. Does this look similar to what you have? 4R44E 4R55E 5R55E transmission solenoid harness 4R44E 4R55E 5R55E transmission parts

 

[dblod04]

I found the wiring harness for the 5R55E but not for the 5R55S. Does this look similar to what you have? 4R44E 4R55E 5R55E transmission solenoid harness 4R44E 4R55E 5R55E transmission parts

View attachment 455594

Thank you BB but I don't believe that is the same harness. Rememeber this year has the bolt through the connector into the solenoid block? It passes through the case. The diagram I have shows it to be white/yellow wire to Pressure Control Solenoid A. The weather has cooled down a lot here so I am going to trace this wire today. I will keep you informed. Thank you so much for your assistance. DB