Transmission troubles

SMITHR578

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPLORER

Transmission problem
Six cylinder four wheel drive automatic 135,000 miles.

Could the power-train control module cause my transmission to just go out without any warning? Or can the multi-function control module have anything to do with it? I just do not think the transmission went out just that quick.

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

This may be of interest. Worth a checking the EPC solonoid?

4R44E/5455E - SLIPPING SHIFT/DELAYED OR NO ENGAGEMEN
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 99-16-10, Date of Issue: August 9, 1999

Related Ref Number(s): 99-16-10
ARTICLE BEGINNING
CONDITION
TRANSMISSION - 4R44E OR 5R55E - SLIPPING SHIFT/DELAYED OR NO ENGAGEMENT
APPLICATION
Model(s): Ford: 1999 Explorer, Ranger
Mercury: 1999 Mountaineer
Bulletin No: 99-16-10
Date: August 9, 1999
ISSUE
Slipping transmission shifts and/or delayed or no transmission engagements may occur on some vehicles. The Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) solenoid may cause stress on the attaching bracket. This stress causes the bracket to break and the EPC solenoid to back out of its bore causing line pressure to drop too low or fluctuate, allowing friction clutches to slip.
ACTION
Diagnose and inspect for damaged EPC attachment bracket, and replace the bracket and EPC solenoid with new bracket and revised EPC solenoid. Refer to the following SERVICE PROCEDURE for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Perform normal diagnosis for this concern.
Perform Line Pressure Tests as listed in the 1999 Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger Workshop Manual.
If pressures are low, perform Pinpoint Test for the EPC solenoid.
Inspect the bracket that attaches the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC), Shift Solenoid B (SSB), Shift Solenoid D/Coast Clutch Solenoid (SSD/CCS), and EPC solenoids to the main control for damage. If the bracket is damaged, replace both the bracket and solenoid.
If the bracket is not damaged, inspect the solenoid for the affected date code (refer to the following Manufacturing Date Code Chart) and ID marking (Fig. 1, Views 1, 2, and 3). If the solenoid is one of the affected, replace it.
MANUFACTURING DATE CODE
Date CodeMonth/Year
868xxAugust 1998
869xxSeptember 1998
870xxOctober 1998
871xxNovember 1998
872xxDecember 1998

Inspect the fluid pan for major contamination.
If contamination is minimal, clean the main control, but do not replace.
If major contamination is present, perform normal transmission overhaul as required, including main control replacement. Pay particular attention to the condition of the friction plates. Repair as required.
After repairs are completed, verify concern has been fixed.