5R55W Clutch Module, new and ready to install. Fits the 5R55W. Ships fast from the USA.
A 2002-2005 Explorer or Mountaineer with the 5R55W that has started to slip on the highway, flare when it picks up 3rd or 4th, or take a long breath before it moves in Drive usually has cooked friction plates by the time anyone pulls the pan and finds black, burnt-smelling fluid. This 5R55W clutch module is the replacement friction set for the clutch positions in the unit, with directional grooved lining on every plate. It is listed for 5R55W and 5R55S transmissions built from 2002 on. It is frictions only: you supply the steels, filter, seals, gaskets and bands.
The 5R55W uses three multi-plate clutches and three bands to make five forward gears and reverse. The forward clutch is on in every forward range, the coast clutch gives engine braking in manual ranges, and the direct clutch is on in reverse and the upper gears. The plates in this pack are the wearing half of those clutches; the drum piston presses them against the steels, and the grip they produce is what moves the truck. The directional grooves are cut so fluid sweeps across the face in one direction while the clutch applies, which keeps the lining cool and the apply even. On the W, apply pressure for each clutch is not set by springs alone. The PCM commands variable force solenoids, and the valve body modulator valves turn that signal into clutch pressure, so any leak in that path shows up as slip at the plates.
Frictions on this unit rarely wear out on their own. Sonnax notes that the VFS modulator bores in the W/S valve body wear with cycling, and once the adaptive strategy runs out of room the unit slips or sets ratio codes. Worn servo pin bores in the case let band apply oil escape, and in a documented 2006 Explorer a leaking end plug in the forward engagement circuit burned the forward clutch while everything else tested normal. Before you order, work through our 5R55W Explorer slipping guide, and if the complaint is losing the 3-4 shift, the 5R55W 3-4 clutch failure guide. Our write-up on servo pin bore wear covers the case check. A new pack will not survive an unrepaired pressure leak.
Listed for the 5R55W and 5R55S from 2002 forward. The W was used in 2002-2003 Explorer and Mountaineer, then gave way to the S. The pack is also referenced for the 5R55N, but Sonnax warns that only a few N parts interchange with the W/S, so treat an N-equipped Jaguar S-Type, early Lincoln LS or 2002 Thunderbird as a check-first case. The 5R55E in the Ranger and early Explorer is a separate design and this pack is not for it. Read the unit code on the transmission tag rather than going by model year, compare our 5R55S vs 5R55W guide, or send us your year and VIN. The rest of our parts for this family are on the 5R55 parts page.
| Fits | 5R55W |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| 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.
The friction plates for the clutch positions in the 5R55W, all with directional grooved lining. Steel plates, the filter, seals, gaskets and bands are not included.
Yes, the pack is listed for both the 5R55W and 5R55S from 2002 on. Confirm the unit code on the transmission tag, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it before it ships.
No. Rangers with a five-speed automatic use the 5R55E, which is a different transmission. We carry 5R55E parts separately on the 5R55 parts page.
It may be, but on this unit slipping often starts with worn valve body bores or servo pin bores lowering apply pressure. A pressure test and a valve body wet air test tell you whether the frictions are the cause or the casualty.
Mercon V. A remanufacturer installation guide for the 5R55W/S lists about 11.2 quarts dry behind the 3.0/3.9L and 12.4 to 12.7 quarts behind the 4.0/4.6L. Check the level hot at the fill plug and run a relearn.
