Auto Repair: Fix Transmission Shift Problem Ford 5R55E Explorer more - 1AAuto.com

[fayett10]

Hi, i have a Explorer 96 4 x 4 XLT 4.0. I have a problem shifting from 3 to 4 and from 4 to 5, i have already did the following, change de tranny oil and the filter, change the air filter, gas filter, oil and filter, change canister, spark plugs, wires, new thermostat, cleaned the cooling temperature sensor, the maf sensor, the air temperature sensor, even new radiator, new band, cleaned and lubricated the band tensor.My question is could be the TPS or speed sensor and not the valve body gasket?

[1aauto]

@fayett10 If you bring it to a transmission shop they could test all of the pressures in the valve body for you to see if everything's working correctly.

[fayett10]

@1aauto Thank you very much!, for all your videos, it has been very helpful all your work and detailed information

[trannydude1]

we are replacing a tranny in a2002 ford explorer 4x4anyone know the ins and outs?not the common stuff.

[gregor0505]

where can I order seals. I am from Slovenia, thank you

[1aauto]

@gregor0505 HI, we currently only ship within the USA. Thank you for checking out our auto repair channel.Have a great day!

[gregor0505]

@1aauto Is there a website that it could order a

[1aauto]

@gregor0505 Our website is 1aauto.com

[targetbarney2]

My dad has a '97 Eddie Bauer Explorer, SOHC 4.0 4X4 Auto. A while back, a (terrible) mechanic clipped the 4x4 switch wires (he thinks). Way later, the O/D light began to flash and he kept driving it that way. During that time, it ran like it was towing a house. Then he had some other (terrible) mechanics change the rear end. Way later it won't go in forward or reverse. I know the O/D light is a tranny light, but that's all I know. The fluid is at the right level. Any ideas?

[1aauto]

@targetbarney2 You may want to have a reputable mechanic, or transmission shop take a look at it for you. Transmissions tend to have quite a few intricate parts to them. They may be able to find out why it could be binding up.

[targetbarney2]

@1aauto Thank you.

[labofuge]

thank you 1aauto. my car is back on its normal operation again...replaced its tranny though. but for sure, its worth the cost.thanks again and more POWER!

[labofuge]

sir, its me again...I need your expert opinion about my case...Is it really that bad? do you have any idea on how much will it cost me? even an estimate on the price will be a great help.

[1aauto]

@labofuge It I had the same thing happen on my 92 Mustang. I had 1-2-3 and when I shifted the car into overdrive the band for that gear was broke. A tranny shop can run some tests on it for you, to definatly make sure that's the issue. Pricing depends on the shop that you go to. They can test the valve body for you too.

[labofuge]

Good day to you sir!

I have a 1994 grand marquis and is showing problems in its automatic transmission.It won't continue to shift to 3rd gear or after the 60-80kph mark under acceleration and while under the over-drive mode. I found out that the fluid was burnt already so I replaced the oil and the filter, but it didn't solve the issue. Could this be a blown-out valve body gasket or a clutch lining worn-out?I can't afford to buy a new transmission system or even a re-conditioned one, so help.

[1aauto]

@labofuge You may want to have a transmission shop take a look at it for you. It could be a bad overdrive band in the transmission.

[dhaliwal002]

hi, I have a FORD EXPLORER 1999 Automatic. All of sudden it won't reverse, all drives are fine but no reverse. I heard a noise like I hit something just before it stopped reversing. It feels like its in neutral whn try to reverse it. Any idea what it cud b? Many are saying reverse band...!! Plz help..

[1aauto]

@dhaliwal002 It sounds as though it could be the reverse band. You may want to take it to a transmission shop to have them look into it. You could also look at salvage yards to see if they have one for you, if in fact the band needs to be replaced.

[nosh456]

i have a 2006 ford ranger 2wd automatic 5r55e, issue im haveing happens everyday but not all the time, always done it since 70k miles, now has 84k on it, it hasnt gotten worse, im kinda a grandpa driver some say lol, anyways, when driving 1-2 shifts good, between shifts 2-3 it will rev about another 100 to 200 rpms before shifts and 3-4 shifts at around 2k rpms will flutter from 2k down to 1800 rpm back and forth before going to into 4th, this happens at 1/4 or 1/8 of throttle everyday, help?

