Automatic o/d problem

Question for the knowledgeable on auto o/d trans. The wifes 2005 expedition with the 5.4 motor and o/d auto is acting up. It shifts first to second fine then when it go to shift up to 3rd or o/d it freewheels like neutral. If you turn the o/d off it just stays in 2nd but doesn't shift any higher. I was told the later years trans have electric soleniods above the filter next to the valve body that control the shifting. Does this sound like the problem or is it actually a failure of the friction materials in the trans?? I have an extended warranty, but I have not had good luck with "Easy Care", they try to get out of every claim you file by calling it "Normal wear and tear" and you have to agree to pay a deductable of $500. + $800. more for a removal & disassembly for them to decide if they are going to honor the warranty. I can get the trans done for around $2500, the way they work it will be $5k if they decline the warranty. Any suggestions? Anyone else have a similar problem? Thanks! Greg blown473

Questions First wich o/d trans do you have?

What does the transmission fluid smell like?

Do you have a check engine light on or any codes ?

How many miles does it have on it ?


I will try and help you with it!

Trans is a 4R70W Fluid was changed at 90k, vehicle is now at 100k , no dash lights or computer flags have activated. Trans does not slip in 1st or 2nd gear, seems strong, so I don't think its the friction materials but I'm not an automatic guy, I have a toploader 4 speed in my other Ford. Thank you for your help!

Does the shifting change or will it go in to 3rd and 4th gear when it is cold or after you disconect the battery?
If it shifts after the battery has been disconnected, I would check the prndl switch on the side of the trans where the shift lever goes. These trans will do that if the switch goes bad. If this doesn't work and you have no od light flashing or codes . Then it is time to pull it and rebuild it .

Thanks for all you help and tech knowledge!

I don't blame the dealers for raising the rate, except when its the dealers selling the easy care, which was my case. They hold your vehicle hostage, and then always claim its normal wear and tear to get out of claims. Its the most worthless 2k I've ever spent. I won't be buying anymore extended warranties. Sometimes you buy a vehicle that never has any problems (like my 2004 Lightining) and some are full of problems, (the wifes 2005 Expedition) Must be why I really prefer the old carb and manual trans vehicles, like my 1984 toyota 4x4 that has 207000 miles on it and still running strong and passes smog. Cheap to fix.....

Well its good to know I'm not the only one who thinks they suck, I appreciate you guys all letting me know whats the deal on this stuff. I'm going to try replacing the electronic module on the outside on the shift linkage, and if thats not it them I will have to go find a good trans shop and get her rebuilt. I'm sure that will set me back at least $2k+ .......

I tried the disconnect the battery trick to see if it would shift again, and its still not going above 2nd gear. Should I still try the module or just take it in for the rebuild?

From my very limited knowledge on the 4r70w, since you don't have a check engine light, it is something mechanical in the trans. I had a 97 bird that did the same thing at 175k miles. It was the front pump. There are multiple guys that specialize in the 4r70w. If you are going to keep the truck, I would let someone that builds them all the time do it. NOT a general shop.

Take it to someone that can look at the data from the PCM,you can check if the PCM is commanding 3rd or if the PRNDL is indicating 2nd,if I'm not mistaken,a broken intermediate shaft will do what you are describing also.

Thanks to all of you for your help!! Greg blown473

After disassembly it turns out the high gear drum snapped. I didn't know those things are like a sheet metal stamping with a welded in hub! Luckily my extended warranty covered $1500 of the $2500 repair bill for a full rebuild. Thanks to all of you for the advise and help, a few of you hit the nail on the head as to what the problem was. Now I can get back to the funner stuff of building my stroker.... Greg