Used 5R55E not engaging drive or reverse...

[BradR]

I did get the truck to get into reverse a few times and turn the wheels (it's still in the air.

I cracked my trans off roading up north and blew apart my extension housing so I found a transmission with 67K on it that was out of a SOHC 2000 Explorer that was in an accident at a junkyard etc etc...

So I got it all swapped over and I also got a torque converter as well. and decided what the hell this has less miles and swapped that too.

My friends prefilled the torque converter until what we thought was full, and knowing that it would fill the rest of the way by running the truck, we filled the trans as well, and ran the truck and got the trans / torque converter completely full, and put it into each gear with nothing happening in each gear, so I gave it a little bit of juice with the gas pedal and was able to get it into reverse and drive a few times, but when we did, I hit the brakes in fear of the truck falling off the jackstands, but when I hit the brakes and stopped the wheels from turning and let off the brakes again nothing happens, no movement, and now I am unable to get it to do that at all either...

Any/all input appreciated, just please don't tell me I have to pull the trans again, I might just shoot somebody, or if I do have to pull it, it's going to a trans shop this time.

 

[PopRichie77]

Is this a 4 wheel drive? Did you do anything to the used trans, If not I would drop the pan and make sure the manual valve shift pin on the shift shaft ratchet wheel didn't get broke off in the wreck.

 

[BradR]

I can feel it going through the gears though, and yes it is a 4x4.

But I would like a list of ALL things to check, if you know what I mean...

I can't help but to think I missed SOMETHING somewhere that is so simple and stupid...

 

[PopRichie77]

Are you sure the main solenoid connector near the shift lever is plugged in properly and the clip put in the lock position? If it is not it will cause all these problems. Are the other sensors plugged in trans and the transfer case? If the transfer case plug isn't plugged in properly the T case may go into a neutral position. These are all I can think of along with the shift pin in that fits into manual valve being broken off, not an uncommon thing.

 

[BradR]

I will go and check all the sensors again, I need to throw in the front diveshaft as well.

I was able to get it into gear some more, by revving the engine to a higher RPM, so I'm thinking a loose sensor is probably spot on, the higher I rev the more current goes through the wires, and probably jumping the short distance perhaps...

 

[BradR]

And also if it is that shift pin/manual valve, is that the black one on the side of the trans, and can I change that with the trans still in, I do have mine off of my old trans which should be good.

 

[PopRichie77]

Revving the engine to a high RPM is not good for the clutches as they are slipping in this condition and wear will occur. Revving does increase hydraulic pressure some.
The pin is inside the trans pan it is connected to the external shift lever that has the shift cable attached to it, remove the pan on the old trans and you will see it. If you don't have the 5R55E manual it can be downloaded in PDF from one of the stickies on this forum. It can be replaced with out removing the trans, but you need to follow the instructions in the manual exactly, and it may not be the problem. You did connect the shift cable properly and didn't mess with the adjustment of it?

 

[drdoom]

Hey guys, would a pressure test be appropriate in these circumstances? Just wondering...

 

[BradR]

If that pin inside of the transmission is not hooked up why would it go into gear at all?

I'm not even sure how to adjust that linkage, my guess would be twisting the link, which I don't think we did, we took it off and tied it out of the way with a zip tie.

 

[drdoom]

If that pin inside of the transmission is not hooked up why would it go into gear at all?

I'm not even sure how to adjust that linkage, my guess would be twisting the link, which I don't think we did, we took it off and tied it out of the way with a zip tie.

Correct, if the pin is not engaged, no shifting.
But, would the DTR sensor have anything to do with your problems? Could it be out of adjustment?

Also, do I understand correctly that you did not pull the pan & filter prior to installing your replacement transmission?

 

[BradR]

I DID pull the pan and filter while I had the chance. Sorry for not making that clear.

You'd have to be more clear with "DTR sensor" as I know next to nothing about transmissions and linkages, besides the common problems that our trucks have.

I suppose I will drop the pan, I spent almost $100 on new fluid, you think it would be alright to save the fluid and reuse it? As long as I kept it all clean and contaminate free after I got it into a drain pan? I'd hate to waste all the fluid...

And you said "no shifting", shifting is not the problem, (that I know of yet) it won't go into gear at all.

 

[PopRichie77]

What he meant is the shift lever moves but if the pin is broken off, the valve in the trans doesn't move, there for no gear engagement. Did you put the O-Rings on the new filter and did you use the correct one for a 4x4? The 2 wheel filter is shorter as it has a shorter or smaller pan, and it won't work in a 4x4. You can use the fluid over but run it thru and old tee shirt to remove and contaminants, you must do this if you reuse the fluid. The DTR sensor is the black plastic piece that the shift shaft goes thru, if you didn't change the adjustment it should be alright. You did plug the connector into it untill it snapped in place if not snapped in place it will cause your problems also. If you down load the 5R55E manual you will know what we are talking about.
http://akpp.in.ua/files/program/FORD/5R55E.pdf

 

[BradR]

Yes I did get the right filter and put the o rings on, I did change this filter before and knew how to do this.

Good tip with the old t-shirt

Now I understand what the DTR is.

I did plug that connector in, I was very careful with it and plugged it in and unplugged it several times until I was absolutely sure it was in properly, but I will most likely do it again while I'm under there.

I'll take a look at the manual as well and thank you for all of your help and all of your patience with me as well. I appreciate it to an unknown extent.

 

[PopRichie77]

Thanks for the reply, you are quite welcome, hope you get the problem solved.