08'MustangDude

• The 5R55 is a rear wheel drive 5-speed that appeared in 1999 and later vehicles.
• The 5R55W came out in the 2002 and later Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger models.
• The 5R55N appeared in the Jaguar S-Type and Lincoln LS and in 2002 in the Ford Thunderbird.
• The 5R55S without the Select Shift is used in the 2005 and later models of the ford Mustang.In 2003 the Thunderbird and Lincolns switched to the 5R55S that had the Select Shift (allows drivers to shift like a standard without the clutch).

Although the 5R55N is very similar to the W or S models, only a few parts are interchangeable.Transmission case premature
wear occurs on the overdrive and intermediate servo (band apply) bores. Apply oil comes up through the servo pin bore and
through the hollow pin applying the servo. This requires the pin to seal in the servo pin bore, as well as the release oil that both
servos require. Over time, the number of apply and release wears out and the pin can no longer seal properly. The overdrive servo
bore will usually have more wear due to it being used for second and fifth gear. As the servo leaks, which will result in a pressure
loss, it lacks the pressure to hold the band completely applied or release it fast enough to prevent the bands from being burned up.

These issues can be repaired without replacing the case. Drilling the servo bores and installing a “cesleeve” to compensate for the
wear eliminates the need to replace the case. The brass sleeve has proven to be more durable then the aluminum case, giving
you more stability. You don’t want to use a “used case” as the possibility of the bores being worn in is very likely.The valve body
can also have excessive wear, most often seen on the TCC (torque converter clutch) modulator bore, or main regulator bore. In
this case, the high duty cycle of use wears down the bore reducing clutch and servo pressures. Although the PCM (power control
module) will try to compensate with an adaptive strategy, the excess wear will cause gear ratio or slipping codes.A valve body
repair or update kit will usually correct these problems.

Gear ratio error codes are very common on these transmissions due to servo pin bore wear occurring at a very low mileage, in some cases.
You can have a gear ratio error code without having an electrical code (solenoid), but it is unlikely that you will have an electrical circuit code
without a gear ratio error code.These are just a couple of most common problems seen on these transmissions, but not all these problems
may have this problem. If you have any version of the Ford 5R55 transmission and are having problems with it, don’t hesitate to bring your
vehicle into The Transmission Shop to get it checked out. Having a proper diagnostic by qualified techs will eliminate the guess work and
save you major expenses in the repair, rebuilding, or replacement of these transmissions.

08'MustangDude

Technical Bulletin
5R55 Transmission - Fluid Level

5R55 S/W/N checking Fluid Level Issue:

On the 5R55 S/W/N units, there is no dipstick to check the fluid level. In addition to this, when you receive your freshly
remanufactured transmission, it will have an unknown amount of fluid already, due to the dynamometer testing. Because
of this, filling the unit with the manufacturer fill quantity will not leave the transmission filled to the correct level.

Procedure:
To check the fluid level, you must remove the check plug, which is located in the center of the bottom pan drain plug,
and is removed with a T30 Torx or an Allen Wrench (could have either), while holding the drain plug with the proper size
wrench so as not to loosen the drain plug. If no fluid drains out, then you will need to add fluid until you have a stream
coming out of the check tube. To add fluid, some units will have a ‘Fill Only’ location on the passenger side rear of the
transmission case. If you have this port, it is the recommended way to fill the transmission.

Start the vehicle, continue to add fluid if the stream stops. Once you have a steady stream of fluid, with the engine running,
you will wait for the fluid to slow down and start dripping. As soon as this happens, you can close the plug.

The final level check is done with the transmission fluid at 80° to 120. Remove the check plug and repeat the fluid check procedure.

Below is a cut-away of the bottom oil pan and the drain plug so that you will understand how this works. The drain plug actually has
a tube that extends up into the pan. By removing the "Check" plug from the "Drain" plug, the fluid should just trickle over the top of
the tube and out through the center of the drain plug.

08'MustangDude

Technical Bulletin
5R55 Transmission - 8 Lug Torque Converter Flex Plate Adapter Alignment

Ford Lincoln Mercury 5R55N/S/W with 8 lug torque convertersIssue:

Some models use an 8 lug torque converter that requires a special alignment tool in order to properly align the flex plate adapter.
If your 5R55 has an 8 lug torque converter, then this bulletin applies. Failure to properly align the flex plate adapter can result in
vibration and front area leaks. Also it can lead to torque converter, pump, and bushing failure. Use of this tool is required on all
5R55 series 8 lug converters in order to not void your warranty.

Tool Required:
Alignment Tool- Ford Rotunda - 307-403
Alignment Tool - Adapt-A-Case - T223AC
Alignment Tool - Atec Trans-Tool - T-0519

08'MustangDude

Technical Bulletin
5R55 Transmission - Vent Tube Replacement

Replacement of the vent tube assembly on the 5R55 S, W, or N units

Issue:
The external vent assembly must be removed from the original transmission and installed on the new, remanufactured transmission.

