Transmission shifting issues?

Tiny
TAYLOR90
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 191,358 MILES
So about 4 weeks ago I received a wrenches light come on in my dash. I used a scan tool to see what might be the issue and it read out,

1. Shift solenoid malfunction
2. Gears 2 and 5 out of sync

So, I bought a new Shift solenoid pack, new filter and gasket, and went to work on it. Took about 3 hours but got it all back together, new solenoid, new filter, and gasket went on with no leaks. Replaced the 5 quarts of fluid that we drained to remove the pan and allowed a generous 30-minute runtime to get the new fluid nice and hot. Checked fluid and had a slight stream of fluid come out so I assumed it was full. Tested the gears 15 seconds apart each Shift and all shifted fine, and so then I took it for a gentle cruise to relearn the gear patterns. After 40 minutes of no issues, I received the same codes again but this time with check engine light as well.

Now it states:

1. Shift solenoid B malfunction.
2. Gears 2 and 5 out of sync.
3. 2nd gear doesn't Shift into 3rd until about 3,400 RPMs and it shifts from 4th to 5th with no physical feel, only way to tell is to watch the RPMs drop about 1,000 from 3,300 to 2,300.

Not sure what else to check, doesn't seem to be the Servo Bore due to the lack of symptoms it states that points to that problem. Please help.
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 7:44 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Where was the stream of fluid coming from? Was it the dipstick tube? If that is the case, it sounds like we have a pressure issue. Does the vehicle have a remote oil cooler that could be partially plugged causing a drop in line pressure on one side and high pressure on the opposite? Also, if the cooler is clogged, it can allow the ATF to overheat and cause this.

On the other hand, if the fluid is overfilled, it could do this as well.

Let me know that and also, let me know the specific codes you are getting.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
TAYLOR90
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It has no dipstick at all. The stream of fluid came from the fluid valve that inserts into the drain bolt underneath. I removed it to attempt to check the fluid level. I'm not quite certain how to properly check the fluid level in these transmissions, there's no dipstick and no fluid level windows in the side of the transmission. And I'm uncertain I'd it has a remote oil cooler or not. These vehicles are new to me.

These are the 4 codes on the PCM:
- P0735 FF
- P0401 FF
- P0775 FF
- P0732 FF
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The codes you have are all over the place, but for me to get focused, I need to know which model transmission is in the vehicle.

There are two possibilities, a 5R44S or 6R60. There will be a tag on the transmission identifying the one you have. The first pic below is an example of what the tag will look like.

The remaining directions include the directions for checking the transmission fluid level.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 AT 1:24 PM
Tiny
TAYLOR90
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Transmission is the 5R55S.
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Thursday, January 19th, 2023 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The directions for that one are very different and require special tooling.

If you look below, I attached the directions for adjusting the transmission fluid level. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, January 19th, 2023 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
TAYLOR90
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I went through these steps and used the vacuum pumps and everything. Still have not figured out what maybe causing these codes.
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Thursday, January 19th, 2023 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, the P0401 is related to the EGR, so at this point, I don't see any relation with the issues.

I went through each of the codes and attached the descriptions, possible causes, and the tests that need to be performed. Do me a favor. Take a look through them and let me know which direction you want to go. Also, since these are all related to the hydraulics of the transmission, I would suggest testing line pressure as well.

Let me know. I personally feel test A is where I would start, but that is your call.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, January 19th, 2023 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
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Test A seems to feel like a good start. What do I need to do?
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Thursday, January 19th, 2023 AT 10:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Based on the codes you have, that is where I would start. It will require a pressure gauge, a scan tool that can communicate with transmission solenoids, and a few other things that are listed in the first few pics.

Take a look through the diagnostics and let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, January 20th, 2023 AT 7:48 PM

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