Need help/opinions on 2004 explorer 5R55S transmission

[Jaken1]

First of all I am new to this site so hello. I was wanting to get help or opinions on what to do with my 04 explorer transmission. It's a automatic (5R55S) 2wd 4.0 with 107,000 miles on it. I had the recall on the additive done for the transmission fluid when they first sent the recall out but that's it. Since being brand new it has had the hesitation and then clunk when going from park to reverse. Brought it in under warranty and they said nothing was wrong, I just dealt with it. Now after several years I am now having a slipping condition which seems to be mainly 2nd to 3rd gear. I have done alot of reading on this site the last couple of days and can't decide what my best option is. I see many knowledgable people on here with good feedback on fixes. Just not which one is best for my application. Could a fluid flush help, hurt or fix it? Could a valve body repair fix it? Could the servos with o-rings fix it? I have also looked at getting a refurbished transmission and having it installed and be done with it. But which refurbished transmission place would you recommend? Lots of companies to choose from and costs vary alot. Any help or opinions on the best route to take would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[jrford]

mine was easy, lost 3rd gear, had to be rebuilt. First thing i'd ask how long do you want to keep it? There are fixes like you described, Servo Bores, Valve body etc that would help for a while. But if you say want to keep it for another 100k, imho, it probably won't last. My re-builder actually offered a lifetime on the build (exceptionally rare for trans shops). That was 4yrs and 60k ago and its still going strong. Its a tough call . . .id lean towards a local rebuild if he had a good reputation, that way if there are problems he can address it.

 

[Jaken1]

I guess I can look into that too. I just worry about the guy who says, well we won't know until we get in there. That is what I got alot of trying to get my mustang done. Reading alot of the complaints on these transmissions people were spending between 3 to 4 grand to have a rebuild done. After seeing that I just thought about getting a rebuilt one and getting it installed for almost half that. I will call around and see what they say. Thanks

 

[imp]

Slipping?

..... Now after several years I am now having a slipping condition which seems to be mainly 2nd to 3rd gear. "Slipping" meaning exactly what? Does the tachometer indicate a sharp INCREASE in engine rpms as the 2-3 shift occurs? Or, is there noticeable hesitation, then tach DROPS in rpm as shift is completed? Are there any other noticeable issues in shift "feel" or timing during any of the other shifts? (1-2, 3-4, 4-5).

If engine speed-up is noticeable during a shift, certain components may immediately be ruled out, while others become "suspect". Often, knowing more precisely what the effect is like, allows pretty good assurance one can go looking for a specific cause, rather than "we won't know until it's torn apart".


Could a fluid flush help, hurt or fix it? Probably none of the above, assuming fluid LEVEL and quality is acceptable.

Could a valve body repair fix it? Yes, IF the valve body were at fault. IMO, it is not likely.

Could the servos with o-rings fix it? Yes, if the servo piston is binding, leaking, or not moving acceptably.

I have also looked at getting a refurbished transmission and having it installed and be done with it. But which refurbished transmission place would you recommend? If it were me, I would use a place willing to install a Ford Remanufactured Transmission. My experience has shown their warranty period is far superior to most others, as is also the quality of rebuilding.

Just my thoughts here. imp

Lots of companies to choose from and costs vary alot. Any help or opinions on the best route to take would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jaken1]

Thanks for the useful info. Drove it today and did notice the slip was always between 30 and 35 mph. I will pay attention to rpms more the next time I drive it to see exactly what they are doing.

 

[Jaken1]

Well the next time I drove it was cool out. When shifting it would basically just go clunk and switch gears between 30 and 35. Didn't see any changes really in rpms but it was cool out and clunking instead of the slip or hesitation into gear. I did call numerous shops and the best price was 1,800 to 2,000 no upgraded parts but any updates are done. You get a new torque converter and warranty is 12 months 12,000 miles. I found a remanufactured for 1,195 with a 2 year unlimited mile warranty and new converter. I was also wondering if anyone knew what transmission is called out for a V coded 04 explorer. I looked up the door jamb sticker code of V in my manual and it's not listed. I figured it's a 5R55S but not sure now. I looked up threads for this code but can't find a V code. Thanks

 

[SoNic67]

Ford VIN decoder:
Dead Link Removed

 

[Jaken1]

Thanks for the VIN post but it does not indicate transmission model number. I dowloaded the manual off there too to see if it had my V coded transmission in it and it didn't. The door jamb sticker is telling me it's a V code and that code isn't listed in my manual either.

 

[SyberTiger]

What did you end up doing to fix your Exploder?

 

[Jaken1]

I haven't done anything yet. I just don't drive it as much anymore. The slip is getting much worse but can't see throwing 2 to 3 grand at it when that's all I could probably get on trade for it. Wish I could help you more.

 

[Eastcoastmod]

I had the same problem. I ignored it. I eventually lost od as well. Almost 4 years later and I still drive it a lot. Everything I've read says that the servo bore fix is the cheapest solution. If you search it you will find all sorts of info. Basically a few hundred for the kit and install yourself or pay around 150 to 200 for a shop to install..Worst case you only spend about 500 bucks and it should shift like new.