Hi all,

I was perusing the 5R55E topics, and a lot of them came close to my issues.

On mine, I do not have 1st nor reverse. In order to use the trans on the highway, I have to press the OD button off, shift to second, start rolling until I get to a good speed, shift to third manually, feel it shift to fourth, then get up to more speed above 60mph, then press the OD button again to engage fifth.

First gear comes back every now and again like 5 percent of the time at best. I can take off using it for once or twice in a row, then kaput. I get little to no reverse at all at any time.

I've seen in other topics about simply the VB gaskets. Others I've seen reverse servos. Reverse bands, too.

I did not hear nor feel it "give out" with any sort of clunk when it did. When it did give out, it was silent. Before it gave out, I took off pretty robustly, came to a stop, then no first. Later, no reverse.

Any ideas from others about my odd situation of 2-5 shifting ability?

Thanx for your time in advance!

 

I knew it was kind of too odd.

I'll pay the 20 bux for the VB and pan gaskets and let you know if it works to fix the issue(s).

Wish me luck!

 

I just purchased a 2010 XL with the same problem. I tried the valve body gasket change this past weekend. No change. I talked to an automatic transmission mechanic and he said it is the overdrive sprag and the transmission has to be rebuilt or replaced. I'll bring it into the shop next week. I don't suggest getting a used transmission from a junkyard because you won't know if it will have problems. It's my understanding that these transmissions fail at about 110,000 plus/minus miles. Mine has 128,000 miles on it. I got a quote of $1800. for the complete job.

 

Thank you for commiserating with me

Mine lasted 190,000 before it gave up shortly before my timing chain. Darn.

Option 1: The rebuild is the safest way to go, sure, and I've found guys that can do it for 1200 if I bring the carcass in myself, but...

Option 2: I'm perusing the 5R55E repair manual to see how difficult it is.

The rebuild kit is 150-250 on eBay (clutch disks, bands, etc., no servos or solenoids), reverse servo for 20, and all 6 solenoids for 80, and if I want a new shift-kit-installed valve body, it's 200 more with solenoids installed (deduct 80 bux ).

I would get a "practice" 5R55E out of a wreck and mangle that one for 150-300, so 400 on the low end plus misc. tools to help with the job.

Tentative on how the process difficulty goes, though. I'm sure it's 8.0 on the Richter scale. (I can see some of you reading are rolling your eyes right meow )

I'm always up for a challenge, but I don't want to make an anchor of my "still-semi-working" trans if I were to have an actual trans shop rebuild mine.

Option 3: Throw the dice like another fella here on RF that scored a used trans from a 2005 and installed on his 2003 and had no problems. The plus is it matched harnesses, as well.

I find some for as low as 150-300 on eBay and Craigslist, but the time is short and sell fast, so those prices are volatile. Even my "Ford Only" wrecking yard in my neighborhood can't keep them long. I've asked they keep an eye out for any that come his way to give me a call if they can. I hope for too much, I know

We'll see how I feel after I've researched a bit more.

 

The 4r and 5r44e/55e are the same as the A4LD transmission they just got more solenoids for full shift control

Thats why parts listed for the 4r and 5r will include fitting A4LD, except valve body and solenoids

So here is a read about the A4LD: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/a4ld.shtml

Special attention to this paragraph:

Quote:

When having an A4LD rebuilt, there are a couple of things that you need to make sure of. First and foremost, do not let a shop do a soft parts fix only (clutches, servos, and bands). This will almost ensure that you will have another repair needed right after the 1-year warranty is out. Other things you want to have replaced are: forward one-way clutch (always), overdrive drum (stamped tin, replace if out of round or heat damaged), pump (Ford only, rebuilds are prone to failure), and the converter (get the better converter with the improved lock-up clutch and brazed fins)

And always install a second trans cooler, always, not optional, lol.

 

I read the whole thread...

Off-road upgrade...hmmm

Good info! Much appreciated! Thank you!

I will check about those hard parts, most definitely.

 

If anyone wants a digital copy of the 5R55E manual, Here's a link:

http://www.fordexplorerclub.ru/Alex/...sion/5R55E.pdf

I found a whole mess of parts I'll need. It's gonna get expensive.

 

Yes, the A4LD Off-Road modification gave the Ford engineers the idea for the 5R "5-speed"
You could Turn Overdrive on in 1st, 2nd or 3rd, manually, so you added 3 more "gears"

And that's what the 5R44E/55E does to get the "5th gear", it turns on OD while still in 1st, to get a "faux" 2nd gear

 

...and from what I'm reading, be able to lock up the TC at any time, as well.

I need to do a bit more digging. Maybe even seek out someone who knows how.

Feels like seeking out Hattori Hanzo to craft one of his fabled swords.

All said and done, it might be more realistic to just stay with mine and rebuild/buy rebuilt.

Good side project, though.

Thanx guys.

 

Update...

My first gear came back.

I had tried shifting manually to first before and it slipped. Barely engaged.

I shifted to first yesterday and now I have first gear.

I manually shift from 1-2-D-OD, but still have (little to) no reverse, and it still doesn't shift automatically in drive.

I did it all day running errands. It felt as it did when I mashed the pedal way back when.

BTW...me likie the donor motor I swapped in two months ago

Is the return of first gear rare?

Feels soooo strong again.