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Mr. Man
03-01-2015, 03:43 PM
Been trying to chase down a reason for why the '03 Aviator keeps sporadically throwing a 'doesn't recognize 2nd gear' code. Thought we might have had it fixed when we added an additive to 'de-gunk' possible sticky solenoids but the code came back. Now we are thinking to replace the solenoid valve body just inside the pan with a new one.

Are there other solenoids buried deeper in the transmission? I'm trying not to blow more money than needed. I'm not familiar with the 5R55W so if any of you mechanics have ripped into one I would appreciate your thoughts. If there are lots of moving parts beyond the valve body maybe it's time for a Jasper re-manufactured unit and be done with it and get the warranty. :)
Seneca
03-01-2015, 05:22 PM
Ive messed with the 5r55n it wasn't to bad. Not sure how similar they are on the 55n it was a complete solenoid pack 380.00 bucks if i remember right
Seneca
03-01-2015, 05:24 PM
How many miles are on the trans?
Logizyme
03-01-2015, 05:38 PM
Solenoid packs and servo bores always going bad.

Typically going to have to pull the transmission to be able to install a bushing for the servo bores.
SergntMac
03-01-2015, 06:01 PM
I have the 5R55S version in one of my Shelby GTs. It's rather stout, but has a series of common problems. Many of them are discussed in YouTube videos, including a step by step rebuild video. Check them out before deciding what to do.

Y'all be safe.
Mr. Man
03-01-2015, 07:08 PM
How many miles are on the trans?About 148K


Solenoid packs and servo bores always going bad.

Typically going to have to pull the transmission to be able to install a bushing for the servo bores.
First time anyone has mentioned servo bores to me. Can a bad one cause the 'doesn't recognize 2nd gear' code?
Mr. Man
03-01-2015, 08:18 PM
I have the 5R55S version in one of my Shelby GTs. It's rather stout, but has a series of common problems. Lots cartier are discussed in YouTube videos, including a step by step rebuild video. Check them out before deciding what to do.

Y'all be safe.Well I watched a few video's by Hiram the transmission guy and it's not sounding good for the Aviators present transmission. From what I could fathom it sounds more like servos are the culprit as the Aviator is shifting OK for the moment. No harshness which would indicate sticky solenoids. I'm thinking it has something to do with worn servos that cause inconsistent pressures. It's only a matter of time before a band gets broken thus loosing at least a gear or two.

Unfortunately, I do not know a transmission repair guy and from what I think I understand the problem to be a rebuild with parts and labor would be at least or almost as much as getting a rebuilt whole unit. So if the Mrs. wants to keep the Aviator a rebuilt transmission looks like the way to go.

Comments, thoughts? :)

Video that I believe covers the problem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNugELqS2qI
Spectragod
03-01-2015, 08:28 PM
Comments, thoughts? :)


Any Ford dealer should be able to install a reman Ford unit and it will include a warranty, I believe 3/36 on their transmissions
fastblackmerc
03-02-2015, 07:22 AM
When I worked as a Lincoln Mercury tech we sent the problem transmissions to a local transmission shop who either did the repair or replacement. We added a percentage to the customers bill - never got our hands dirty. The transmission shop covered any warranty repairs on their work.
JoeBoomz
03-03-2015, 11:19 AM
Solenoid packs and servo bores always going bad.

Typically going to have to pull the transmission to be able to install a bushing for the servo bores.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70930


The transmissions themselves seem pretty stout, it's just those damn bores that always fail. But it may be time for a rebuild at that many miles. If you can talk someone into fixing it for 2K it might be worth doing, but the value on those year vehicles has plummeted now so I wouldn't put too much into it.
Mr. Man
03-03-2015, 03:47 PM
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70930


The transmissions themselves seem pretty stout, it's just those damn bores that always fail. But it may be time for a rebuild at that many miles. If you can talk someone into fixing it for 2K it might be worth doing, but the value on those year vehicles has plummeted now so I wouldn't put too much into it.
I think you need to overbore them then slip in a OE sleeve. Not sure all shops can do this and it will be expensive to do.
Marauderjack
03-03-2015, 03:59 PM
I think you need to overbore them then slip in a OE sleeve. Not sure all shops can do this and it will be expensive to do.

And probably no or limited warranty??:(

I have a friend with a 2006 Mariner that is having the same sort of problem(s)......$1800 valve body and 5 hours R&R......ridiculous!!:mad2:

I'd probably go with the FORD reman deal....at least you would have a warranty you can count on!!:beer: