Auto Repair: Fix Transmission Shift Problem Ford 5R55E Explorer more – 1AAuto.com
Ford used the 5R55E in many rear and 4 wheel Drive applications. It is a good transmission but is susceptible to the valve body gasket "blowing out." The symptom of this in our vehicle was that the transmission missed second gear under acceleration but found a higher gear when we let off the gas pedal. This is an easy problem to diagnose and only requires basic tools. Pull your transmission pan down, remove your valve body and see if either the gasket between the plate and transmission is damaged (as on our Explorer) or the gasket between the plate and valve body is damaged. If they are then you have an inexpensive rewarding fix. If they aren't you can put your transmission together and know you may have a more expensive problem. This transmission was used in Ford Aerostar, Ranger, Explorer, Thunderbird, Mustang Mazda B-Series pickup, Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln LS and Jaquar S-Type. This problem is more common to the mid to late 90s models. Torque specifications for the valve body to transmission bolts are 6-8 foot lbs or 70-90 Inch lbs. The bolts that hold the transmission pan on are 10 foot lbs.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
i have a similar problem but check engine light says is the input speed sensor do you know where is located at
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?
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
I pulled my transmission pan and saw two metal objects (not shavings) they look like two chisel heads……
How many solenoids (total) are in the valve body for an 01 ranger 3.0? i plan on dropping my pan and replacing the gasket as well as all of the shift solenoids. Thanks!
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
thanks bub!
@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?)
can i use this repair on a 5r55w trans? and how would i replace the fluid
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.
You guys made it look way too easy.lol. Great video though!
@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
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?
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
1993 ford Exp EB edition 4×4. 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.
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 If there’s a small gasket on the filter that you forgot to put on, that would do it.
what would cause my ranger not to shift at all after installing reman. valve body.
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.
@1aauto i have a 1997 ford explorer xl 4wd 4.0ohv v-6 with 5-speed automatic im going to do the automatic valve body gasket how many QTS DO I NEED TO FILL UP WITH OUT OVERFILLING IT
thumbs up …. well made video – thank you!
i have a 1997 ford explorer xl i have this problem on my 4.0ohv-cologne sohc v-6 with 5r55e
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
what will happen if i remove the seneloid ,stead the conection from the body valve will that ruin my body balve.
@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.