Transmission Question

[Falkon]

Have an offer on a 2002 Explorer. One thing bothered me during a test drive. Had gear selector in "D". At around 30-35 MPH the RPM's dropped to near 1000. Then as I touched the gas they'd jump a little and go back again etc. Was it just shifting back & forth from OD or something. If I didn't see the tach, I'd have noticed nothing. This concerns me though. Is it normal?

Am used to riding around in an '89 Mark VII, w/ AOD. These have a weak spot in the TV cable mounting @ throttle body. When it fails it can cause a 1500.00 rebuild. Ask me how I know. So I am very sensative about transmissions. This one has 55,000 miles on it as it was rebuilt @ 60,000. Car has 115,000 total miles. In that '89, once it's in OD it stays there until you really hit the gas or go slow enough.

Anyone who can explain how these should feel would be welcomed. Thanks...

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Are you referring to the TCC engaging?

 

[Falkon]

Thanks for the quick response. I don't know what that is. After reading a few more posts I'm scared this might be a bad purchase? They make 2002 seem like a bad year.

They did pull a trailer w a smallerboat w/ this car. Feels OK, just worried as it seems to be a trouble area from what I read. Was trying to buy a neighbors 1999. Were they better? Reason I ask is I see several older ones running around w/ no problems.

Was 2002 a changover year for styles? Not familiar w/ these vehicles. I'm used to owning a Mark VII which was driven as a normal car til 3 years ago. Did most everything myself on that one. Seems too complicated w/ this 2002. Seem nice. Am I buying a money pit as compared to other vehicles.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The TCC is the torque converter clutch solenoid. It's part of the solenoid block. The torque converter couples the engine to the transmission like a clutch, but it's hydraulic instead of mechanical like a manual transmission.

 

[Falkon]

Got it. I'm familiar w/ torque converter in general. But the newer ones lock up or whatever don't they as opposed to way back when they were inefficient. Would locking & unlocking change RPM slightly?

Have a GM car in which they state you might feel the converter switch between locked & unlocked. Sorry for the dumb questions. I know just enough about mechanical things to be dangerous.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The newer set up such as the one on your transmission has programmed slippage on the TCC because it's modulated. It's not just a basic on/off set up like the older transmissions.

 

[Falkon]

Thank you very much. It sounds like what I'm worrying about is normal then? By the way, what WOULD one look for to indicate a failing or bad transmission. Referencing back to the old '89 Pre electronic AOD, they would slip when in OD and hitting the gas hard when the OD band was shot.

Any kind of test or indicator on these? And thanks again, great forum.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The 5R55W has adjustable bands unlike the AOD, so try to adjust the bands first.

 

[alexk]

maybe you would want to take it to a mechanic before buying it first. This way they can go over everything. It might be worth it, better safe than sorry.

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

things to worry about would be shift flare (rpms jump up momentarily when shifting up). or when shifting from park to drive or reverse a lag and then harsh engagement. there are alot of people with junked transmisssions in that year but there are even more people out there driving their 2002s and loveing them.....dont let the horror stories scare you away.....have a mechanic take a good look at it (by that i mean take it to a shop and pay for an inspection.....bringing your car buddy along to look at it doesnt quite cut it) and make your decission after you have an educated look at the condition of the car.

 

[Falkon]

Thanks a lot guys. Since I am unsure of this platform I am taking it to my great service facility Wednesday just as you've suggested. I know it's hard to diagnose problems over a forum. No, it doesn't slip or shift harshly @ all. I didn't realize til late last night reading the carfax consumer info that it has a FIVE speed trans. That explains a lot of the shifting, there being one more gear in there than I thought. Oh well...

 

[BrooklynBay]

5th gear is virtual (computer controlled by adding two physical gears).

 

[Falkon]

Thanks folks. This will be a learning experience. A little higher tech than I am used to.

Heck, I just sold my '62 T-Bird 5 years ago. Now that was a car you could understand. It had a Cruise O Matic trans I believe. 3 speed w/ Drive in the center position. #1 slot was 2nd & high, #2 slot all 3 speeds, #3 low only. And I thought that was confusing.