LS 5R55N Transmission

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waltdeuce

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Belated Happy Thanksgiving.

Experienced lag (twice) with my 2000 LSV8 during shifts at higher speeds. Display showed "Check Transmission". Did search in forum regarding tranny probs. Taking it to the dealer tomorrow and will post diagnosis asap.

FYI,

Here's a link to "all" TSBs for 2000 LS V8
http://www.ford-trucks.com/tsb/tsb.php/m-LINCOLN/y-2000/d-LS

also.......
TRANSMISSION SERVICE FOR THE NEW FORD 5R55N

In the ever-changing world of automotive technology, professional automotive service providers must be prepared for whatever curve ball is thrown their way. This months tech tip deals with just this sort of thing as it relates to transmission services for the new Ford 5R55N transmissions, found in the 2000 and newer Lincoln LS and some Jaguars. Some technicians may be thinking, now how many Lincoln LS and Jaguars does the common fast lube facility service each month? The other thought process is that this new type of transmission application must start somewhere. This type of transmission technology as it applies to virtually sealed and or self contained units will eventually find its way to many other makes and models of vehicles. Fast Lube operators and technicians will start to see them more frequently, so familiarizing ourselves now will only put us ahead of the game. Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!

POTENTIAL PROBLEM: The service technician releases the hood of a vehicle containing the 5R55N transmission, with the intent of performing a transmission flush or fluid service, and he or she notices that something doesn’t look right; there is no dipstick to check the transmission fluid level. How do I service this vehicle?

SOLUTION: Have the pit technician look closely at the 5R55N transmission pan and identify the drain plug, to check the correct fluid level they will notice the check plug which is located in the center of the bottom drain plug. Holding the drain plug with the proper size wrench so as not to loosen the drain plug, proceed to remove the check plug with the proper size Allen wrench. If the transmission is operating at the proper fluid capacity the transmission fluid should just trickle over the stem and out through the center of the drain plug. In the event that no fluid is released, this is a good indication of low or improper fluid levels.
Installation of new fluid: To install new fluid in the Ford 5R55N transmission, locate the (Fill Plug) in the extension housing of the transmission, the plug is identified by instructions for transmission fluid application.
 
most here w/"check transmission" msg have had electrical problems...usually a solenoid pack replacement cures.
 
Question to the Techs.. I currently have 73xxx miles on my LS. Original owner. Never had the transmission fluid touched. I have no issues, but would it be prudent to have the fluid flushed at a Lincoln dealership? Or at this point, is it best to simply leave it alone?
 
lseguy said:
Question to the Techs.. I currently have 73xxx miles on my LS. Original owner. Never had the transmission fluid touched. I have no issues, but would it be prudent to have the fluid flushed at a Lincoln dealership? Or at this point, is it best to simply leave it alone?
Click to expand...
Not to hijack the post but I have a similar question... I have 110k miles and is it best to leave the fluid alone or have it changed?
 
Left it at Joe Kerley Lincoln-Mercury dealer (off Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, Ca) around 4pm. Off the bat, $177 (which will be tacked on with repair cost) for transmission diagnostic check. Detailed service description with estimated repair cost, I will be posting tomorrow.

And for the recent posts, even though Lincoln Manual says "maintenance free on auto tranny", do the flush yourself. Left info regarding location of drain plug, etc. on first post for the individuals that are mechanically inclined. Save money. It's nothing special, simply drain and fill. I took it to dealership due to "Check Transmission" on message center, want it done the right way. If repair goes bad, it's out of my hands, it's on the dealership's...giving me more leverage if any kind of dispute occurs. $5.00 for new ATF and doing it myself will be alot cheaper vs. blown transmission.

This Ford luxury car needs alot of maintenance. Still love the car, but been previously spending a reasonable amount of money for maintenance (87k miles). Keep your LSs in tip-top shape if you want the ride to last.
 
I have no idea where you saw that the automatic trans was maintenance-free, but the maintenance schedule at the lincoln website calls for changes of fluid every 30k miles and change of fluid and filter at 150k miles. Same in my owner's manual. If you guys have not done this, I would highly recommend getting it done asap - you've likely got dirty, thinning fluid in your trans that will only get worse and sooner or later lead to a problem.

Why not register at the Lincoln site and you can get all the info you need from them ? [www.lincoln.com]
 
I'm probably wrong with recent quote, but i'm pretty sure it says that the transmission needs very little maintenance.....somewhere along that line. I'll check my manual once I get the car back tomorrow, but most likely....Paul is right.

QUIK (Lou), any experience with the "Check Transmission" message? What's the most common cause for this message to be displayed?
 
PaulJK said:
I have no idea where you saw that the automatic trans was maintenance-free, but the maintenance schedule at the lincoln website calls for changes of fluid every 30k miles and change of fluid and filter at 150k miles. Same in my owner's manual.
Click to expand...
That's not what it says in the Scheduled Maintenance Guides that came with my my '04 and my '06. In the Normal Schedule Cars & Minivans section, it says:
Change automatic transaxle fluid on all vehicles equipped with 4F50N or 4F72E. Inspect automatic transmission/transaxle fluid level on all other vehicles, if equipped with dipstick. Consult your dealer for your particular requirements.
Click to expand...
Having neither a transaxle nor a dipstick, that doesn't apply to the LS.

Under the Special Operating Conditions section, it shows a 30K mile fluid service interval on all transmissions and transaxles except for the 6R60.

The service matrix on the Lincoln Owner's Web site does show a 30K mile tranny fluid service interval, but the PDF of the Maintenance Guide shows what I've quoted above. Pick the one you want to follow...
 
To add to that, there were conflicting recommendations from different LS Transmission engineers on the LLSOC site. The first engineer said to have it change at 30k intervals, but the replacement (Kathy I think her name was) said there was absolutely no reason to go against Ford's recommendation that it is a sealed unit, with "lifetime" fluid.
 
