Transmission questions, PLEASE HELP!!!...

[izzyih]

Hey whats up ladies and gents? First let me start by saying I love this site and everything it stands for. I have been a long time fan, you know browsing and all, but I figured its only right to get involved and try to lend a helping hand or get some great advice when needed. I think i need it now. My trans. is kicking into reverse and sometimes from 1st to 2nd. I have a 2004 mountaineer, awd, 75,000 mi and im guessing the transmission is a 5r55w from the absence of a dipstick and what ive read, but im not 100% sure. Is it safe to flush/fill out the transmission, transfer case, front/rear differential fluids with appropriate filter/seals? Ive been told i shouldnt do the tranny fluid. Will it cause more harm than good? Also can I add some Lucas to help thicken it? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated, i love diy so it wont be taken lightly..thanks

 

[zerodevil]

if its an AWD its probably a 5r55s(s stands for the low 1st gear it has). none of the 3rd or 4th gen transmissions have dipsticks because they are "Sealed units" from the factory, i would leave the fluid changing to a professional, as specialized tools are needed, and the amount of fluid has to be especialy precise...i had origional trans fluid for 100K miles. you can do the T-case, and diffs. they can be serviced by a semi-compitent mechanic(like...can turn a wrench...knows the difference between a ratchit and ratshit...). pick up a chiltons manual at your local auto store and make sure. on mine all i need is a ratchit wrench and an extension, i undo the drain plug and let it drain, and then fill the diff to the fill hole with a funnel. I havnt changed any of mine yet so i cant help you, there are some people on this forum who have so i hope one of them picks it up for you. good luck and hope it works out for you.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It sounds like it's low on fluid. It might be a good idea to replace the fluid, and the filter if you haven't done so already. It's better to replace the fluid every 30K miles or less even though Ford recommends 100K intervals. These transmissions are not completely sealed. Check the sticky thread in the transmission section called the 5R55W fluid fill for more information.

 

[jrford]

I have an '04 V8 AWD, it is a 5r55s for sure.

You can try the fluid filter change, it might help for a while and would be a good first test. But be prepared that you will throw your money away. It might be next month or next year but what usually happens it gets worse, something is wearing out (search on Servo Bores) and/or getting clogged (valve body).

For Me, the Bad news was at 60k, i got the flashing O/D Check Transmission, no 3rd gear, . .toast. Good news is that after a good rebuilder got done with it, and put in good parts its better than new.

 

[izzyih]

Thanks guys.....

Hahaha Appreciate the help coming from ya Brook, youre kind of like a celeb on here, means alot

 

[izzyih]

Thanks JR....

Thanks bud will try the search. I hope its just the fluid, but will keep that in mind when I work on it tomorrow. Will post results and findings next week. You guys rock.....

 

[BrooklynBay]

I've been called a lot of things over the years, but never a celebrity. :shifty_ey

 

[EasyRhino]

I've been called a lot of things over the years, but never a celebrity. :shifty_ey

I think for Explorer trannies you are considered as such. :biggthump