Problems, Urgent Help Needed!

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Okay guys, so I have a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 RWD. I used to have problems and still do to some extent, with going from Park to Reverse where there is a extremely hard shift. This seems to come and go. But here are my other problems. When I am going up an incline, no matter how small, it gets up to 3 RPMs and hard shift into third, and occasionally it will do this after getting up to 55 MPH. Now that it is much colder outside my car will get stuck going about 40 miles per hour and if I slow down and speed up, it will give another hard kick to put it back into gear, and now the powertrain malfunction light (the yellow wrench) is lighting up. I have had a transmission fluid/ filter flush and the rear differential service before, but nothing else. I know that there are generally three solutions to this problem, an update to the powertrain control module (PCM), the A/C patch kit, and the solenoid torque converter. And another transmission fluid flush if necessary. What do you guys think this is and what do you recommend? I would at least like to know what I am getting myself into. I don't want to have to pay for a new transmission if at all possible. Thank you guys so much for the help!

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Also, should I take it directly to the local ford dealership? I want it done right, regardless of what it is.

 

[Flag Gibby]

The TCM flash fix is only for the 6 speed transmissions that came with the V8. The first thing I would do is check the fluid level on the transmission, to me it is acting like it is low on fluid or when it got serviced an ATF with the wrong specs. got put back in and the viscosity is too high in cold weather. I would start with having the transmission flushed and filled with an ATF that meets Mercon V specs at a minimum. As far as using a dealership, it is up to you, but at a minimum you should let a reputable transmission shop do the job since they deal with these kinds of issues all the time.

 

[Explorer_PL]

I would start with a good tranny shop. Your 5R55 is very common tranny used in Explorers, Mustangs and probably other cars so it's nothing exotic.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

The TCM flash fix is only for the 6 speed transmissions that came with the V8. The first thing I would do is check the fluid level on the transmission, to me it is acting like it is low on fluid or when it got serviced an ATF with the wrong specs. got put back in and the viscosity is too high in cold weather. I would start with having the transmission flushed and filled with an ATF that meets Mercon V specs at a minimum. As far as using a dealership, it is up to you, but at a minimum you should let a reputable transmission shop do the job since they deal with these kinds of issues all the time.

So it doesn't sound like the solenoid to you? And when I called the dealership they said it sounded like they needed to update the TCM. So what should I do?

 

[Flag Gibby]

There was a very minor tweak to the TCM firmware a while back on the 5 speed, but nothing that would fix the symptoms that you have right now. I am not saying that it cannot be the solenoids, but until you verify that the transmission is not low on fluid you really cannot say that the issues are not a result of that possibility especially since you say that it has gotten worse now that it is colder and always has shift issues on inclines.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

There was a very minor tweak to the TCM firmware a while back on the 5 speed, but nothing that would fix the symptoms that you have right now. I am not saying that it cannot be the solenoids, but until you verify that the transmission is not low on fluid you really cannot say that the issues are not a result of that possibility especially since you say that it has gotten worse now that it is colder and always has shift issues on inclines.

I called around getting quotes and our local AAMCO is the cheapest price. Are they generally reputable? I've never had to deal with them before so I have no idea.

 

[Flag Gibby]

My brother worked for them as a service advisor for a while and not a bad place to go since they are a nationwide chain with a large knowledge base and stand behind their work.

 

[Bobmbx]

STOP! I'm betting this only happens in the morning.

How cold is it where you are? If its really cold, all thats happening is your tranny fluid is more like molasses than a lube oil because of the cold. It takes a while to warm up and start flowing normally. You can start the truck and let it idle for a while before you drive it. That will help. You're not hurting anything by driving it cold, unless you hammer it.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

STOP! I'm betting this only happens in the morning.

How cold is it where you are? If its really cold, all thats happening is your tranny fluid is more like molasses than a lube oil because of the cold. It takes a while to warm up and start flowing normally. You can start the truck and let it idle for a while before you drive it. That will help. You're not hurting anything by driving it cold, unless you hammer it.

Unfortunately, I do this and it doesn't help. It does it throughout the day, but it does get worse in the cold. Also, I took it to Autozone and the only code error code that came up was P0735. What does that mean? I called the AAMCO and the technician had no idea what it was. -________-

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Any ideas before I take it to AAMCO what the code P0735 is and what it indicates?

 

[Explorer_PL]

I know 3 different people, all close friends of mine who went to AAMCO and had the transmission replaced 4-5 times before it was somewhat working (Chevy Astro AWD), or failed after 13 months right after warranty (Honda Oddysey, $ 3,300), or did some partial repair costing big bucks only to have "something" else failed few months down the road (Grand Prix).
I would never go there.

 

[Boomyal]

Any ideas before I take it to AAMCO what the code P0735 is and what it indicates?

Google is your best friend. Here is a link to P0735

http://engine-codes.com/p0735.html

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

I know 3 different people, all close friends of mine who went to AAMCO and had the transmission replaced 4-5 times before it was somewhat working (Chevy Astro AWD), or failed after 13 months right after warranty (Honda Oddysey, $ 3,300), or did some partial repair costing big bucks only to have "something" else failed few months down the road (Grand Prix).
I would never go there.

What and where do you recommend? Guys I really need help! I'll have to take it somewhere in the morning and get this fixed ASAP.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Google is your best friend. Here is a link to P0735

http://engine-codes.com/p0735.html

Yeah already looked at that. Needing to no more about how much something like this is going to run me.

 

[Boomyal]

Yeah already looked at that. Needing to no more about how much something like this is going to run me.

Looks to me like there is a wide range of possibilities as to what exactly is wrong and how much it will cost to fix. Seems to me, a professional is going to be the best one to answer your question.

I'd look real hard for the premier transmission shop in your area. I do not think that AAMCO is that one,

 

[Flag Gibby]

All that you need right now is someone to properly troubleshoot the issue which starts with checking the fluid level and then going from there. Every AAMCO is different, just like every dealership is different... some good some bad. Ask around in your area to find out who uses who or check the reviews online for your area (maybe check yelp?).
As far as that DTC, it could be nothing since the PCM likes to run the vehicle in OD (5th gear) as soon it can. You could try driving it with OD off to see if it helps any and that could help isolate if the problem is internal or not.
Just out of curiosity, who did the tranny fluid/filter change and how many miles on the transmission?

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

All that you need right now is someone to properly troubleshoot the issue which starts with checking the fluid level and then going from there. Every AAMCO is different, just like every dealership is different... some good some bad. Ask around in your area to find out who uses who or check the reviews online for your area (maybe check yelp?).
As far as that DTC, it could be nothing since the PCM likes to run the vehicle in OD (5th gear) as soon it can. You could try driving it with OD off to see if it helps any and that could help isolate if the problem is internal or not.
Just out of curiosity, who did the tranny fluid/filter change and how many miles on the transmission?

Theres right under 140k miles on it. Changed fluid and filter at 110,00 miles.

 

[Flag Gibby]

I hate to say it, but because of the miles, it may need to be rebuilt. Don't know what it will cost you because it depends on the amount of work, but here is an article on rebuilding the same model transmission that you have that has good pics and some good tips: http://www.musclemustangfastfords.com/tech/mmfp_1106_5r55s_transmission_rebuild/viewall.html

 

[makuloco2000]

Theres right under 140k miles on it. Changed fluid and filter at 110,00 miles.

At that mileage you are looking at the servo bores being worn out causing the pressure loss and 5th to not apply at that point it would be CHEAPER to put in a low mileage junkyard unit.

You will be getting a p0732 code soon too for that 2-3 flare