[1aauto]

@nosh456 It could be a worn gasket or even possibly a piece of debris inside of the transmission. A transmission shop could test the valve body pressures for you, and possibly pinpoint the source of the problem.

[85bigred250]

is the 3.0 and the 4.0 valve body the same on an 01 ford ranger

[1aauto]

@85bigred250 Yes the same 5 speed automatic transmission that was available for the 4.0 was also available for the 3.0 in 2001.

[AlzAssocCo]

I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and am having trouble putting the car into gear after starting it. Sometimes i can move the gear shift after depressing the brake and at other times I have to try multiple times before I can shift into R or D. Is that a problem with the transmission? worried

[1aauto]

@AlzAssocCo It might be an issue with the shift linkage itself wearing out, or maybe a tranny issue. Make sure there's nothing hitting the linkage on the transmission under the car.

[0340miguel10]

IM having problems with my transmission its a 1992 Supercoupe Thunderbird

AOD at first the third shift would kick in but when i let the gas go and tried to accelerate again it didnt grab it

now its not grabbing first i accelerate and it doesnt respond i let go and gas again till it kinda shifts in roughly

would it be the gasket on the valve body ?? that is bad or could it be the foward clutch because the reverse works fine

this car was stopped for like half a year got it running like2weeksago

[1aauto]

@0340miguel10 It could be a worn band in the transmisson or even a TV cable that's not adjusted correctly.

[slawsond]

great video thanks!

[hoodlum326]

Hey!

i am having a wierd shifting problem...ill be going along and then the explorer (2001 XLS 4.0L 4dr...202,000 KM yes CDN!) it will get up to 2000 RPM then it will hang for a second, and then it will go up to about 3000 RPM then it will not go past there unless u let off the gas then stomp on it then it will hit higher RPM and it seems to make the truck feel a bit hesitant...i really need help ive sunk a bit of money into fixing up this beast already i need to get it working properly

[fishdogg28]

@hoodlum326 i have this same problem on my 2000 ford explorer xls 4.0

[jagfug]

2 things struck me. 1- would it have killed them to put a drain plug on the pan? 2- that "fluid" looks like dirty motor oil! That's supposed to be a nice cherry red, right?

[painis3v3rywh3r3]

hey whats going on? i watched about 3 or 4 of your videos and i must say, you guy are great.which leads my to. i have a ford explorer 95 after whiching this video im ready to change my gasket because i can't start driving in DRIVE, i must start the truck in 2nd then i always shift to DRIVE, right after i get going say after i get over 10mph . then i have to down sheft to 2nd ,if i come to a stop. what do u think??lol

[Josemedeiros]

Excellent video, You did a very good job describing how to resolve this. Even a simple backwoods mechanic like myself could do such time consuming maintenance.

[nbarrera013]

i have a similar problem but check engine light says is the input speed sensor do you know where is located at

[TheBigclow]

Hi, I have a 2000 jag s type and I got a code p0775. So I replaced the solenoid and took down the valve body to inspect, I guess all was well. so when I put everything back together the trans slips and bangs and all kinds of stuff..I dont know where I went wrong. can you please help me?

[ModerateHunting]

i have a 97 ford f-140 4.2 v6 4 wheel the truck doesn't go faster than 30 and i need to start moving in first gear and when it gets going then shift it into automatic drive

[amenpatron]

I pulled my transmission pan and saw two metal objects (not shavings) they look like two chisel heads......

[amenpatron]

Do i have to remove my catyletic converter to do this? I removed the bolts to my pan and could not get it past the exhaust system

[amenpatron]

Do i have to remove my catyletic converter to do this? I removed the bolts to my pan and could not get it past the exhaust system

[1aauto]

@amenpatron You may have to if they are in the way.

