5R55E & 5R44E: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Place the selector lever in the Neutral position.
Remove the nut and transmission upper fill tube. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Removing Fluid Level Indicator Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Vehicles equipped with 4WD, remove the transfer case. See appropriate REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article under TRANSFER CASE.
If transmission disassembly is required, drain the transmission fluid.
- For fluid draining, see DRAINING & REFILLING under LUBRICATION in SERVICING article.
To maintain initial drive shaft balance, mark the driveshaft yoke and axle flange, so they can be installed in their original positions. See Fig 2 .
Remove the 4 bolts. Remove the rear driveshaft. See Fig 3 .

Fig 2: Viewing Driveshaft Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 3: Removing Rear Driveshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the starter motor.
NOTE: Mark the torque converter and the flexplate for correct alignment at reinstallation. For 2.3L engines it may be necessary to gain access to the flexplate nuts through the wheel well. See Fig 4 .
Remove the 4 nuts.
Rotate the crankshaft for access to the flexplate nuts. See Fig 5
Disconnect the shift cable. See Fig 6 .
1. Disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever.
2. Disconnect the shift cable from the bracket.
  
  Fig 4: Gaining Access To Flexplate Nuts (2.3L)
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 5: Gaining Access To Flexplate Nuts (3.0L & 4.0L)
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 6: Disconnecting Shift Cable
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect transmission wiring harness from the case.
1. Remove wiring harness from the shift cable bracket.
2. Remove shift cable retainer from the case.
Disconnect the transmission wiring harness. See Fig 7 .
1. Disconnect the transmission connector.
2. Disconnect the Intermediate Shaft Speed (ISS) sensor.
3. Disconnect the digital Transmission Range (TR) sensor connector.
4. Disconnect the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor.
Remove the 3-way catalytic converter.
NOTE: For 2.3L engines remove the rear engine cover plate. See Fig 8 .

Fig 7: Disconnecting Transmission Wiring Harness
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 8: Removing Rear Engine Cover For 2.3L Engines
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage the cooler lines.
Hold the case fitting and remove the transmission cooler lines. See Fig 9 .
Remove the nuts. See Fig 10 .
DO NOT allow the transmission to hang freely. Position a suitable jack under the transmission. Raise and support the transmission. See Fig 11 .

Fig 9: Removing Transmission Cooler Lines
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 10: Removing Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 11: Supporting Transmission
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolts. Remove the crossmember. See Fig 12 and Fig 13 .
Remove the transmission mount. See Fig 14 .
1. Remove the screws.
2. Remove the transmission mount.
For 2.3L remove the rear vibration damper. See Fig 15 .

Fig 12: Removing Crossmember (4x2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 13: Removing Crossmember (4x4)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 14: Removing & Installing Transmission Mount
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 15: Removing Rear Vibration Damper
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
For 2.3L and 3.0L Remove the transmission upper fill tube. See Fig 16 .
1. Remove the screw.
2. Disconnect the transmission upper fill tube.
Lower transmission to gain access to the transmission-to-engine screws and remove. See Fig 17 .

Fig 16: Removing Transmission Upper Fill Tube (2.3L & 3.0L)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 17: Removing Transmission Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
On 4x4 models, remove the vent tube.

WARNING: Secure the transmission to the transmission jack with a safety chain. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.

The torque converter is heavy and can result in injury if it falls out of the transmission. Secure the torque converter in the transmission. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
Lower the transmission.