Did a new torque converter cook my transmission?

[Z_Hrowal]

I’ve got a 1999 Ranger 4.0 4x4 with the 5R55E. During an engine rebuild I installed a new torque converter and did a full drain/refill of the system with a new filter and added external magnetic filter. Truck started right up and drove no problem after topping off with 10 quarts of fresh Motorcraft Mercon V. No weird shifting, slipping, or trouble engaging any gears. After getting on the highway, the OD light started flashing and I was getting a P0741 code. Checking with FORScan showed that the TC clutch was activating, but under acceleration the TC was slipping more than allowed, causing it to shut off and throw P0741. Fluid only has about 30 miles on it if that, and I can see it has a lot of very fine particles in it. Doesn’t seem to be magnetic so I’m thinking clutch material? Pan magnet had a very small amount of magnetic material on it. Transmission was not flushed before refilling and valve body was not removed, just a drain/refill on the trans and coolers, and a new TC. I was hoping to maybe get away with just a new TCC solenoid, but now I’m wondering if the TC I installed is actually the problem. Any input?

 

[franklin2]

It's very difficult to do surgery on a automatic and it comes out well. Consider it a package. I think you are going to have to pull it and have the whole thing gone through. And possibly a new radiator also if you can't get it cleaned out. Most tranny shops won't do carry outs anymore because of cleaning the radiator cooler.

 

[Blmpkn]

It's very difficult to do surgery on a automatic and it comes out well. Consider it a package. I think you are going to have to pull it and have the whole thing gone through. And possibly a new radiator also if you can't get it cleaned out. Most tranny shops won't do carry outs anymore because of cleaning the radiator cooler.

While I do agree with your general sentiment.. I really wouldn't consider maintenance and a converter swap as SURGERY.

Drag strip guys can be swapping converters multiple times a year finding the right balance of everything.. works ok for them. Something else is up.


Was the converter absolutely positively fully seated when you went to bolt everything back together?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

While I do agree with your general sentiment.. I really wouldn't consider maintenance and a converter swap as SURGERY.

Drag strip guys can be swapping converters multiple times a year finding the right balance of everything.. works ok for them. Something else is up.


Was the converter absolutely positively fully seated when you went to bolt everything back together?

Also, with the general crap quality of parts anymore it wouldn’t surprise me if there was a problem with the TC

 

[bobbywalter]

actually..you want to swap E4od converters about every 80 to 100k. if you do that the damn thing will probably go a million miles.

problem....most converters are just flushed.

he may have received a bad converter. you want a new converter if possible or at least know who installed the new clutch assembly and where it was produced.

usually you get a good one. of course this assumes you didn't pinch it.