5R44E and 5R55E
5R44E and 5R55E
Transmission Fluid Cooler
NOTICE: When a transmission is disassembled to install new parts or the installation of a new or remanufactured transmission has been carried out, new transmission fluid coolers, in-tank or auxiliary if equipped, will need to be installed. Using a suitable torque converter/fluid cooler cleaner, clean and backflush the transmission fluid cooler tubes or damage to the new or remanufactured transmission may occur.
NOTICE: Use transmission fluid specified for this transmission. Do not use supplemental fluid additives, treatments or cleaning agent. The use of these materials may affect transmission operation and result in internal damage to the transmission.
NOTE: Cleaning and backflushing the transmission fluid cooling system, along with following all the normal cleaning and inspection procedures as outlined during disassembly and reassembly, will keep contamination from re-entering the transmission and causing a repeat repair.
When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transmission, metal particles, clutch plate material or band material may have been carried into the transmission fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transmission concerns and must be removed from the system before the transmission is put back in use.
When evidence of transmission fluid contamination (for example, metal particles, clutch plate material or band material) is found in the cooling system, the Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test should be carried out.
Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test
NOTE: If the transmission fluid cooler fails the Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test, a new transmission fluid cooler should be installed and the fluid cooler tubes should be cleaned and flushed.
NOTE: The following components should be checked and should be within specifications prior to carrying out this test:
- Engine idle, refer to Computers and Control Systems Information.
- Check transmission fluid level, refer to Preliminary Inspection Preliminary Inspection.
- Line pressure, refer to Special Testing Procedures Special Testing Procedures.
- Transmission must be at normal operating temperature, 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F).
1. Remove transmission fluid level indicator from transmission fluid filler tube.
2. Place funnel in transmission fluid filler tube.
3. Position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting and place suitable safety stands under the vehicle.
4. Prior to carrying out the Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test, check to see if the vehicle is equipped with an in-line transmission fluid filter. If the vehicle is equipped with an in-line transmission fluid filter it must be removed and discarded prior to carrying out the Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test and any system flushing.
5. Remove the cooler return tube (top fitting) from the fitting on the transmission case.
6. Connect one end of a hose to the cooler return tube and route the other end of the hose up to a point where it can be inserted into the funnel at the transmission fluid filler tube.
7. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle. Insert the end of the hose into the funnel.
8. Start the engine and run it at idle with the transmission in PARK.
9. Once a steady flow of transmission fluid (without air bubbles) is observed, remove the hose from the funnel and place the hose in a measuring container for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, place the hose back into the funnel and turn the engine off. Measure the amount of transmission fluid in the container. If adequate transmission fluid flow was observed, approximately 322 ml (11 oz) will be in the measuring container; the test is now complete.
10. If the transmission fluid flow is not adequate, disconnect the hose from the cooler return tube and connect the hose to the cooler inlet (lower fitting) on the transmission case. Reconnect the cooler return tube to the case (top fitting).
11. Repeat Steps 8-9. If the transmission fluid flow is now approximately 322 ml (11 oz) in 15 seconds, install a new transmission fluid cooler and flush the transmission fluid cooler tubes.
12. If the transmission fluid flow from the case is still not adequate, 322 ml (11 oz) in 15 seconds, service the pump, main control and/or torque converter.
13. Once an adequate transmission fluid flow has been established, install a new in-line transmission fluid filter.
Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube
For installation of new transmission fluid cooler tubes, refer to Transmission Cooler, A/T.