5R55E Transmission Rebuild & Repair in Glendale, AZ (Ford)

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

The Ford 5R55E Five-Speed

The 5R55E is a five-speed rear-wheel-drive automatic that Ford introduced in the late 1990s for its compact and midsize trucks and SUVs. It grew out of the older four-speed A4LD and 4R44E/4R55E family, using clever band and clutch combinations to create a fifth gear. That design gave better acceleration and highway cruising, but it also created some well-known weak spots.

In the Phoenix area, we see the 5R55E most often in Ford Ranger pickups with V6 engines, earlier Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, and Mazda B-Series trucks. Many of these vehicles are still on the road as work trucks, first cars and weekend off-roaders. Sun West Transmissions in Glendale offers complete 5R55E transmission rebuild service, along with diagnosis to determine whether a smaller repair will solve the problem.

Ranger and Explorer Owners: Know the Weak Points

The 5R55E uses two bands and servos to control several of its gears. Over time, the aluminum servo bores in the case can wear, allowing fluid pressure to leak past the servo pistons. When that happens, the bands can’t hold properly and the transmission starts to slip or shift erratically. Servo bore wear is one of the most common reasons these transmissions fail, and it must be addressed correctly during a rebuild.

Other common issues include valve body wear, solenoid pack faults and worn clutches. Arizona heat makes all of these worse, especially on trucks that tow small trailers or haul gear to the desert on weekends.

Common 5R55E Symptoms

• Slipping between gears, particularly on the 1-2, 2-3 or 4-5 shift.
• No second gear or a flare when shifting into or out of second.
• Harsh downshifts when coming to a stop.
• Delayed engagement or no reverse.
• Erratic shifting or limp mode from solenoid or wiring faults.
• Check engine light with gear ratio or shift solenoid codes such as P0731 through P0735 or P0750-series codes.

For help understanding codes, see our pages on P0700 and P0732.

Diagnosing Before Rebuilding

Not every 5R55E problem means a complete rebuild. A faulty solenoid pack, a bad connector or low fluid can cause many of the same symptoms as worn internal parts. Our diagnosis includes:

1. A road test to confirm when and how the problem occurs.
2. A code scan and live data review of solenoid commands and gear ratios.
3. Fluid level and condition checks, including looking for clutch material and metal.
4. An inspection of wiring, connectors and shift linkage.

If the transmission has internal wear, we’ll explain the findings and recommend a rebuild that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Our 5R55E Rebuild Process

Because of the servo bore issue, rebuilding a 5R55E correctly takes experience. Our process includes:

• Removing and fully disassembling the transmission.
• Cleaning and inspecting the case, with special attention to the servo bores.
• Repairing worn servo bores using appropriate repair methods or replacement servo components, or replacing the case if needed.
• Installing new clutches, steels, bands, seals, gaskets and filter.
• Replacing worn bushings and damaged hard parts.
• Servicing the valve body and updating known wear areas.
• Testing or replacing the solenoid pack.
• Evaluating or replacing the torque converter.
• Flushing the cooler, reinstalling and road testing.

Related Models: 5R55W and 5R55S

Ford later produced the 5R55W and 5R55S for vehicles such as later Explorers, Mustangs and Lincoln models. They share a similar design and some of the same concerns, including servo bore wear, but they are not identical. We service these versions too and confirm which one you have before quoting.

5R55E Rebuild Cost

The cost of a 5R55E rebuild depends on your vehicle, the condition of the case and servo bores, damaged hard parts, torque converter needs and whether the solenoid pack must be replaced. On older Rangers and Explorers, we’ll also discuss whether a used transmission makes more sense for your budget. Call for a free quote.

Qualifying rebuilds include our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs. Financing is available, and our Ford transmission prices and Ford Ranger transmission repair pages have more information.

5R55E Transmission FAQ

What is servo bore wear?

It’s wear in the case bores where the band servos operate. Leaking pressure prevents the bands from holding, causing slipping and shift problems.

Can a 5R55E be fixed without removing it?

Some electrical problems, like a solenoid pack, can be repaired in the vehicle. Internal wear requires removal.

Is it safe to drive a slipping Ranger?

Slipping generates heat and can quickly cause more damage. Limit driving and have it checked soon.