The Ford Thunderbird was equipped with the 4R70W transmission in early models and 5R55S transmission in later models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Ford Thunderbird transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ford Thunderbird Transmission Models
Ford Thunderbird: 4R75E / 4R70W Transmission
Ford Thunderbird: 5R55S Transmission
Ford Thunderbird Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement 4R75E / 4R75W / 4R70W Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4R75E/W 4R70W | 2025 |
Replacement 5R55S Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 5R55S/N/W/E | 2203 |
What are the DTC codes related to Ford Thunderbird transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0775 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' |
| P0782 | 2-3 Shift |
| P0795 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' |
| P0797 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Stuck On |
| P0798 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
| P1762 | Nissan DTC: Direct Clutch Solenoid Valve |
Ford Thunderbird Transmission Recalls
None Found
Ford Thunderbird Transmission Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 05-21-8 – Delayed or harsh reverse engagement – 5R55S Transmission
2004 – 2005 Ford Explorer – 2004 – 2005 Ford Thunderbird – 2004 – 2005 Lincoln LS – 2004 – 2005 Lincoln Aviator – 2004 – 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
Problem – Some vehicles may experience a delayed or harsh reverse gear engagement due to improper pressure control
Solution – It may be necessary to place the solenoid body assembly, valve body and/or an in-line filter
Common Problems with the Ford Thunderbird Transmission
TCC Application in 2nd Gear – 4R70 / 4R70W Transmission
2005 – 2006 Ford Crown Victoria – 2005 – 2006 Ford E-150 – 2005 – 2006 Ford E-250 – 2005 – 2006 Ford Expedition – 2005 – 2006 Ford F-150 – 2005 – 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis – 2005 – 2006 Lincoln Town Car – 2005 – 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
Problem – A lack of power after the 1-2 shift can be caused by an un-commanded torque converter clutch application / TCC apply. The P0742 and/or P1742 DTCs may also be stored.
Solution – the #7 check ball inside of the valve body may have worn down to an incorrect size, allowing the torque converter clutch to apply after the 1-2 shift. Replacement of this check ball may solve the problem.
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Ford Thunderbird can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Ford Thunderbird transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Ford Thunderbird transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford Thunderbird transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Ford Thunderbird transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford Thunderbird transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Ford Thunderbird transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Ford Thunderbird transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Ford Thunderbird transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford Thunderbird transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ford Thunderbird Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Ford Thunderbird Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford Thunderbird Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford Thunderbird Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Ford Thunderbird Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Hello I am going to order a Transmisson from you for my Thunderbird very soon so I was checking with installers in my area that you suggested but the Labor charge is over double your Est. of $484.50. is this normal ? Thank you
at 60mph my tac is reading 2k rpm and the transmission does not shift after that… so at 70 it reads 2500 rpms and 80mph I am at close to 3000 rpms. also… the T- bird is a 2002 and has only 3500 miles.
We just tried out a 2003 Ford Thunderbird with about 87,000 miles on it. When the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, there is a “clunk”. When it goes to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear, it seems to “slip” for about one second. Otherwise, the rest of the gears shifted fine.
Error code E on dash. Used a scanner from car dealership and it didn’t pull any codes! Recently replaced PCM COPS and spark plugs. Car drives and shift amazing
I have a 2002 ford thunderbird. When I put it in reverse and give it a little gas it shutters. It only has 89,000 miles on it. No engine codes are showing. And forward gears seam ok.
Hard upshift
94 4.6 thunderbird did motor and tranny swap the new tranny wasn’t up shifting so took it out put original back in it now it’s not engaging at all
1and 2 gears work, won’t go in 3-4 gears!
My 1990 t-bird transmission won’t go in to 3-4th gear. I got 1-2 just fine . But I have to drop it down in D1 to
pick up third gear but no 4th gear at all
Won’t go in 3and4 gears, have reverse tho!
2003 Thunderbird down shifts after 4000RPM. Also has small leak.
2003 TBIRD E light has never went out. Harsh or rough shifting, had reman transmission installed at dealer, same problem existed and transmission failed. They replaced it and same thing. Have 4 months warranty on transmission still but dealer doesn’t want anything to do with my car now. Spent well over 10k on it and haven’t went over a thousand miles since taking it to them, Titus-Will in Tacoma
89 ford thunderbird with the 3.8l v6 54,583 miles transmission had trouble shifting on first test drive and now periodically shifts mainly sticking in 2nd can manually downshift to first and all shifter gears work other than the aod I’ve replaced the neutral safety switch as well as the transmission filter and fluid and added trans x with no change is there a control module that controls the shift of the transmission
Won’t shift into 3rd or4th
I have a 1993 T-bird v6. Automatic. Drive 1, D and Overdrive. The overdrive does not engage. The engine revs in Overdrive. The car seams to work fine in drive.
I have no I have no forward gears I heard a squealing sound when I put it in the drive and there’s no drive only reverse
My 55 t-bird gets hung up between shifts. It’s a 3-speed stock transmission
I have the dreaded ‘E’ problem.
Transmission get hot
Gets hot
i have a 2003 tbird that just had a new pcm replaced. it has 40k miles. the transmission slams into gear now and the check engine light is on.
went thru that nightmare also. After 2 pcm’s replaced (A1 Cardone doing rebuild for Ford dealer/CarQuest) with shift problems still present I found one used from a wrecking yard and no more problems.