I have a 99 3.0 2wd auto with about 125K miles. I have read most of the monster thread 4r55e-5r55e-ranger-explorer-transmission-problems-click-here The common theme there seems to be a flashing OD light.

I have owned the truck since 100K miles and I have never changed or added any trans fluid. The levels seem fine, maybe a little high as it is an inch above the hash.

My problem appears infrequently and never when the truck is cold. I don't get any flashing OD light or CEL. The last time I encountered the issue I was driving highway speeds for ~20 miles, parked the truck, restarted, pull out in R, shift to D. Truck would slip in first gear, once it got going the rest of the gears worked fine.

Next morning I took it for a test drive and everything was working fine. I drove a few miles around the neighborhood but have not attempted to drive it to work.

Trans shop did not report any codes but reported low pressure and noise from a planetary. Before I drop $2K on their recommended rebuild I want to see if I can try some low cost DIY.

I figure the least I can do is a "full tranny fluid pump out" ala pawpaw with a filter change. I'm even considering pulling the valve body to inspect the gaskets.

Anyone have any ideas on what my problem could be?

 

I dropped the pan and the valve body yesterday. The gasket to the left of the solenoids were damaged so I replaced both.

After putting it all together I ran another 6 quarts through the the system running through each gear.

Strange thing is, while I was filling the initial 6, I heard fluid hitting the floor. It looked like it was coming from the top of the transmission. No other issues after that.

Truck seems to shift better but it may be my imagination. I'll see how it holds up after 300 miles or so.