Yet another 5r55w problem, please help.

[TheCommander83]

Hey guys, long time lurker of these forums.

Im not an expert on cars, but i have basic knowledge. I can fix most things on my own, but transmissions are just a tad past my skill set.

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLS 2WD with the dreaded 5r55w transmission in it.

I bought the car used with 45k on it, and now im at 80k.

My car has been driving perfectly, and hasnt caused my any trouble to date.

Recently my transmission started shifting very rough between 1st and 2nd. I would have to rev to about 5k RPM before it would make the shift. The the O/D light started flashing (which i knew meant death)

I scanned through these forums and read a few people with these problems, and that a simple drain and fill solved many things for them.

I didnt drop the pan, but i drained as much as i could (maybe about 4 quarts worth) and filled it back up with new fluid plus about 2 or 3 extra quarts worth. This did nothing, and in addition to the O/D light, the Check ending light now came on.

So, with that i decided to take the car into the dealer.

I gave them a call today and was told the solenoid was bad along with the #2 gear?

They said my only option was a "re-maned transmission", then promptly rushed me off the phone and said they would contact me later with prices.

Im unfamiliar with the term "re-maned".

Does this seem like an accurate diagnoses for the problem? What is a "re-maned transmission"? and also what kind of $$ damage can i expect these repairs to cost.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! They are talking about a remanufactured transmission. The solenoid blocks usually act up around 60K miles. The servo bores wear down, and need to be resleeved. What were the code numbers? In some cases, the servo bores were fine, but the actual servos were bad. Servo, and solenoid block replacement could be performed while the transmission is still in the vehicle. Resleeving the servo bores requires removing the transmission. Keep in mind that most shops will try to push for an entirely rebuilt transmission instead of just repairing something like a solenoid block or a valve body. It's recommended to flash the PCM, and install a new tune after repairing this transmission.

 

[TheCommander83]

Welcome to this forum! They are talking about a remanufactured transmission. The solenoid blocks usually act up around 60K miles. The servo bores wear down, and need to be resleeved. What were the code numbers? In some cases, the servo bores were fine, but the actual servos were bad. Servo, and solenoid block replacement could be performed while the transmission is still in the vehicle. Resleeving the servo bores requires removing the transmission. Keep in mind that most shops will try to push for an entirely rebuilt transmission instead of just repairing something like a solenoid block or a valve body. It's recommended to flash the PCM, and install a new tune after repairing this transmission.

ahh, remanufactured. I was afraid of that.

Im not sure what the codes are, but i will find out.

I found a thread in here with instructions on how to replace the solenoid, and it looks simple enough.

Im not familiar with the servos though, so insight on those would be much appreciated.

Also, im not familiar with PCM, new tune, or flashing.

I assume flashing the PCM has something to do with the cars memory or CPU or something.

Thanks for the info.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The PCM is the power train control module which is also known as the computer. You could get a solenoid block from WWW.800700Tran.Com. Sometimes the issue could be caused by the internal wiring harness in the transmission or the bulkhead connector. Since you already have over 80K miles, it's probably the solenoid block.

 

[TheCommander83]

The PCM is the power train control module which is also known as the computer. You could get a solenoid block from WWW.800700Tran.Com. Sometimes the issue could be caused by the internal wiring harness in the transmission or the bulkhead connector. Since you already have over 80K miles, it's probably the solenoid block.

So the solenoid seems to be a -semi-easy fix, but what is the #2 gear the mechanic was talking about?

His exact words were "its shot"

 

[BrooklynBay]

He might be talking about the band, servo, or the shift solenoid.

 

[jrford]

brooklyn bay has some good things to try if you want to save money.

But with my '04, Flashing O/D, Check transmission and no third gear it was in fact 'toast'.

The planetary snap ring had broken and allowed the planetary to shift forward and machine out the drum to the point it had to be replaced. By the time you tear it down to find out whats wrong its just as easy to put it back together with new components.

Dealer Re-Mans are about $3200 last i heard, if you can find a good reputable transmission shop (small mon/pop and they are rare too) with a good warranty they run about $1600-2400 rebuilt, and it should include a Master Rebuild kit which has the 'fix' for the servo bores.
Good new is its better than new after the rebuild.
Dealer likes remans as he only has to swap it and there are not many mechanics in the Dealer who can rebuild transmission, kinda of like an Art skill, imo

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could do the labor, and give the shop the transmission to rebuild if you want to save a little. Check WWW.ATRA.Com for a shop in your area.

 

[TheCommander83]

Talked to the mechanic yesterday, $3426 is the price he gave me for repairs. Good grief! I might as well just buy a new car for that amount.

Like i have spare $3500 laying around.

Kind of pissed me off too. I asked if there was a cheaper alternative, he said if they replace the parts that were broken, chances are they would find more damage and it would end up costing more than a new transmissions. PLEASE! pssshhh

So now i have to find some way to get off work, get to the mechanic, and get my car home. what a hassle.

I just hope they dont plaster me with some B.S. fees (which i know they will) for picking my car up without getting their suggested repairs.

 

[Mussin]

I just went through this.. Had to put a new tranny in.. I bought one off of Ebay, So far so good. $1250 with new converter to my door.


Jeremy