2001 Ford Ranger 5R55E 1-2 Shift Issue

[benjamming]

2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L V6 with 5-speed automatic transmission 5R55E that has a 1-2 upshift issue develop in the last couple days. I have to start in 2nd on the column or let off the accelerator completely around 25mph or it will rev really high/slam into 2nd. Is that common with this unit? And more importantly, are there typical fix(es) or does it require a good in-person diagnosis? Or do they typically just die around this time?

It has had the following transmission maintenance. I got the pickup in Oct-2010 at 77,545 miles. It currently has ~183k miles.

Fluid & filter change 78,756 miles in Dec-2010.
Fluid & filter change 100,890 miles in Sep-2012.
Fluid & filter change 120,152 miles in Jul-2014.
Fluid & filter change 141,357 miles in Jun-2018.
Fluid & filter change, installed in-line filter kit per TSB 00-23-10 160,586 miles in Jun-2022.
Replaced in-line filter 180,156 miles Apr-2025.

Thank you.

 

[Junk]

I used to rebuild these for Ford back in the dark ages. Seems like they had problems with the valve body separator plate gasket blowing out and causing weird shift flare, but I can't remember which gears you'd lose. Maybe check out TSB 03-22-10 for the valve body gasket update?

 

[clinebarger]

5th (4-5 upshift) is okay?

2nd gear in a 5R55 is simply overdriving 1st gear with the Overdrive Band, That's where the simplicity ends!

 

[midnightlaundry]

My 02 Explorer with a 5R55W had a broken OD Servo. It's common for the Bore in which the Servo slides in to wear which loses fluid pressure to work the Servo, but again mine was just broken. Here's a link to a Company that sells modded new Servos to combat a possible worn Bore. They sell the Parts and the Tools. Lots of info here. Well worth it.

I did the Shifter thing you describe.. Starting out in 2nd and shifting manually and not having Overdrive. Drove it like that for about a year.. I put in a new OD Servo and adjusted the Bands, and it drives like new..

https://www.fordservoboretransmissionfixsolution.com/

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/did-the-overdrive-servo-with-pics.499984/

 

[Lyman]

I had a Ranger with that trans. I ended up buying a rebuilt valve body and swapping it in. It ran like new afterwards. I paid under $200 and had to send them the core. I can't remember where I bought it.

 

[benjamming]

4-5 shift seems fine.

 

[benjamming]

I used to rebuild these for Ford back in the dark ages. Seems like they had problems with the valve body separator plate gasket blowing out and causing weird shift flare, but I can't remember which gears you'd lose. Maybe check out TSB 03-22-10 for the valve body gasket update?

That TSB is found in post #16 in this thread from 2005. But it doesn't fit my symptoms. I only have the flare from 1-2.
This article supersedes TSB's 03-11-9, 02-13-8 and 02-08-2 to update the model coverage.
No 2nd Gear
No 3rd Gear
No Engine Braking In Manual 1st.
Out of specification pressures controlled by the transmission main control valve body separator plate may be the cause.

 

[clinebarger]

4-5 shift seems fine.

Odd because 2nd & 5th use the O/D band for the ratio change from the previous gear/ratio which is controlled by shift solenoid #3.

Just so we're on the same page....The 1-2 shift is the first ratio change or "shift", The 2nd ratio change or "shift" is the 2-3 shift.

 

[benjamming]

Yes.

 

[benjamming]

P0733 is the temporary code being thrown.

 

[clinebarger]

3rd gear ratio error......Worn Intermediate Band Servo Pin bore is a common cause, Shift Solenoid 2 failure is less common but certainly possible.

 

[benjamming]

Can that perhaps be repaired (didn't say fixed) without removing the transmission? Perhaps something along these lines? SERVO BORE TRANSMISSION FIX

Sonnax 18 Troubleshooting Tips for 4R44E & 5R55E Transmissions

 

[clinebarger]

Never tried a band aid like that, I've always reamed the 2 servo pin bores & installed sleeves. Truth be told....I avoid 5R55's as they can eat your lunch!!

 

[benjamming]

Fair enough. Reaming the bores would require the transmission to be removed from the vehicle, right?

Think the band-aid would work decently well? I would want to DIY that option probably.

 

[clinebarger]

Yes sir....Requires complete disassembly to ream & sleeve the bores.

They sound pretty honest far as the O-rings wearing out eventually....I think it worth a shot along with adjusting the O/D & Intermediate bands after installing the pistons.