Procedure:

1. Remove the vent assembly from the original transmission.
   1. Use caution when removing the front, middle, and rear fittings from the transmission. Note: some models only have the front and rear fittings.
   2. The front is easily removed by gently squeezing the inner tabs slightly. You can see these by looking in at the top of the bell housing. These tabs are designed to lock in place, so do not attempt to remove the fitting without squeezing the tabs. (Fig. 1)
   3. The middle fitting, if present, is simply a tapered, press fit. Using a pair of locking pliers, twist the fitting back and forth as you pull it out.
   4. The rear fitting has tabs, but is not a locking design. (Fig. 2) Pull it out by hand, being careful not to bend it to the side. A twisting motion will help to ease the removal process.
2. Install the tube assembly in the remanufactured transmission in the reverse order.
   1. Insert the rear fitting in to the case. If necessary, lubricate the fitting with a small amount of clean transmission fluid.
   2. Gently tap the middle fitting down to secure in the case. A small amount of thread locker can be used if necessary.
   3. Insert the front fitting into the bell area.
3. If a replacement assembly is needed, then you can use the following part numbers to help getting the correct assembly from the dealer.
   1. For 5R55S and 5R55W units: OEM# 6L2Z-7034-CA
   2. For 5R55N units: OEM# 4W4Z-7034-AB

Figure 1 ------------------------------------------ Figure 2

08'MustangDude

Technical Bulletin
5R55 Transmission - TCM Re-learn Procedure

Below is the OEM Ford re-learn procedure that will aid in resolving the symptoms listed here.

Issue:
After installing the 5R55 S/W/N transmission, you may experience delays into gear and/or soft or harsh shifts.

Procedure:

1. NOTE: It is recommended that the vehicle be driven 200 miles after performing this re-learn procedure.
2. To begin, any codes stored must be fixed. This includes all of the modules used in this vechicle. If there are any codes present, the PCM will not re-learn.
3. Make sure the fuel tank is at last 1/3 full or more.
4. The battery must be at 12.2 volts (minimum) and the key in the "off" position.
5. Disconnect the battery for a minimum of 15 minutes, then reconnect it.
6. Start the vehicle and get the transmission temperature up to 170 degrees F.
7. Make sure the Engine is up to normal operating temperature.
8. With the engine running, shift from PARK to REVERSE 5 times holding the transmission in each gear for 5 seconds.
9. Shift from REVERSE to DRIVE 5 times holding the transmission in each gear for 5 seconds.
10. Shift from NEUTRAL to DRIVE 5 times holding the transmission in each gear for 5 seconds.

08'MustangDude

Thorough and Routine Transmission Maintenance.

Next time you take your transmission in for service, have this list with you and demand that a full service include the following:

- Drain and replace the transmission fluid.
- Pressure flush the cooler and cooler lines.
- Drain the torque converter. This may require the shop to drill and install a small drain plug.
- Complete cleaning of the transmission pan to remove debris.
- Replacement of the transmission filter.
- Check and re-torque all the bolts on the valve body.
- Inspect and lubricate the shifter cable (or rod).
- Inspect the rubber transmission mounts and replace as necessary.
- Check all the external seals for dry rot and leakage: front seal, rear seal, case seals, dip stick seal.
- Inspect and clean the transmission vent.
- Inspect all bolts that hold the transmission to the motor.

- Adjust the bands inside the transmission to compensate for wear. Most people do not know the 5R55 has two
bands, and they are adjustable from outside the transmission.

- Run a scan of the CPU and look for error codes or pending error codes.
- A thorough test drive.

The recommended service is said to be every 30,000 miles, 20,000 with towing with non
synthetic fluid. However, it's much longer, especially with synthetic trans fluid, every
60,000 or 80,000 miles. Ford says they do not need serviced, and that is not entirely
true. When they say the transmission lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, well, if the trans
breaks in 100,000 miles, that was the lifetime of the trans. They use misleading terms
like that to confuse people into not servicing their "stuff" so it can be replaced when it
fails.

Derf00

I agree but not just Ford, MOST OEM's do this.

I would further clarify, under ideal conditions tranny fluid would be expected to last 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Ideal for tranny fluid means where operational temperatures stay below 200F. Unfortunately, in the real world with stop-and-go-traffic, short drives with little time to cool off (heat soak), abuse because....Mustang, and high ambient conditions (like AZ during the summer) it can be assumed that most vehicles fall under severe duty, i.e. should be changing out the fluid at ever 30,000 miles.

When the temp on tranny fluid exceeds 200F you just halved the life of the fluid (30K). If the fluid is not maintained you also affect your transmission life.