Clayton
Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2018
- Messages
- 35
- Reaction score
- 9
- Points
- 8
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Transmission
- Manual
2003 4x4 4.0 5R55E (Trans code D)
**SOLVED**
Everything works great except no/weak reverse. If I put it in reverse, there's not even a slight clunk of going into gear, but it will very very slowly roll. If I give it gas it just "slips" like if it were a manual with the clutch mostly engaged. Also the gear shift indicator falls a little to the right of the corresponding gear for every selection-- not sure if that is meaningful at all. No codes are thrown.
What I've done so far:
This seems helpful, but I have no clue what several of these terms are referring to, SSA solenoid, EPC, line rise, etc... From the troubleshooting tips section at https://www.sonnax.com/tech_resources/201-18-troubleshooting-tips-for-4r44e-5r55e-transmissions
**SOLVED**
Before researching this problem, automatics were essentially mysterious magic cornucopias of gear leveraged propulsion. Now I know a tiny bit more, but it's all fragments, so any help troubleshooting this no reverse issue is much appreciated.Got busy with work/life, but found some hours here and there.
There were indeed supposed to be check balls in the VB. I contacted ShiftRite and at first they were apologetic (though didn't offer any sort of refund for wasting my time troubleshooting their error), then I figured no big deal I'll just see if they have any input on my continued issue. I typically wouldn't expect free consultation from a shop for a DIY'er, but it seemed the least they could do after wasting a day of my time, however many quarts of ATF, and a good serving of frustration. Well, they thought different I guess. They stopped replying. Oh well, their business practices will catch up with them.
Anyways, I ordered Sonnax 56532-01k, a reverse servo sleave kit as a last resort before dropping the trans and digging in. Not sure if I mentioned, but the filler neck was corroded and leaked, which caused fluid to drip all down the passenger side of the trans and onto the cat-- I pulled that, cleaned it good, and jb welded it. Well, when I went to pull the pan to get at the reverse servo again I noticed there was still a leak. With the cat and the heatshield there, I couldn't really see up there. Well, I cut out the exhaust, pulled the shield, and guess what I found...
Intermediate servo cover snap ring must have corroded and failed, letting the servo cover cock to the side, pinch the o-ring and create enough of a leak to cause the gear that requires the highest pressure, reverse, to not engage or have weak engagement. Kinda crazy, I drove the truck 200+mi home like this! I was able to get the snap ring and had a close enough O-ring on the shelf. Case casting that retains the ring doesn't seem to be damaged at all. Truck drives as it should now. Gear engagements can come with a bit of a clunk, but nothing too harsh, and from what I understand this is a feature of the shift kit that came in the VB I bought. Had the dealership special order the correct o-rings-- I'm going to replace the OD servo cover snap ring too and may as well do the O-ring while at it.
So that's it. Thanks for all the help everyone. Automatic tranmissions were mystical magic boxes to me before setting out to solve this issue, and while I haven't by any means mastered them, I have a good foundation from which to troubleshoot them. That wouldn't have been possible without all the generous assistance offered in this thread. So, again, thanks!
Everything works great except no/weak reverse. If I put it in reverse, there's not even a slight clunk of going into gear, but it will very very slowly roll. If I give it gas it just "slips" like if it were a manual with the clutch mostly engaged. Also the gear shift indicator falls a little to the right of the corresponding gear for every selection-- not sure if that is meaningful at all. No codes are thrown.
What I've done so far:
- Truck passes manual 1st engine braking test, so it would appear the band is intact, which is a big relief.
- Disconnected the output speed sensor, which caused absolutely no reverse.
- Disconnected blue TCM(?) connector with the lever keeper. This caused a pretty harsh clunk into reverse, but otherwise it reverse worked as it should, no slipping. As would be expected, threw a handful of codes.
- Disconnected both TCM and output speed sensor simultaneously, because, why not? Same results as disconnected output speed sensor, absolutely no reverse.
- Scan tool appears to be getting an accurate reading from output speed sensor
This seems helpful, but I have no clue what several of these terms are referring to, SSA solenoid, EPC, line rise, etc... From the troubleshooting tips section at https://www.sonnax.com/tech_resources/201-18-troubleshooting-tips-for-4r44e-5r55e-transmissions
My plan of action at this point is to hook up a pressure gauge and see what I get in reverse. Either way, it would appear I'll be dropping the valve body, but I'm not super confident in what I'll be looking for and what tests to run and how to run them. Let me know if I'm on the right path, and if you have any insights, pics, diagrams, and/or videos that might be helpful, that'd be apprecaited.No/Slow Reverse:
The SSA solenoid must be turned on, allowing flow through the solenoid, or direct clutch will not apply until EPC rises to 20 psi. The direct clutch psi will then slowly rise following EPC until clutch holds. Always install new servo pistons. Both servos are charged on the release side in reverse. Inspect the center support sleeve, sealing rings and direct drum sleeve for cracks. Ensure the vehicle has line rise, as reverse will not engage until line is 120 psi.
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