Trans problem, Hoping this will help, Input?

[Rayz2000Sport]

Okay, if you search my posts, you will see that I have been having some tranny issues. 2000 Ford Ex Sport, Auto 4WD SOHC. The main thing is at speed, in higher gears it seems to "hesitate" and "jerk". (I have noticed that if it feels like it might start to jerk, I can let off the gas and "reaccelerate" and it seems to keep it from jerking) I also had it feel like it would not shift into a higher gear which caused the check engine light to flash a few times then go off. (only happened twice, never had the OD light flash, from what I understand this indicates a mech failure in the tranny)

This said, I am thinking about dropping the pan and changing the fluid and filter that way. I know this will not get all the fluid, but my reason for doing it this way is to see if there is any obvious problem IE parts laying the pan. Also, I will use regular old ATF, nothing fancy because if it doesnt help the problem then I am not going to have to replace a tranny full of expensive fluid.

Question is....
1. Where can I get a pan gasket?
2. Where can I get a tranny filter?
3. I am sure there are all sorts of things I am over looking, please do tell!!!

Any help will be greatly appreciated, I have a GF that lives in PA and I am in MD. Catching some crap over her always having to visit me because the truck is not running right!! Hoping I can "fix" the problem or find out what is going on.

Please, Any Help Is Greatly Appreciated!!!!

Kyle

 

[35Remmy]

RAY, you HAVE to use MERCON V transmission fluid. NOTHING else!!! It runs about 4$ a quart and you'll need about 4 (get 5) if all you're doing is dropping the pan. The filter runs around 15$ and the pan gasket is usually included.

When it "jerks" do your RPM's rise and then settle back down (as in slipping or flaring)?

These parts are all readily available at any auto parts store. You *should* have the 5R55E transmission. All you need is the fluid and filter/gasket.

By the way, after you drain the fluid, put the pan plug back in and add 1 quart. Use this empty container and fill it up with the old fluid. Repeat until all of your old fluid is in the empty quart containers, this way you accurately measure how much fluid came out and how much you need to add.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

I know I have to use Mercon V, but I mean I dont plan on going synthetic or any other more expensive route. So, I should only need to replace about 5 quarts of fluid?

I havent really noticed the RPMs much, but there could be a slight rise. I have somewhat gotten used to this issue since I still have to drive the truck, since I have no other option.

What should I ask the auto parts store for? Trans filter for a 2000 Ford Ex Sport?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

If it is around 15$ for Filter and gasket that is great news haha Was anticipating around 15$ or so each!

 

[35Remmy]

Ray, yeah the most expensive part is the fluid. Yes, you won't be able to drain all of the fluid by just dropping the pan because the torque converter holds quite a bit, which you can't drain by just dropping the pan. You would need to disconnect the tranny cooler line, start her up and force the fluid out into a bucket to get all of it (about 8 or 9 quarts as I remember).

Yes, tell them you have a 2000 Ex. Sport and the engine size and you need a transmission filter. Just check to make sure it comes with the gasket which it should. I've never seen them come without the gasket, ever.

When putting the pan back on the gasket can be a pain in the butt to keep in place (it's a rubber gasket). I usually take a bit of black RTV silicone and dab it a little along the gasket and let it sit for a 1/2 hour or so so it keeps the gasket in place while reinstalling the transmission pan. If you don't have any, go to where the glue/sealants are and it will be labeled RTV silicone, or RTV Hi-Temp silicone. I've only ever purchased black or blue (doesn't matter).

DON'T over-tighten the bolts...I use a torque wrench, but if you don't have one you want to go just a little bit past what feels like snug. Go from one bolt, then to one on the OTHER side of the pan. It's not a science, just don't tighten the bolts in order. Then go around and check for any loose ones.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Do you think that just dropping the pan and replacing the lost fluid (not flushing thru the lines) will give me an indication if my problem is just old fluid? To my knowledge, the fluid has never been changed and the truck has never had a "transmission service" that the dealer suggests.

If the pan drop, assuming I dont find parts, seems to solve the problem, could it all just be from "old, worn out" fluid??

 

[Pensa]

When I changed my fluid it took 5 quarts to bring it back up to full.

I got the filter with gasket at Autozone and I think it was $16. I'm not sure on your X, but on mine there are two different pans used. The regular pan and the deep pan. If yours is the same way you will need to know which pan you have.

The deep pan slopes down in the center for a little more capacity, I think it is used mostly on the four wheel drive X's.

 

[Pensa]

If the pan drop, assuming I dont find parts, seems to solve the problem, could it all just be from "old, worn out" fluid??

I think it is more likely the filter than it is old fluid., assuming it fixes the problem.

What color is the fluid and does it smell burnt?