[dubzdizzle1]

can i use this repair on a 5r55w trans? and how would i replace the fluid

[2stage90]

My 98 exploder has reverse but no drive gears, only code that comes up is Torque conveter clutch soleniod. Would it still be worth trying the valvebody or pull it out and get a whole new trans? Any input would be great.

[fordtruckman80]

You guys made it look way too easy.lol. Great video though!

[alisinner19]

I was having the common shifting problem and so I took everything apart to replace my valve body gaskets. Sure enough the top one was blown. I am now having issue shifting into reverse and drive, there is a delay when shifting into both, I thought it was just when the engine was cold but it seems to be all of the time for drive now. I have checked the level of fluid and it is fine as well. Any thoughts on a potential problem that I may have uncovered or have I missed?

[dubzdizzle1]

i have a 2002 ford explorer 4wd efi v6..my trans. is doing exactly what u explained ir your video..slipping in 2nd unless i regulate my rpm's accoringly to avoid that "Bang". my question is if i do this how do i put in the trns. fluid back into the transmission,theres is NO dip stick...HELP PLZ

[crossties]

1993 ford Exp EB edition 4x4. Replacement on the transmission at 155,000 miles now we have 235,000 miles and having transmission problems again. Having a hard time thinking about having to replace the trany again with only 85,000 miles on it. The symtems are we have lost Reverse and Drive - won't go into either gear but it works fine in 1st and 2nd. Not sure if the Value body gasket would cause these symptons or if it is something more major.

[dixontr78]

Is the 98 Merc. Mounty AWD similar tranny as well or is it different? My truck shifts, but it hesitates from first to second, so I am guessing this is similar diagnosis.

[dallaslouie]

what would cause my ranger not to shift at all after installing reman. valve body.

[1aauto]

@dallaslouie If there's a small gasket on the filter that you forgot to put on, that would do it.

[yourjefe]

@1aauto I took my 96 explorer to the shop with the EXACT problem you describe(no shift between 1st and 2nd, unless let go of gas, OD off light blinking). They want to charge me 1500 to replace the transmission. They changed the shift selenoid b because they were getting a P0756 and P0732 codes. I am tempted to open the transmission and see if the VB gasket is the issue as your video shows. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks! (also where can I find a VB gasket for sale?)

[alisinner19]

@dallaslouie when you install the valvebody make sure that the shifter gets lined up properly. If it is not you won't be able to shift at all

[stevenwy]

Great video, My son has a 1995 Ranger and has shift issues. I was going to pay someone to diagnose and possibly have it repaired. After watching your video it looks like something we're willing to tackle ourselves. Let you know how it goes.

[c6mas]

thumbs up .... well made video - thank you!

[don1964a]

I have a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer with a 5.0L I thought I had the same trans but upon looking at my dealer manual I discovered I had a 4R70W not the 5r55e.whats different about this one? my truck shifts hard for and now it sticks in 2nd before shifting to 3rd.if it does shift to 3rd it will slip back to 2nd and wont shift.could this be caused by a valve body gask problem? also no servo cover like on your vid.I would remove the valve body but want to be sure I don't need to remove anything else

[mhonduras330]

what will happen if i remove the seneloid ,stead the conection from the body valve will that ruin my body balve.

[hanratty450]

i have a 95 ford explorer and when i come out of over drive in a low rpm it sometimes bangs. i was told that if i get the vavle body drilled out it will fix it. they said because the fuild doesnt get back to the tranny fast enough. is this all true, thanks

[1aauto]

@hanratty450 Transmissions are a very sensitive thing. I would try replacing the gasket on the valve body as we show in the video. If that doesn't resolve the issue. I would have a reputable transmission shop take a look at it for you.

[asb81689]

Have you heard of this problem is 02 Explorers? I have a rear drive, with a OD light that comes on, the truck is also shifting rough. I'm thinking it might be this. Thank you

[DigitalSM]

I just want to say thanks Mike Green(e). This really helped me save time and money. I really appreciate this. It's hard to find an honest Mechanic, I think you're one. Thanks again.

