Trans shifting hard (more) Help!!

[DewAddict]

HI All,

My 2000 X Sport 4x4 is shifting real hard and sometimes will not shift on time causing a rev of the motor then finally it shifts into gear. Fluid is up, just checked it. Started last night while driving home when it was cold, now its all the time.

Any input would be great. I have the 4.0L SOHC engine.

Thanks

 

[IZwack]

...shifting real hard and sometimes will not shift on time causing a rev of the motor then finally it shifts into gear...

I'm not a transmission expert but it sounds like the Over Drive (OD) is not functioning correctly. Is the "O/D OFF" light in the dash blinking at all?

 

[DewAddict]

No flashing light yet but after reading some of the posts on here, it sounds like it might be next. And it figures, the warranty just ran out last summer.

 

[Glacier991]

Harsh shifts in the 5R55E can occur for a number of reasons. First off... if the transmission has gone into LIMP mode... it bumps up the EPC pressures to high limits and the shifts will be hard. Generally that will be accompanied by a MIL light though.

In a transmission that controls feel and shifts electronically, the first order of business is to check electrical issues. That includes sensors.... among those would be the PCM itself, the EPC, the transmission fluid temperature sensor, the Digital transmission range sensor, the output shaft speed sensor, the Throttle position sensor and the Mass Airflow Sensor. In a shop those would be checked out first if they follow protocol.

So, let's assume those are ok. Next up is to check the line and EPC control pressures. I am betting they would be high.

So we turn to the valve body. The achilles heel of the 5R55E family.

So on that long list of possibles, we have valve body screws out of spec...(unlikely) a torn gasket (high on my list of possibles) EPC solenoid stuck, or damaged or out of bore (also high) then we get into valves (spools) in the valve body as possibles... (bore 207 and 208 for example) but that's a VB rebuild, which may be your answer.

Might suggest you read the 5R55E VB rebuild diary.

 

[DewAddict]

Ok, shop says the code is a PO-733, which means as stated above either a Valve body issue or it might need a solenoid according to the mechanic. Also said something about hard shifting into 3rd gear error and possible debri in the tank. Either way it might be anywhere from $500-1200 total cost.

Does this sound correct with that specific error code?? I unfortunately have to drop the cash and then I am thinking about trading it in. I am worried about further problems with it. Any opinions would be great.

Thanks

 

[Glacier991]

PO733 describes a DTC for "no 3rd Gear". It implicates Shift solenoids A, B and C (or one of them) and it IS possible it is some internal part of the transmission.

You could pull the VB yourself and test the solenoids for proper resistance and operation. These solenoids are all ON/OFF solenoids and are relatively inexpensive to replace... depending on mileage you might want to replace the EPC too.

My money is sayin yer likely going to find a bad solenoid. Pulling the Valve body and checking that is not difficult, and for a good mechanic is about an hour to 2 hour job. Mind you, that assumes it is removed, solenoids tested and the bad one found and replaced and then reinstalled.

You CAN do this yourself, but many are reluctant and that's fine. Alternatively you can buy a rebuilt VB for about $250 (no upgrades) and try putting it on.

 

[DewAddict]

So the VB is just a few bolts to remove?? Would it be in a manual like a Chilton's or where would I find a tutorial to do this? I would give it a try to save a bunch of money if I could. I don't have a garage and its bitter cold in Michigan...lol But I'll bundle up and go for it. I am hoping its just the solenoid also, but the mechanic said $500.00 for just a solenoid replacement so if I could do it, it would be worth it to me.

I really appreciate the help, you really know your stuff.

 

[Glacier991]

In the "sticky" threads above, there are two valve body threads. One for the 5R55E and one for it's younger brother the A4LD. Go read them and you will get a sense if you are up to the task and what it requires.

 

[DewAddict]

I've decided that its a bit much for me to undertake at this point, but having said that, when I take it in for repair, should I have the mechanic replace all of the soleniods so that it prevents another from sticking in the future or is that what they do anyway for this type of repair??

Thanks for the much needed input.

 

[DewAddict]

Ok, just an update if anyone was following my thread. The trans needed to be rebuilt and mechanic also found a leak from oil drain plug and differential fluid leak. He's gonna fix everything and rebuild trans for $1500.

Much less than I was quoted, although he is a friend of a friend and owns a trans shop.

Rob

 

[ExplorerDMB]

hope it works out well

-Drew