Loss of drive

[JB-1956]

Hi guys, I have a 1999 Explorer that loses its drive.

Acquired it recently knowing there was a transmission fault, the previous owner says it needs the torque converter replacing but I’m not that sure.

The symptoms: - I can start it up and shift into reverse. Engaging the gear seems a little slow but then I can reverse and stop. I can then shift to drive and again it seems a little slow to engage. I can drive forwards around the field up to a max of about 15-20 mph due to the nature of the terrain. I can stop and reverse then shift into drive again and drive around the field again.

I can repeat the process several times as the engine warms up but then suddenly I stop and shift into reverse or back into drive and there’s nothing there. I can rev the engine with the transmission in drive or reverse and although I can feel a hint of drive, it’s not enough to move the truck.

The loss of drive does not happen gradually, it seems to happen once I stop and shift through neutral.

Does anyone recognise the problem and have any idea what the problem might be?

 

[JB-1956]

Hi guys, well I guess nobody’s come across the same problem so can anyone suggest where I should start looking for the answers please?

 

[JB-1956]

I’ve been looking through the transmission troubleshooting sticky as to where I should start. I’ve been looking through the section “Unit will not move” and think I need to check the transmission pressure and also do a stall test on the torque converter.

Can anyone advise me what tools and gauges I need to carry out a pressure test please.

I recall doing a stall test on an old Hillman many years since to check the torque converter, and I recall it involved shifting into low (or first) then with the park brake hard on and hard on the foot brake as well. The throttle was then pressed hard down for no more than 10-seconds to prevent overheating, and the increase in engine speed noted. Is this the same procedure for the Explorer?

Any advice is welcome

 

[JB-1956]

I’ve been looking through the transmission troubleshooting sticky as to where I should start. I’ve been looking through the section “Unit will not move” and think I need to check the transmission pressure and also do a stall test on the torque converter.

Can anyone advise me what tools and gauges I need to carry out a pressure test please.

I recall doing a stall test on an old Hillman many years since to check the torque converter, and I recall it involved shifting into low (or first) then with the park brake hard on and hard on the foot brake as well. The throttle was then pressed hard down for no more than 10-seconds to prevent overheating, and the increase in engine speed noted. Is this the same procedure for the Explorer?

Any advice is welcome

 

[imp]

Can anyone advise me what tools and gauges I need to carry out a pressure test please. Pressure gauge 0-300 psi attached to pressure port provided, side of transmission. Stall test is mainly meaningless in the case of a transmission slipping so badly the vehicle will not move.
Any advice is welcome

Is there adequate FLUID in the trans? Which engine/transmission is involved here? Check for stored trouble codes.They are invaluable. No codes present, or cannot read them, hit & miss suggests first, pressure control solenoid, within transmission. Some have more than one solenoid for this purpose. Pressure gauge will show low/no pressure, causes for this are numerous, however, ranging from broken/faulty oil pump, solenoid(s), broken internal parts.

 

[JB-1956]

Hi Imp, I did a stall test on the 1999 Ex and compared it with the same test on the 1997 Ex that I’m running about in at the moment. The 1999 Ex revved up to 2000 rpm as did the 1997 Ex. I drove the 1999 Ex around the field several times stopping and changing direction several times for about 5-minutes then after I’d reversed into a corner and shifted into drive I found I’d lost all drive in all directions and the engine just revved away to its heart’s content. I noted the temperature gauge was just starting register when I lost the drive.

Yes there is adequate transmission fluid although it is a dark brown colour. The engine is the 4.0 ltr V6 SOHC and I believe the transmission is a 5R55E. You mention stored trouble shooting codes, how do I read these? I’ll welcome any advice please.

 

[imp]

....... I believe the transmission is a 5R55E. You mention stored trouble shooting codes, how do I read these? I’ll welcome any advice please.

I am familiar with 5R55W and S, but less so with E, which is a different design. Still, it is a fair assumption on my part, that transmission fault codes are stored in fashion similar to W or S design. These codes are generated separate of the normally-displayed engine codes which alert the driver by illuminating the "Check Engine" light. The transmission code "flag" is done by flashing the "O/D OFF" light on and off rapidly while the vehicle is in use.

Commonly obtainable code readers, of the aftermarket parts-store type typically cannot read transmission codes. The car dealers possess and use them (for a price, of course), and possibly some upper-line parts suppliers might have them for sale. Generally, "free code" reading as done by parts stores involve scanners unable to read trans. faults (at least here in the States).

BTW, transmission codes begin with the letter "P", thus: "P0753- Shift Solenoid "A", circuit failure open or shorted". There are at least 100 faults documentable by these transmissions- they are truly self-diagnosing. imp