[1aauto]

@DigitalSM I'm glad we were able to help you out.Have a great day,

[ThisIsMeMPL]

i have a 2000 ford explorer shift 2 gear and rpm before it change into 3 gear after driving for about 5 km OD light flash .And wont shift at all .

[1aauto]

@ThisIsMeMPL You may want to have a reputable transmission shop take a look at it for you.

[YOU75757]

Hi, i have a 1996 Ford explorer that when i give it some gas, and when its about to shift from 2. to 3. gear it uses some time and go up in rpm before it hits 3. gear. Can this be the VB gascket? Or something else?

[1aauto]

@YOU75757 That is the common symptom of a Valve Body Gasket, but you will not know for sure until you take it apart. In a car that age you could have other problems with the transmission.

[cjune21]

going too try this out will let you know if i helps mine

[KC90MC3]

In my 99 Explorer it wont downshift out of OD when going up a hill. I have to turn off OD and then left off the gas for it to downshift. I believe its just a computer error not being able to sense proper load because of my small tires, I could be wrong tho. So far its the only thing I dont like about my tranny.

[1aauto]

@KC90MC3 Not a tranny expert but I will post it up here to see if any one has any ideas.

[jerryjamify]

I have a 1997 ford e150 van automatic trans that wont shit into gear unless I rev the engine up then it slames into gear sometimes. I changed the filter and fluid but it still dose it. can anyone give me some idea of what it might be.. thanks.

[gonepriused]

thanks for prompt reply, I will try and do this as it does not look that bad to do.

[shaunspencer85]

I own a 98 Ford Explorer with AWD 5.0. I purchased off a guy who is not mechanically inclined, the Reverse doesnt work(i just rev's) the Neutral doesnt work either, it seems like it wants to drive forward in neutral. Drive/Second/First work fine. I seen that the transmission fluid was EMPTY and when i put 2 quarts in it started to leak out the transmission cooler line and it looked kind of black color like burnt fluid. What should i do to fix this problem? would a new hose and fresh 8qt fluidfix

[1aauto]

@shaunspencer85 Yes you certainly need to repair that coolant line. Once you fill the tranny you should have better results. If the truck has been used like that for a while, don't be surprised if you uncover worse problems.

[gonepriused]

hi, would this also work on a 2001 ranger 4.0L with the 5 speed tranny

mine seems to slip when you jump on it getting on the highway

thanks,

[1aauto]

@gonepriused Your ranger has the same tranny so it is possible your valve body gaskets have started to go.

[imlaco]

My 95 Explorer 4x4 experienced shifting symptoms as described below: would not shift into a higher hear without releasing gas pedal. I changed gaskets, O/D flashing light is gone, but I have no reverse and no neutral. The vehicle will move forward (I am stuck in garage, so I cannot test it whether it shifts properly) on D. Any idea what went wrong? Thanks.

[1aauto]

@imlaco Could be simple such as you need to add more fluid so check that first.

[bishb25]

I understand that ford updated the divider plate to one with bonded gaskets as a fix for this problem. What was the reason that you did not install the updated divider plate?

[1aauto]

@bishb25 Costs, This fix is done for less than $50 (everything including filter and fluid) and will last longer than the rest of this truck will. The new divider plate is substantially more expensive.

[MrHitmanmatt]

my 94 ford ranger v6 4.0 4x4 does this to it mite work so im going to do it thanks ill tell youtube if it works

[ddcNbassdave]

Owners of newer Fords may appreciate an explanation of one of the more common problems with the 5r55W – worn OD servo bore. The computer will see a problem (the OD light sometimes flashes), but it cannot diagnose it. To see if bore is worn, temporarily install a gauge on the pressure tap. The tap is a 1/8th inch pipe plug on the driver’s side of the trans near the rear. Run at idle, in gear (D), brakes on. Minimum pressure is 90 PSI. If it’s less, then chances are the servo bore is worn.

[tripps5415]

is leaking transmission fluid a symptom of this to?

[1aauto]

@tripps5415 leaking transmission fluid is not a symptom. Leaking trans fluid can happen for a number of reasons usually bad seals or gaskets.

