Transmission Help please anybody! PLEASE!

[Bobodoee]

Hey guys I just got back from and 1 1/2 hour drive and my tranny started acting up towards the end of the trip. So at first I noticed the my "O/D off" light was blinking I'm not sure if I accidentally hit the button and was driving with O/D off the whole time or what. So I pulled over turn the light off. Got up to speed normal then it went on again, pulled it over turned the light off. Then as I was getting up to speed again transmission seemed sluggish and very confused. Did about 15 more mins of driving until my exit and then when I hit the red light at my exit and it turns green, when I went to accelerate there was barely any acceleration. It was reving but not going anywhere. I managed to limp it to a gas station. Turned it off for a bit no leaks. Let it cool off. When I started it, it was doing it again I managed to limp it home when I got it home there was a smell and clicking coming from the tranny. No O/D light or check engine codes or nothing please help I have no idea what part of the tranny this could be.

Solenoid?
Torque converter?

It's a 2001 2wd 4.0 SOHC
Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[imp]

You need to check the codes generated. Codes are produced as the computer detects defects in operational speeds, pressure, electrical currents to various components. Not knowing the codes is a crap shoot. Most auto parts stores will read the codes free. If you cannot drive to a store, they sell code readers around a hundred bucks, read them yourself. Good luck! imp

 

[4.0blue98]

How is the fluid level? When was it serviced last? Does it smell "burnt"? First thing I do is check the fluid level if I have any tranny issues. Might be too late for this but might have been the cause of bad things.

You said no CEL, but does the tranny set CELs in these vehicles? I really don't know. I know other vehicles I have will throw a CEL for a tranny issue. Maybe someone else out there can help with that question.

Torque converter or some shift solenoid seem like very good guesses to me but just guesses.

 

[Bobodoee]

You need to check the codes generated. Codes are produced as the computer detects defects in operational speeds, pressure, electrical currents to various components. Not knowing the codes is a crap shoot. Most auto parts stores will read the codes free. If you cannot drive to a store, they sell code readers around a hundred bucks, read them yourself. Good luck! imp

Thanks imp!

 

[Bobodoee]

How is the fluid level? When was it serviced last? Does it smell "burnt"? First thing I do is check the fluid level if I have any tranny issues. Might be too late for this but might have been the cause of bad things.

You said no CEL, but does the tranny set CELs in these vehicles? I really don't know. I know other vehicles I have will throw a CEL for a tranny issue. Maybe someone else out there can help with that question.

Torque converter or some shift solenoid seem like very good guesses to me but just guesses.

Before I left for the trip I checked all fluids tranny fluid was fine didn't seem an odd color at all. Also checked it after it started acting up still fine. The smell was odd maybe a slight burning smell. Yea no check engine light. I wish there was so I can figure out what it is.

Thanks for your reply sir

 

[nordictom]

If you have a 5r55e trans, like my daughters, there a few places to look,

EPC solenoid
TPC solenoid
shift solenoid (maybe)
Valve body gasket

Her explorer had the OD light blinking erratically, I dug into it & changed the EPC, TCC & VB gasket (it was blown out). I also installed a kit by Superior Trans, (Shift kit, trans cooler thermostat eliminator)

good luck,

NT

 

[Bobodoee]

If you have a 5r55e trans, like my daughters, there a few places to look,

EPC solenoid
TPC solenoid
shift solenoid (maybe)
Valve body gasket

Her explorer had the OD light blinking erratically, I dug into it & changed the EPC, TCC & VB gasket (it was blown out). I also installed a kit by Superior Trans, (Shift kit, trans cooler thermostat eliminator)

good luck,

NT

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have a 5R55E trans and my O/D light was blinking eractically. Do you think a blowout valve body gasket could cause lack in acceleration?

 

[drdoom]

You really need the codes, but as posted above the torque converter is likely, particularly if you have lost TCC (torque converter clutch) lock-up. This you know by elevated engine RPMs at cruising speed, flashing O/D off lamp, and "limp home" mode which elevates pressure which you would notice as harsh shifting. That clutch is controlled by the PCM which monitors an array of sensors, commanding the solenoid. A complex hydraulic circuit activates the clutch. If it starts slipping, it burns and well, I won't continue on yet, but get the truck on a good scanner, Torque App, or FORScan. Post back up. If your TCIL was blinking, you have codes stored that cannot be accessed by run of the mill scanners. DO NOT disconnect battery until you have the codes!

 

[pcam13]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have a 5R55E trans and my O/D light was blinking eractically. Do you think a blowout valve body gasket could cause lack in acceleration?

yes. Thats what killed my 99 F-150. -40 celcius... left work, it revved to like 2500 rpm before moving, started driving and was all fine... Once I stopped and went to go from a standstill there was no more movement. When put in gear it would feel like it should and had that RPM drop from park but had no movement. I later found if i floored it and made enough fluid pressure it would kick into gear and move. The valve body gasket was blown and would not allow enough pressure between the disks and move. Did your trans fluid level shoot up far past the "OK" level?

 

[nordictom]

You really need the codes, but as posted above the torque converter is likely, particularly if you have lost TCC (torque converter clutch) lock-up. This you know by elevated engine RPMs at cruising speed, flashing O/D off lamp, and "limp home" mode which elevates pressure which you would notice as harsh shifting. That clutch is controlled by the PCM which monitors an array of sensors, commanding the solenoid. A complex hydraulic circuit activates the clutch. If it starts slipping, it burns and well, I won't continue on yet, but get the truck on a good scanner, Torque App, or FORScan. Post back up. If your TCIL was blinking, you have codes stored that cannot be accessed by run of the mill scanners. DO NOT disconnect battery until you have the codes!

Listen to this advice from drdoom.
Another scan tool not mentioned, is AutoEnginuity. it is what I use. Not sure where you live, but I know there are people on Craigslist, & a few of the Diesel forums that have offered to assist people with there AE Software.

NT

NT

 

[Bobodoee]

You really need the codes, but as posted above the torque converter is likely, particularly if you have lost TCC (torque converter clutch) lock-up. This you know by elevated engine RPMs at cruising speed, flashing O/D off lamp, and "limp home" mode which elevates pressure which you would notice as harsh shifting. That clutch is controlled by the PCM which monitors an array of sensors, commanding the solenoid. A complex hydraulic circuit activates the clutch. If it starts slipping, it burns and well, I won't continue on yet, but get the truck on a good scanner, Torque App, or FORScan. Post back up. If your TCIL was blinking, you have codes stored that cannot be accessed by run of the mill scanners. DO NOT disconnect battery until you have the codes!

Thanks man! Got the codes. Turns out the person who had the vehicle before me disconnected data port and check engine light reconnected them and i got 8 codes. Torque converter etc. Im probably gonna have to get the trans rebuilt.

The codes I got were:

P0731
Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio

P0732
Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio

P0733
Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

P0741
Torque Converter
Clutch Solenoid
Circuit Performance or stuck off

 

[SoNic67]

Possible causes
- Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid valve
- Torque converter clutch solenoid valve harness or connectors
- Torque converter clutch solenoid valve circuit is open or shorted
- Transmission internal mechanical problem