Tools that Money Can't Buy and they Pay You to Use
Bob Warnke
The most effective tools are often the ones we make ourselves. The screwdriver with the hookend ground into it for removing snap rings. The broken scribe we welded to the makeshift slide hammer for removing Ford end plugs or the 2004R valve body bolts without heads for alignment pins. You know what I’m referring to: those time-saving specialty tools that many wouldn’t recognize.
This article addresses special tools relating to 5R55E and 5R55W/S transmissions. If you have worked on these units, you’ve already discovered how difficult it is to isolate slip codes and TCC problems. These tools are specific to the 5R units, but you can use your design creativity, a cut-off tool and a drill to make test fixtures from other parts as well.
The 5R55 W/S has a solenoid assembly with an aluminum base plate that can be removed. This base plate can be made into a test plate very easily (see Figure 1). The feed circuits identified in Figure 1 have irregular slots, but if you pre-drill with a 3/16” bit and countersink or use a #5 centering drill, they conform to your rubber-tipped air nozzle perfectly. As with any tool, the more you use it, the more consistent your results. In this case, it not only saves time but identifies how functional the valve body is before you remove it!
The 5R55W/ S, pictured in Figure 2, has problems with slip codes, TCC shudder and delayed engagement. The common practice is to remove the valve body, disassemble the valves and look at the bores. When we do this, we remove the evidence from the case. Warped valve bodies, stuck valves, blown gaskets, worn bores and loose bolts could be missed unless you test the circuits before removing the valve body. On these units, the solenoid circuit test tool can be used while the transmission is still in the vehicle. Within minutes you have the information you need to make a decision on whether the unit has to be pulled or whether you ought to include a valve body in your rebuild estimate.
The 5R55W/S uses a shift solenoid to stroke the shift valve and then uses Variable Force Solenoids (VFS) to control clutch feed rate and line rise. Shift solenoid oil is dead-ended when you use the test plate. To test, use ATF and regulated air of about 40 to 60 psi (referred to as a Wet Air Test, or WAT).
5R55W/S shift solenoid circuits, normal function:
- SSA: Intermediate select valve strokes; direct clutch control valve strokes.
- SSB: Intermediate control valve strokes.
- SSC: OD servo control strokes.
- SSD: Coast clutch control strokes: reverse servo control strokes.
When correct, only these stroke and must return smoothly.
5R55 W/S VFS solenoid circuits, normal function:
- VFSA-1: VFS 1 modulator valve and boost valve stroke.
- VFSB-2: Reverse engagement control, boost valve, VFS 2 modulator valve and forward engagement control valves stroke.
- VFSC-3: Reverse modulator valve strokes. There must be fluid in this circuit to seat the –A- bathtub checkball.
- TCC: Converter pressure modulator and converter control valve stroke.
When correct, you can slowly throttle up and down your air psi and the valves follow. Oil loss at any location is a loss of the VFS oil force. The amount of oil loss depends on how much air pressure is used, the ATF in the circuit and severity of bore wear. If you practice with known good and high mileage units, you’ll be able to recognize the problem areas.
Valve body concerns in the 5R55Es and 4R44Es are very difficult to identify once removed from the unit. Poor line rise is the most common concern, which results in delayed forward or delay/no reverse, slip 1-2, no 2nd or no 2-3. Another concern occurs after forced downshifts. Then, line pressure and EPC may remain high and cause harsh engagements or shifting.
Figure 3 illustrates how to make a tool from a 5R55E EPC solenoid. You can do this same test using a 4L60-E or 4L80-E force motor to isolate GM torque signal circuits.
On the 5R55E shown in Figure 4, the regulated air psi is fed into the isolation tool after removing the EPC force motor. I suggest you gain experience on a valve body that works well, then on a problematic one. Any oil loss (indicated in Figure 4) is loss of EPC booster oil.
As with any tool, the more you use it, the more useful it becomes. You’ll wonder how many problems you overlooked before you made these. They will undoubtedly be placed in your special tools drawer.
Bob Warnke is vice president of technical development and a member of the TASC Force® (Technical Automotive Specialties Committee), a group of recognized industry technical specialists, transmission rebuilders and Sonnax Industries Inc. technicians.
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