[smithraymond09029]

Super vid. Gives me the courage to do this with my Mazda MX6 that has started shifting funny.

[1aauto]

@smithraymond09029 Can't say that this will fix your MX-6. If it just started shifting funny you should try a fluid and filter first.

[blueeyeswhite132]

that boy is the fastest i ever seen in taking the valve body seperator plate off lol

[1aauto]

@blueeyeswhite132 Lots of practice, nimble fingers :)

[heatherandpaul2]

Does anyone know if an 5R55E can be mated with a 302?

[MSM69Z28]

This video is excellent. Very nice job. I was able to do this job easily with the help of the video. When I pulled the VB, the gasket was blown exactly like the video. Replaced it and the plate gasket. Put it all back together using a true inch pound torque wrench, but unfortunately, the same 2-3 shift flare remains. There was some metal dust in the pan, but the oil looked pretty good for 150k actually. Any other suggestions?

Great job again.

[1aauto]

Respond to this video... Unfortunately you probably have worn clutches in the transmission. Not a job for the do it your selfer. Depending on how much you love your Ex you can have it rebuilt (big bucks) or just baby it through the 2-3 shift until you feel like the truck has served its time on this earth.

[MrSaad188]

@MSM69Z28 Hello from where you got the Gasket?

[1aauto]

@MrSaad188 We will add them to our site soon. Until then any auto parts store should be able to get them for you.

[tonytiger2004]

So if one was planning on changing the tranny filter, would you recommend going ahead and changing the valve body gaskets as they arnt too expensive? Seems like you would want to go ahead and do it if its a common issue with the these earlier explorers

[1aauto]

@tonytiger2004 That is up to you. I am more the "if it is not broke don't fix it" type. Proper maintenance such as changing the fluid helps prevent problems like this. So personally if it were my truck I would not do it if I am not having shift problems. On the other hand, you are there with the pan off already so if you personally want to do it then that would be a good time.

[MissionRiddim]

my ranger has no overdrive and slipps at full throttle ... arghhhh

[chronosun13]

ive been driving w/ this problem for a while, i replaced the filter and added some lucas tranny stop slip to the fluid and there was about a quarter inch of metal on the magnet, i was wondering if you would still reccomend this fix or do you think the clutches are gone? it only has problems reversing and shifting into 3rd.

[1aauto]

@chronosun13 The gaskets are not expensive, I'd definately try it.

[irishkiley]

i have a 2001 ford explorer sport it has 221,000 miles on it it jerks a little in speeds of 30-45 mph now on the freeways its fine runs great but time to time it jerks in low speeds its there anything i can do to fix this it has been one of the best fords i have owned also we did a tranny fluid refill and filter change i saw you changed the valve body gasket is this what needs to be done to mine to fix its jerky shifts in low gears

[1aauto]

Respond to this video...Ford had improved the gasket by 2001 but with 200K it does sound like the symptom of this.. I'd look at the VB gasket or have a shop replace it. It is only a 2 hour job so they should be able to get you out of their shop for a few hundred $. If it is the prob you are all set, if not then you know your ex has a more serious prob and you can make a decision about what to do with it. Good Luck

[undertake782]

@irishkiley Yes, same problem here. Jerking from 30 - 45.

[supertiger72]

i have a chevy and solenoid went out and never worked on trans before watched a couple of videos and knocked it out. was scary but saved me a hundreds of dollars

[mikeyboy236]

Curious, what are the symptoms to this problem?

[1aauto]

@mikeyboy236 On this explorer it would accelerate fine in first gear, as soon as it tried to shift to second the engine would just rev because the trans could not find the gear. If you let off the pedal it would shift in to a higher gear and you could slowly accelerate. I am not sure if it would hit 2nd or just skip to 3rd. Now that the gasket is replaced the explorer shifts great.

[cheemtube]

@1aauto my 1997 is doing the same, i got a diagnostic ran and they said it was the mpl sensor, could it be both?

[1aauto]

@cheemtube It could be both it could be one or the other. Are you getting a check engine light? If so then it is more likely the sensor. A blown gasket will not activate an engine light.