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Last time checked, week or so ago, it was yellowish orange. No noticable burnt smell. I actually was kind of suprised for just passing 80k lately on the original fluid it looked pretty good. But what do I know! haha Thats the problem!

 

[35Remmy]

It could certainly be from worn out fluid. People will argue this until they're red in the face, but a good family friend who has his own shop (the BEST in NJ) and has been rebuilding trannies for the past 30 years says to CHANGE the fluid/filter every 30,000 miles.

Another thing...our 2000 Explorer, 5.0 started to slightly "jerk" or what felt like a "bump" from the tranny. It wasn't bad and it has 200,000 miles on it. I'm a huge advocate AGAINST using additives but I used a quart of Lucas stop-slip. I said what the heck. After about 2 weeks of driving the problem disappeared and 20k miles later, the problem has not returned and the tranny shifts perfect.

It's found at any parts store and runs 10$. Pours like honey.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Would you suggest giving that product a try before I drop the pan? Or since the fluid is so old and worn should I just go ahead with the pan drop?

Also, kind of a side note. I always wondered about additives, engine, tranny or otherwise. If your fluid level is where it should be before hand, couldnt adding something extra cause problems? Just a thought I had. Once again, I am very much so a self taught/explorer forums taught mech. haha.

 

[35Remmy]

Ray, YES, it absolutely WILL raise your fluid level over what it should be. I dropped a quart of tranny fluid before I added a quart of the Lucas.

If I were you I would definitely drop the pan. At LEAST drop the pan. Clean it up good. Transmission fluid wears like any other lubricant. Most of what we hear about "don't change the transmission fluid" is merely an old adage that is well-dated and well, not true one bit.

It's just like the people who say you can't switch to full synthetic oil on a higher mileage engine or once you switch to synthetic oil you can't change back. WHAT?!!! It's JUST a different level of lubrication. That's ALL.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

OK, I will look into getting the parts and if I am not able to do it tommorow, then I will be dropping the pan this weekend.

SO, I need....
1. Fluid, thinking a gallon jug and then a spare quart.
2. Filter and gasket
3. Silcone RTV

Missing anything??

 

[35Remmy]

That's about it...a ratchet, an extension and a metric socket (can't remember what size, maybe 8 or 9MM). And you're going to make a mess. There's no drain plug. Don't undo all of the bolts at once. Loosen one side so the pan can drop down on that side and you can direct the fluid (as best you can) into the pan from that side. You WILL be washing transmission fluid out of your hair!!! Put newspaper down or something. There's a magnet inside of the pan. Clean it and the pan.

Yep, that's all you need. And some patience. Something I have always lacked! The job is really straightforward. I wish you luck!!!

If the fluid/filter change doesn't work, TRY the Lucas. OR...pick it up with the fluid/filter and use it right away. It won't hurt a thing, unless you don't have the 10$ extra bucks to spend. I know what being a college student is all about. Thank GOD for the GI bill!!!

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Thanks so much for all the info!!! I really do appreciate it. Really tough being a student and trying to repair a truck at the same time! Always got something I need to throw money at, so I am hoping the truck just needs a little TLC and it will be all good. Thanks so much for the info, I will be sure to post back and let you know how everything goes.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Quick question. I got the fluid and RTV, now I just need the gasket and filter. How do I know if I have a shallow or deep pan? My ex is a 2000 sport, fulltime Auto, 4high and 4low.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

?

 

[Doubt Incarnate]

i think the pans are the same, just tell them its a 4wd. the only deeper pan is aftermarket.

some of us run an external filter on the transmission, you can search for that on in the forums its failry simple. i change the filter and add a quart of atf fluid with ever oil/filter change.

!Warning! i had a tranny leak when i got my EX a few years back, i dropped tha pan and fluid to change the gasket and filter and it started shifting wrong immeadiately. I ended up buying and installing the TSB parts that fix the flare problem. If you have any problems afterwards you should check out the 5r55e thread about the flare, and its walkthrough on how to install the fix parts.

 

[Rayz2000Sport]

Do you think it would be wise to try and get these parts now>? Just do almost a partial rebuild myself?

 

[Doubt Incarnate]

it may have been done already, check for a sticker under the hood with some kind of code on it, probably going to have to ask a dealer to de-code it. if it hasnt been done it doesnt hurt to have the parts, tools, and books to do so on hand in case your fluid/filter change doesnt do it. all parts and such ready on hand you can easily do it in a day. i've never been in a transmission befor and i was able to succesfully do it.

i remeber the tsb parts had a new valvebody top plate, a epc blow-off valve, i think there were a couple of springs and a plug or 2. good idea to get a new epc solinoid and bracket. the solenoid is almost always moving, and the bracket is prone to craking. here is the thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140987&highlight=5r55e+diary

how'd you like changing those plugs and wires? that was a full day of absolute gayness for me.