My 2000 Explorer story as a newbie

[tf43]

Hello Explorer Enthusiasts:
My name is Terry, and I own a 2000 Explorer XLS with the 4.0L OHV, X series VIN, and 5R55E transmission. I have been surfing around for information on the transmission, and a great deal keeps leading back to this site. So, finally I thought I'd join.
My issue started off about 1 1/2 years ago when the radiator / trans cooler decided to become one with each other. I caught that issue right away, drain the transmission, added new fluid, and off we went. Been working fine, but finally, and after being caught in the Sept. 29, 2009 Tsunami, with water just about seat level, am having issues again. I thought mainly electrical, and I promptly pulled the entire interior apart, seats, carpets, electrical harnesses, fuse boxes, and rinse all down with either fresh water, and electrical cleaner, and blew off with my compressor. Been good until about a month ago. Started with a little shift from 1st to 2nd issue, now...no 2nd gear at all. Goes from 1st to Drive, and has reverse. Pulled the pan yesterday to find what appears to be band material, or friction disc material. Not good, I know. Codes pulled where P0732 & P0733, ratio out of sync...duh... Anyway, now looking for a repair manual for the transmission, and theory of operation. If having two bands, OD/Reverse & forward intermediate...don't quite understand why it still has 1st gear. Perhaps I should be more towards the friction discs instead...
Anyway, that is my story. Given the mess this Explorer has been through, I have to really give it credit for being one little tough bugger. It is my 3rd Explorer to boot and I really have bonded to it given the mess its been through & not left me stranded yet...if one can bond to a car so to speak

 

[tf43]

Anyway, anyone know a reliable site for transmission books, other than Amazon perhaps?
Would prefer one that one can download. How is Alldata, or Mitchell1 sites, anyone with experiance with either? I wish to read up some on my tranny, then find a used one to go through so I can do a swap out, and save downtime. Gots to have me auto running
Thank you all,
Terry

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check the link to the Aerostar section in my signature, then look at the list of sticky threads. You will see a thread which contains information on transmissions.