transmission question

[chon52]

I have a a 96 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 and i quess my transmission is the 5r55e my question is when i start the car i runs good with no lights on and when i shift it to any gear doesn't go anywhere it sound like it's in neutral all the time.

 

[Glacier991]

First thing to check is the fluid level.... check it with the engine running and warm on a level surface. Next is your shift linkage. Let us know what you find?

 

[chon52]

today I take off the transmission oil pan and i found the oil filter a little bit loose and no oil rings on it do you think this can cause the transmission not shift in any gears or do i need to go more further into the vb body and look into the gaskets?

I bought this 96 Explorer as a repo from the bank and i buy it as is with this problem.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You have the 4R55E transmission. Those missing O rings could cause the problem. The filter could be sucking air instead of ATF.

 

[merkur]

look up inside the hole to make sure the oil ring is not still in there.
Danny

 

[chon52]

i checked the through the two holes in the vb and i didnt see any O rings.
i did notice that when i took out the bolt from the filter it had two washers. i think when they put the oil filter they didnt put any O rings

 

[Glacier991]

Put O rings on it, reinstall it (make sure you use the proper bolt and torque it properly) and refill it and I suspect you will have solved your problem.

 

[chon52]

Well i just put the filter today put back the pan together and filled it up with five quarts of Mercon fluid and started to warm it up for a little bit but still doesn't engage and i can't figure out what the problem is do you think that the transmission is down and ready for a rebuilt i have only 106,000 miles on it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I would suggest that you connect a 0-300 PSI pressure gauge onto it to test the pressure in all of the gear ranges. Check these links for more information:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117998
Dead Link Removed

 

[chon52]

4r55e

What is the difference between the 4r55e and the 4r44e transmision, and Ford Ranger with a four cylinder with a 2.5L is it compatible with a 96 Explorer 4r55e transmission? and vice versa

 

[Opera House]

Just to provide a little background. You likely have the later Micronite (felt looking) filter. These replaced the earlier metal screen ones. This design change required a shorter bolt, extra washers, or a really large diameter washer. Otherwise the bolt would bottom out. This would allow the filter to drop down and suck air in. When you are under the vehicle with oil dropping on you, this may not be obvious. At this point you don't have much to loose. I would pour in an extra two quarts of fluid in. That would insure no air would suck in and a dry pump would be primed. Are you sure you tried it in all the gears?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The 4R55E has a higher torque rating than the 4R44E. Some parts are stronger. A 4R44E could be upgraded to a 4R55E.