driveline/trans noise

[razztekk]

Question. Bought an 02 Explorer XLS with 53,000 miles. The 2-3 upshift was soft, slipped at times and had a metallic slap or bang like two metal plates slapping together low speed downshifts. Dealer replaced a solenoid pack and reprogrammed the PCM. The slip and soft shifts are gone, but I still get the metal slap noise, like weights slapping on a barbell. Any suggestions? I'm calling them back in the morning. Thanks.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Does it sound like noise coming from the exhaust? They probably had to disconnect part of the exhaust to service the transmission. The 02 model uses the 5R55W 5 speed automatic transmission with the one piece bell housing.

 

[razztekk]

Thanks.The noise was there before the solenoid repair. Almost like something is binding, then releasing quickly, making the clanking or slapping noise. I'm almost certain it's driveline related.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Have you checked the U joints?

 

[razztekk]

No, the dealer that did the trans repairs said I was good to go. I wasn't good to go. They fixed part of the original complaint, but not the noisy part. I'll call tomorrow. I wonder if the splines are hanging up on a slip yoke and binding, that is the type of noise I'm getting. Seems like something is hanging up then releasing. Thanks.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did they check the transfer case?

 

[razztekk]

I think that is the problem. I don't imagine they did, but I'm not sure. I feel they thought the problems were all corrected with the solenoid repair. It is very intermittent. I picked up the vehicle on Thursday and didn't hear it again until Saturday. I was going down a grade off the gas & it clanked. I heard it once more on a downshift later that day.

 

[razztekk]

I got a fairly convincing explanation to why my trans clanks sometimes. The PCM was reprogrammed, it has to relearn. The trans has a built in "protection mode" that applies itself when the trans senses the shifts aren't right. It will apply the clutches firmly for the first 1500 miles or so at times until the computer releans the shift patterns. I was told this by a Master Ford Technician and service manager with 35 years experience. Thanks for all of your replies.

 

[BrooklynBay]

In FMEM mode, the shifts are very harsh, because the EPC solenoid is maximizing the full amount of available pressure to get you to "limp home". This extra pressure that is applied pushes all of the servos, and clutches to the limit to apply if there is a fault detected. It is not recommended to continue driving when this occurs. Do you get a check engine light, or a flashing overdrive light?

 

[razztekk]

No lights of any type. I don't actually feel any harsh shifts, I just hear the metallic bang at times light throttle or downshifts. A distinct metal to metal slap noise. I know what you're referring to, Chrysler 604 (slips-oh-four) transmissions go into "limp-in" mode when they fail, they basically limp into the dealer in what, one gear? The fellow today told me the PCM will relearn eventually and that slap is the trans trying to protect the clutches. Maybe that trans is on it's way out, in the very early stages. Thanks. The dealer that just did the solenoid repair wants me to stop by Wednesday for a road test, they say they may not be able to duplicate it. That's a possibility, it barely does it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

By the way, I hope that they filled the transmission with Mercon V ATF. Other fluids will cause slippage, because they don't have the same friction modifying chemicals in them. There is an additive made by Lubegard that could be added to Mercon III to convert it into Mercon V.

 

[razztekk]

I hope so...they are a fairly big Ford dealership. I'm going to put some miles on it & see what happens, it may be relearning through that adaptive strategy process. Haven't heard any thing since Saturday. Thanks again.