Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Automatic Transmission - Overhaul - 5R55E Automatic Transmission: Description
The 5R55E is an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features a 4 element torque converter with Torque Converter Clutch (TCC), 3 compound planetary gear sets, 3 clutch bands, 3 multi-plate clutches and 2 one-way clutches. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls TCC using a pulse-width modulated TCC solenoid.
The 5R55E 5-speed transmission is very similar to the 4R44E 4-speed transmission. The 5-speed applies the front band and forward clutch to achieve a lower 2nd gear ratio than the 4-speed. See 5R55E GEAR RATIO . In the 5R55E, the 3rd, 4th and 5th gears are achieved in the same manner as 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the 4-speed, respectively.
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1st | 2.47:1 |
| 2nd | 1.87:1 |
| 3rd | 1.47:1 |
| 4th | 1.00:1 |
| 5th | .75:1 |
| Reverse | 2.10:1 |
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.