5R55S Banner Rebuild Kit 2002-2005, new and ready to install. Fits the 5R55S. Ships fast from the USA.
A 2002-2005 Explorer, Mountaineer, Aviator, Lincoln LS or Thunderbird with a 5R55S that slips, flares on the 1-2 or 2-3, or engages late into Drive usually ends up on the bench. This banner kit is the soft-parts package for that job: a complete transmission overhaul kit of gaskets and seals, a standard set of friction clutch plates and the steel clutch plates. The manufacturer applies the same kit to the 5R55W used in early Explorers and Mountaineers.
The 5R55S and 5R55W are five-speeds controlled by a solenoid body that, as Transmission Digest explains, uses four on/off shift solenoids, a TCC solenoid and three variable force solenoids to set clutch and servo pressure. When frictions wear or piston seals start to leak, the adaptive strategy in the PCM keeps adding pressure to hide it until it runs out of room and the unit slips. Replacing every friction, steel and seal returns the packs to the clearance the controls expect. Sonnax notes that hard parts differ between the two: the W uses a 24-tooth overdrive sun gear, the S a 38-tooth gear. Soft parts are what this kit replaces, so either unit can use it. Bands and the filter are not listed as part of this kit, so price those separately if yours are worn.
This family has several faults that look like worn clutches. Sonnax documents that worn overdrive and intermediate servo pin bores in the case leak apply oil, upset shift timing and cause delayed reverse, and a new seal kit will not fix them; the case needs sleeving. A stuck low/reverse servo control valve also causes delayed reverse on its own. Worn VFS modulator bores in the valve body can cut pressure enough to set ratio codes. Our 5R55 harsh or delayed shifts walkthrough separates those from real clutch wear. If the problem is electrical, check the 5R55S internal wiring harness before anything comes apart.
The listing covers 2002-2005 5R55S and 5R55W units: Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer with the 4.0L, plus Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln LS, Ford Thunderbird and Mustang applications of the 5R55S. Not every nameplate used this transmission for every year in that range. According to Sonnax, the LS and Thunderbird used the 5R55N through 2002 and switched to the S for 2003, and Explorers and Mountaineers used the W for 2002-03 before moving to the S for 2004-05. The N is not covered by this kit. Read the code on the door-jamb label and match the case tag, or send us your year and VIN. Later years are covered by the 2002-2007 5R55S banner kit and the 2008 version, and the full lineup is on our 5R55 parts page.
| Fits | 5R55S 2002-2005 |
| Part type | Banner Rebuild Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. The kit is applied to both the 5R55W and 5R55S in 2002-2005 vehicles. It does not fit the 5R55N used in the 2002 Lincoln LS and Thunderbird or the older 5R55E.
A transmission overhaul kit of gaskets and seals, a set of friction clutch plates and the steel clutch plates. Bands and a filter are not listed, so order those separately if needed.
Only if worn clutches are the cause. Worn servo pin bores and a sticking low/reverse servo control valve also cause delayed reverse and must be repaired during the rebuild.
Mercon V. Dry fill is about 11.2 quarts behind the 3.0L or 3.9L and 12.4 to 12.7 quarts behind the 4.0L or 4.6L. Set the level hot at the fill plug.
Yes. These units use adaptive shift strategy, so clear the adaptive tables and do a relearn drive after the rebuild.
