5R55E drive clutch issue?

[2seater]

My '97 4.0, 4x4 has developed a delay in engaging drive when transmission is warm and the warmer it is, the worse it is. No issues with the transmission shifting once forward gear is engaged. Reverse has no issues, warm or cold. I tried a couple of key words and read through several pages of this forum, and while there are certainly issues, I didn't see this behavior described? I had the transmission examined yesterday and their conclusion is the forward clutch is leaking fluid by, or possibly the apply valve is worn in the bore? Electrically everything is as it should be as well as pressures. Fluid is clean and correct level. There are only 85k miles on this truck. Does this sound familiar, and if so, any suggestions on what to try short of major surgery?

 

[Dune Runner]

http://www.sonnax.com/articles/195-Troubleshooting-Tips-for-the-4R44E-5R55E
Some good trouble shooting tips in here. Scroll down a ways on the page.

 

[feellnfroggy]

read up on band adjustment.

 

[2seater]

Hmm, from reading the suggested link and the band comment, there does not appear to be a common problem with the actual clutch leaking? A huge difference in repair cost obviously and I do not want to give the garage a blank check blindly.

 

[Dune Runner]

Could be something as simple as the separator plate gasket. It's not easy to diagnose. I will see what other resources I can find for trouble shooting.

 

[2seater]

I very much appreciate the input and suggestions. I could do the separator plate myself if required.

 

[adsm08]

It could be the forward, or direct clutch leaking. I am not super experienced in auto trans diag, but I do know that the issue getting worse with heat is consistent with a bad seal in one of the clutches.

If I was working on it I would be breaking out the air-test plate right now.

 

[2seater]

Unfortunately, that sounds pretty much like what I was told. The rub is the follow on testing was a few hundred dollars, the air test plate maybe??

 

[2seater]

Perhaps this could be a clue to someone in the know: After a five mile drive on my way home from work, I stopped at a convenience store. I parked so I could drive straight out and left the trans. in neutral when I shut it off. After approx. ten minutes I restarted and went directly to drive from the neutrall start. There was no discernable delay in engaging drive. I am guessing the drive clutch is left engaged doing a shutdown as described? Does this narrow the area of fault?