"Kathy" must be selling parts for Ford. I've rebuilt a ton of automatic transmissions and I do NOT believe there is such a thing as a service-less automatic transmission or fluid. It varnishes...clutches wear...oil breaks down. When they say it's "lifetime", remember...that means the lifetime of the trans...which could end at any time! If it dies in 70K miles, that's it's lifetime. There is no way you can hurt the tranny by changing fluid and filter. I do it on my cars...I would on yours.
 
I have already changed the tranny fluid of my '05 LS. Since i cant check the level or quality of the fluid i figured its safer to have it changed.
 
2001LS8Sport said:
"Kathy" must be selling parts for Ford. I've rebuilt a ton of automatic transmissions and I do NOT believe there is such a thing as a service-less automatic transmission or fluid. It varnishes...clutches wear...oil breaks down. When they say it's "lifetime", remember...that means the lifetime of the trans...which could end at any time! If it dies in 70K miles, that's it's lifetime. There is no way you can hurt the tranny by changing fluid and filter. I do it on my cars...I would on yours.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.

Are you recommending that even though I haven't changed it in 73k miles, that it's still a good idea to change it now?

I've always read that unless you've been changing it every 30k from the beginning, you have a good chance of doing more harm than good by changing it now.
 
and lastly...what is the reasoning (not just for the LS and Thunderbird, but other makes as well) for no longer including a transmission dipstick under the hood?
 
lseguy said:
and lastly...what is the reasoning (not just for the LS and Thunderbird, but other makes as well) for no longer including a transmission dipstick under the hood?
Click to expand...
There was just no place to put it. It's as simple as that.
 
I think I'll go with the "consult your dealer .." part of that :) . The dealer where I bought the car said that they have a special machine they use to change the fluid. Since the fluid change and firmware update they did last week, the car shifts a LOT smoother. I'm betting the 150k service where they change the trans filter is not going to be cheap :( . i still can't believe they built a car with an auto trans and no dipstick !?!? :eek:

LSEguy - seems to me that your fluid will continue to accumulate dirt and get thinner/break down if you leave it "as-is".
 
lseguy said:
Thanks for the info.

Are you recommending that even though I haven't changed it in 73k miles, that it's still a good idea to change it now?

I've always read that unless you've been changing it every 30k from the beginning, you have a good chance of doing more harm than good by changing it now.
Click to expand...
I think thats just ol' auto folklore. The theory is that all the gunk is holding the tranny together. Once you flush out the gunk and put fresh fluid in lets stuff slip and break or whatever. New fluid is always better on the parts than old dirty fluid. My Intrepid went about 70k before i serviced the tranny. The check engine light came on, the service guy at the dealership said the torque converter was gone and i needed a new tranny. Said there was metal flakes in the fluid, but honestly, what tranny at 70k miles with no servicing isnt going to have some metal particles. Anyway I told him not to worry about it and just do the flush'n fill service. After the service the light hasnt come back on, no engine codes, car runs just fine and actually runs smoother.
 
LS was diagnosed with 3 bad speed sensors.

TSS (Turbine Shaft Speed) Sensor
Input Speed Sensor
Output Speed Sensor

The Good
Subtotal is $349 (including parts, labor, and initial $177 for diagnostic check). Not as bad as expected. I did inquire about tranny fluid level and service tech said it was fine. With that said, I can now be led to believe that the 5R55N Transmission IS low maintenance.

The Bad
Not getting Lisa back till tomorrow afternoon. Still doubt that all 3 sensors went bad at the same time!!??

The Ugly
That'd be me. Merry Xmas, hope this was somewhat helpful.

Did research and found this link, pretty educational. Found that bad signal from these sensors initiate DTC P0715 and P0720........follow the link below.
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/diagnostics/pdf/obdsm00a.pdf

Here's another that may explain more about the 5R55N tranny which is found 2/3s down the webpage thru this link....
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5835875-description.html
 
Fla02LS said:
I think thats just ol' auto folklore.
Click to expand...
Could be, but when you're told that by someone who specializes in fixing transmissions and has around 40 years of professional experience in doing so, you tend to listen to that "ol' auto folklore."
 
Exactly. Like I said before, if problems (w/ trans) occur after this repair, i'll have my detailed receipt with me.

and from the man, the myth, the legend....... Quik LS himself (i'm quoting here)


Quik LS
#018 ESP SCCA Solo2

correct - do not remove the pan

and Yes - the trannie is considered 'sealed' for life - meaning there is not a documented service interval.

however - flushing fluids = good idea @ 60,000k
__________________
Quik LS - Austin, TX
more, more, more.....
Technical Director LLSOC.com
Click to see my mean LS

courtesy of this thread...
"Tranny Fluid Change" originally posted by Cruznlife1 on 02/01/2006
 
Walt - if I understand you correctly, the tech checked the LEVEL and said it was fine, but changed the fluid since you had never changed it in 87k miles ? Seems that the LEVEL will always be fine (unless the trans leaks), but you're due for fluid change at 90k 'cause there's not really an inspection for 'quality' of the fluid (breakdown and contamination) (?)
 
PaulJK said:
Walt - if I understand you correctly, the tech checked the LEVEL and said it was fine, but changed the fluid since you had never changed it in 87k miles ? Seems that the LEVEL will always be fine (unless the trans leaks), but you're due for fluid change at 90k 'cause there's not really an inspection for 'quality' of the fluid (breakdown and contamination) (?)
Click to expand...

Yes he did, and will be confirmed when I pick it up tomorrow. They broke their promise of delivering today......pointing their fingers on UPS. Reasons....one after another.

No matter what, the ATF will be changed.
 
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