Ford 5R55W 5-Speed Automatic · Ford/Lincoln · Expert rebuild service since 1987. Lifetime warranty. Free diagnostic.
2002–2008 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer; 2003–2005 Lincoln Aviator; behind 4.0L SOHC and 4.6L V8 engines
| Configuration | 5-speed automatic with overdrive — truck/SUV variant of 5R55 family |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratios | 1st 3.22:1 · 2nd 2.29:1 · 3rd 1.55:1 · 4th 1.00:1 · 5th 0.71:1 · Rev 3.00:1 |
| Fluid Type | Mercon V ATF |
| Fluid Capacity | 13.5 qts total, 6.0 qts service refill |
Explorer/Mountaineer duty cycles involve frequent stops and moderate towing, which accelerates intermediate band wear on the 5R55W.
Symptoms: Slip in 2nd gear; harsh 1-2 upshift; band adjustment at minimum
High-mileage EPC solenoid failure pattern identical to other Ford 5R55 variants.
Symptoms: P0745; slip; harsh shifts
Reverse clutch failure is more common on the 5R55W than other 5R55 variants, possibly due to the heavier vehicle weight and frequent 3-point turns.
Symptoms: Slipping in Reverse; eventually no Reverse; forward gears fine
Full rebuild with band, EPC solenoid, and reverse clutch pack replacement. Valve body rebuilt. Full soft parts throughout. Converter flushed.
Mercon V every 30,000 miles. 5R55W in Explorers used for towing: service every 25,000 miles. Check fluid color at every oil change — dark or burnt fluid means an imminent service is needed.
Reverse clutch failure is the most common cause. If reverse just slips, the clutch pack is worn. If there's no Reverse at all with a clunk, a snap ring or drum failure is possible. We diagnose before recommending repair.
Yes — the 5R55W has a different torque converter flange for truck/SUV applications and slightly different clutch pack sizing for heavier vehicles. Core internal parts are shared.
120,000–150,000 miles before a rebuild is typically needed. Regular Mercon V service extends this significantly.
Yes — we have all 5R55W-specific parts in stock and rebuild this unit regularly. 2-day turnaround.
Mercon V ATF. This is critical — do not substitute.
Free diagnostic, written estimate, lifetime warranty. Chicago's 5R55W rebuild specialists since 1987.
