Recent content by Mark Kovalsky

The auto parts stores that read codes free CANNOT read these transmission codes. When the E is shown codes have been stored in memory. They will remain in memory for about a month after the last time the error was present. The best way to read the codes is with Forscan and a laptop.

Former Ford automatic transmission engineer

Internally they are very different. The older transmission (5R55N) has an intermediate clutch. The newer transmission (5R55S) has an intermediate band. The PCM in the 2002 car will not be able to make the 5R55S work. They will not interchange.

No, it cannot be limp mode. Even though it's on the internet, it's wrong. No matter what the DTR says or doesn't say the trans will engage in a forward gear. It may not upshift, but you will ALWAYS have forward with a DTR problem. Installing a new DTR will just waste money. This trans has a...

Changing the solenoids or the fluid will just waste money. Neither of them will repair this broken transmission. This one won't have forward again until the mechanical part that broke is replaced. The only way to know which part that was is to take the trans out and tear it down. How do I know...

That was true back in 2004. It not longer is true. MERCON V was changed in 2006 to be compatible with MERCON. MERCON was then discontinued. NOBODY produces a licensed MERCON fluid, and hasn't since early 2006. Any fluid that now says MERCON can have any properties the fluid manufacturer wants...

Someone told me that putting the trans in 4th gear will allow enough room. Sure enough, with the trans in 4th there was just enough room to rotate the dash and get it out.

You'll see exactly zero performance increase. Your link is to a locking differential. You reuse the gearset you already have, so whatever ratio you have now is the ratio you'll have after you install this.

Does anyone know how to remove the manual trans shift lever? Not just the knob, the entire handle. I have to remove the handle to be able to remove the dash, to remove the evaporator, to get to the two nuts that hold the expansion valve to the evaporator. It's a HUGE amount of work to get to...

142,000 miles. It has a 2001 engine. All four front control arms were replaced less than 20,000 miles ago. The AC blows in the low 40 degree range. It has a JVC radio with upgraded speakers. The bad stuff: The paint looks awful due to the Florida sun. It has the fake convertible top that is...