Ford 5R55S Transmission Fluid/Filter Replacement (COMPLETE GUIDE) - 2002-2010 Explorer/Mountaineer 

I wish people would stop spreading the myth that floating clutch material in old fluid is keeping a high mileage transmission alive. Couldn't be farther from the truth, if putting new fluid in causes the transmission to fail it's purely coincidental and it was gonna fail any day regardless. I've done multiple drain and fills and filter replacements across many high mileage vehicles of all makes and never had a failure or a shifting issue. That's like saying "oh my oil hasn't been changed in 80k miles I should just leave it alone"

Remove the big plug first, then take the small plug out on the bench. Less chance of breaking. BUT, before you take the small plug out, put the big plug back into the pan finger tight when removing the pan - less mess!

Thanks for your videos - they're very helpful. I plan on using a long clear poly tube connected to the transmission, with a funnel on the other end. I'll raise the funnel up to door handle height, then fill with Mercon fluid. Because liquids find there own level, whether in a swimming pool or in a tube, the fluid can fill the transmission without the need of a pump. Thank you Aristotle.

What is the thread size and count of the 8 MM bolts ??? Does the torque converter have a drain fella.

Protip: Get a self priming drill pump. I cannot tell you how many hours this 10 dollar pump has saved me. I literally just run water through it to clean it.

same procedure as a BMW tranny, cant understand why manufacturers seem to hate the idea of a dipstick and tube ???

I have a explorer with 270xxx I don’t the transmission oil has ever been changed but I know you said you don’t recommend it on a high mileage but if I do end up doing it can it better it in any way ?

I have to take the risk I got 210,000 miles on the thing trans fluid never been touched and it started slipping bad

Great video, enjoyed watching it. Having done this a few times myself, about the only little thing I could add to it was when you removed the old filter, be sure to put some trans fluid on your fingers and rub that onto the two o-rings of the new filter. Helps it slide in and helps prevent it from getting stuck later on when you have to remove it.

Thanks sir for doing our job easy with your videos. I’m not a mechanic but you helped me a lot with the timing kit replacement on my 04 Explorer. I’ve tried your pre oiler method but no luck…any suggestions on how to do it properly or perhaps can’t be done on mine. Greetings from Mexico.

Thank you for your videos! I have an 07 mountaineer and your channel is amazing. Congratulations on 1 million views.

Keep up the awesome work your videos are greatly appreciated . You e helped me with my 2002 explorer I recently rebuilt following your instructions its running like a brand new car thank you bro

You are natural and very explicit! love it; you are smart too! I love the way tou explain everything, step by step! Thank you, and I hope you receive many viewers like me!!😊

As you mentioned, I drained 6 qts of trans fluid on the 2004 Ford Explorer with 225k miles. It has never had fluid change. Is it normal to put back in new fluids with same 6 qts without auto adjustment?

I have an 02 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0. I wanted to know if I could swap my old speedometer/instrument cluster out for the same one that you have in this video? Will it work properly? 🤔

Sir you area excellent communicator . Great job . Thank you very much

I have watched few videos on this topic. This guy’s is the best one.

This was a kick ass video about this task.😅

Lol the torx screw got rounded on mine and I had to go get a whole new plug

Follow up - Aristotle's theory works like a charm - every time. No pump needed.

If you don't like getting you're curls greasy don't fix on cars bud! Jp😂😂

Did you lift the back up evenly or did you have to jack it up little by little from each side ? I will be doing this in a day or two but I'm not sure if there is a jack point in the back to jack it up evenly ?? I will be putting the front end on ramps and jacking up the rear ... Thanks

yo le puse cinta de teflónal perno para evitar fugas, tambien recomiendan mover la palanca por todas las velocidades para que los solenoides se carguen, excelente video, gracias!

Yo bro good video. I have an ‘03 explorer, with 170k miles on it. The transmission started slipping 2 days ago. I bought 2 quarts of the correct fluid and some “Transmission Stop Slip”. How would I go about fixing this problme

How much fluid came back out of the drain when it was auto adjusting the fluid level?

Thanks for posting, very interesting and informative !!! *QUESTION:* There seems to be a lot of controversy and confusion about "flushing" your transmission fluid... Some so called experts will say you should always flush because that process removes all of the old fluid... Other experts say you should never flush, a "drain & fill" like you demonstrate on this vid is the best way to go... I have 50,000 miles on the original transmission fluid in my 5R55S... Which procedure would you recommend ???

