Transmission Slipping...What Model Tranny Do I Have?

[jmp1973]

I have a '99 Explorer XLT Sport, 4.0 OHV 4x4 that has the slipping/rpm revs between shifts issue. I had a similar problem two years ago and it was the valve body gasket. I'm hoping its the same thing this time too. I'm considering doing the work myself. I've found a few threads discussing this issue...but what I'm not clear on is what transmission model I have. How can I tell...where do I find the code? Sorry about the stupid question, but I can't seem to find this answer in the forum. Thanks in advance.

 

[dogfriend]

All of the 97-01 Explorers with either of the 4.0 engines have the 5R55E auto transmission (unless you have a manual trans, then its the M5OD)

 

[jmp1973]

Thanks, Dogfriend. Stupid me wasn't looking at the right code on the door tag...I figured it out only moments before seeing your reply.

It appears that I have the standard 2-3 flare issue. My concern is that I'm supposed to leave town on Friday night for a week long 800 mile trip. Any idea if my tranny will hold up till I return? Will I do any damage by continuing to drive it while it has the shift issues? I obviously don't want to get stranded and I don't see any possibility of me getting this fixed before I'm supposed to leave.

 

[dogfriend]

Thanks, Dogfriend. Stupid me wasn't looking at the right code on the door tag...I figured it out only moments before seeing your reply.

It appears that I have the standard 2-3 flare issue. My concern is that I'm supposed to leave town on Friday night for a week long 800 mile trip. Any idea if my tranny will hold up till I return? Will I do any damage by continuing to drive it while it has the shift issues? I obviously don't want to get stranded and I don't see any possibility of me getting this fixed before I'm supposed to leave.

Hard for me to answer this. I did a preemptive valve body gasket replacement and EPC replacement at about 117k. I never did get the flare, but many people have reported success in fixing this with a new EPC. The original design is susceptible to contamination and sticking.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174202

 

[LJSOU812]

I don't know if this will apply in your situation, but when I have gotten that problem with the flare shifting from 2-3; turning overdrive off has stopped that from happening. It has worked as a temporary "fix". I couldn't even begin to tell you why this has worked for me, but it's an easy thing to try anyway.