I have had no issues on my mustang 4R70 and previous 06 Exorer 5R55S using Valvoline Multi-Vehicle ATF. I agree also on 30K ATF oil change/flush/or drain and refill x no. Of times. Hydraulic systems should have clean fluid...the solution to pollution is dilution. Thanks for the video.

Damn nice work!!!!

You are a goofball, why does everyone like hearing themselves talk. Looking at the younger generation, maybe talking to them like kindergartners is appropriate.

I have an 04 with 109k that shifts rough. I want to do a fluid and filter change but while I'm in there I might also change the shift solenoid. But it might just need new fluid to shift smoothly again.

Just bought one with 137k. What ya think should I change the fluid or let it eat

Very funny good stuff

Good day Sir! May I know your rpms when shifting from 1st to 3rd gears? I always shift at 2k rpm. Is this normal? The other cars I've driven shifts at 1.5k rpm. Thank you!

i read somewhere that you should shift through all the gears before final fluid auto adjust. what are your thoughts?

Any concerns regarding the reverse servo having a broken filter screen? Noticed it the metal screen torn a little along the edge after taking off the pan. Never had problems or anything but just wondering if it's something to fix immediately. Rather not take the pan off again if I don't have to lol

After installing a transmission that was rebuilt if there were codes before for it is there a reset/relearn procedure that we can do to clear the stored code(s)? I have a scanner that not showing any codes but the light isn't showing green its showing yellow(caution). It drives like new with no CEL/SES light just the scanner shows yellow so I can not pass inspection but if green I'm good. Please help.

Did you do any side work

Man I wish you lived in NC! You would def be ny mechanic, you make everything look so easy! Plus I'm sure that I could learn alot from you on vehicles. Thanks for all of your hard, detailed, work/videos. 🐐

Quick question if anyone can help. Completely drained the transmission, followed this procedure to put in the 5 qts. After about 4 or 4.5 qts into it, I hear kind of like a bubbling in the transmission , then fluid leaks from between the transmission and engine. Whats wrong here? Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance. Oh...same transmission, basically, but in a 2007 Mustang.

How do install the gasket? Does It just sit in like that or do you need to add gasket maker ?

Have you seen anyone make their own dip stick for these transmissions? I have found one online and I also have seen someone do it before too and they filled through dipstick. Was interesting.

Your hair full f transmission fluid, an excuse for a full haircut. Happy Tuesday.

That’s something that would happen to me that’s why I bought a new setup doing mine in a couple of days 😂 😂

Hi Good video! But answer this You put 5 qt in How much drained back out ?

Hey thanks for the video. I have a question about the 150,000 rule -- where did you get the info from, and it is a hard and fast rule? My Explorer just hit 159,000 so do you think I'm in that grey area for an fluid change or do you think it is a bad idea? What about if it got a fluid change once, like 100,000 miles ago? I was thinking of dropping the pan and cleaning it, then changing filter. Do you think the risk could be mitiated if I just do a drain and swap? What if I try to drain and swap 1/2 or 1/3 of the fluid? Any of your thoughts are appreciated! Thanks!

Your picture of the bottom of transmission, you said do not know. The solenoid pack i swopped it out, code came up bad solinoid. Guess i will find out when i put two more quarts of motorcraft micron v. RU-vid and co workers can help a lot.Good job bud.

Another great video your productions are so entertaining. I think I'll do my 4.6 4X4. And then tighten up my intermediate band.

This also works on a number of mustangs. Thank you. Used it to change fluid on my 05 4.0.

you sir get a like for the 1/4 inch torque wrench. Now that's quality and accuracy.

Being a mechanic or just doing that type of work is a test in patience, just know going in that most of the job may not go smoothly, flip Ole Murphy off a couple times and you can go back at it. Ha! 40 + years of bending wrenches is very mmmmm. You will see, you have good common sense and never forget to look outside the box. Fix it ideas will come to you in REM sleep, learn a remembering technique like yelling brazos or something when the answer to your problems plays out in front of you. In this case maybe --"CRAZY 4.0"-.

Thanks for showing all the steps…now I know I’d rather have a shop deal with this mess. 😂

Chris fix face reveal 😂

I have a 2010 Ford Explorer, The Transmission won't shift when cold, but when it gets warm it works okay, however, after I added more fluid It doesn't shift at all, is the transmission dead or there might be a couple solutions I should try

Great instructions. Helped me out alot. Thanks

Great video, what’s the power tool you’re using?

59-1:02 🤓

I have an 2005 explorer with 160k miles on it. One owner before me and unsure if transmission fluid was ever changed so not sure if I want to do it or not; also the band inside thst shifts it into 3rd gear broke.

Yeaaaaaaa baby,,that's wram talkn bout rite der.

Pulled it & Realized Somethin' Bigger than that is Supposed to be Inserted in that ...What !

My Explorer whines from the transmission at normal driving loads . I'm thinking the front pump has issues . Do you think changing the filter and fluid would help or should I change the front pump ?

I got questions can the Ford F-150 4.2 v6 fit into the 2001 explorer sport and what would I need to make it happen

I drained the tranny fluid out buy removing the tranny plug how many quarts dose it take to fill it up

do you by any chance have a video how to remove 4 L engine from 2007 explorer? thank you In advance

Where did u get the pipe to jose adapter home Depot or lowes is it the same for a mercury mountaineer 09

Can you show us how to make a secret sauce oil pump like the one you have ... I thought it was a time machine

Very good video, thanks. Were did you get your scavenge pump ?

Excellent! Thanks!

I got one for ya, 06 xplorer, was leaking a drop here drip there. It got way worse. We yanked it, did a main front seal, reinstalled, drove around the block, around town on streets. Was fine.. Get it on the hwy and in 2,3-5 miles starting blowing out the bellhousing like before we did the seal. Meaning front seal was not the issue, ok. With low pressure we blew into the vent tube with air the fluid bubbles so the vent tube is not clogged. Drop the pan looks at the filter it was not that bad flood was nice and bright red. Higher mileage transmission it was service throughout its life from the original owner that my buddy bought it from they have replaced the valve body a year-and-a-half ago maybe. Any idea I've worked actually leaking from where the bellhousing in the motor connect? Any insight from anyone would be great.. I wasn't really paying attention cuz I was just glad to have it done but if it's over full this is what'll happen right.. I'll have to ask my buddy if he's did a self leveling while it's warm.. other than that man I'm I'm up in arms on what's going on with this tranny I don't do Fords I play with Chevy's 4064 a lady 700 r4 s400 turbo never had a trans problem with like this before..

Hola, yo tengo una Explorer 2003 motor 4.6 V8, la pregunta es si la camioneta que muestras tiene el mismo motor que el mio

Any different on a 98 Explorer? Same engine and I believe trans.

I find it interesting that you didn't feel it necessary to run through the gears to make sure the torque converter was full. Can you explain please. Thanks

Did you use teflon tape when reinstalling the T30 plug ?

I wish I knew this about 3 days ago I change my fluid in my 98 Ford explorer what 187,000 miles on it now the transmission a little bit late to find this out now in everyday you learn new lesson and sometimes it cost money

I broke my breaker bar trying to spin off the bolts for the strut on my explorer

Great stuff Platinum, Thanks for all of the help.

Need a used transmission and a rear timing chain tensor before it breaks 115kmilage front was done at 80 let me know if you are interested

Does this work for a 2006 mustang GT?

Can I use dexron 3 & Mercian specification for an 07

Doesnt this transmission requires 13 quartz ??

Can these trans go into mustangs like a 06 mustang 4.0

Is this the same fill procedure with a Brand New Transmission?

What was that pump ? How do you make that ?

Genius

How do we lift back ???

💯

Do you do it in park

Actually have a question about my 05 4.0, it is quiet until it gets warmed up, then it rattles, it's quiet as a church mouse until warm, u ever run into that

How many quarts you used?

The fuking man !!!

I just installed a transmission from the junkyard and I had to pull the pan so I assumed I would be putting in five quarts as the trans should be pretty empty. I've only put three and a half quarts of new fluid in and it's already a full stream coming out (cold) like yours was when you said it was overfilled. I'm not sure if I should keep putting more in. Thoughts?

wondering if you have a good video on transmission removal and install on the explorers

I've seen some other sources/sites where they say not all of the fluid will come out by draining so you have to put in as much fluid as you can, drive it a bit, drain again, top off with new fluid, drive it again, etc etc....repeat this 2-3 times, so all the fluid in the trans is displaced by new fluid.

Hey brother , I owned Explorer 08 , recently I top up my transmission fluid whiteout opening the pan , after that my transmission started giving loud noise , can you please advise what went wrong and what should I do now , gear shifting also affected with a bit delay.

I got a 08 ford explorer, got it from an older guy who had it serviced every 3 months... had it for a little over a year now and was wondering if it would be okay to get the fluid and filter changed? Haven't done it yet and it's a high mileage vehicle. It runs good and was well taken care of. So to late to worry about the filter you think or still good? Appreciate any help.