Replaced transmission, having same issues

[KitGames]

A week ago after getting our AC repaired and our oil gaskets replaced on our way home the OD Off light began flashing and it was having trouble shifting when around 30MPH. Took it back to the shop to have it checked and they said it was the torque converter. We had the whole tranny replaced with a remanufactured tranny. Got it back yesterday, today it's having the same exact issues which leads me to think it wasn't the tranny.

We're going to bring it back and see what they say, but before I do I'd like to have some ideas as to what it could be if it's not the torque converter. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[KitGames]

Nothing?

We went for a little trip to Taco Bell. When we started the truck the OD Off light was not flashing and we had no issues this trip.

I've read that you should take it to have the codes read if the OD Off light flashes, but Auto-Zone et. al don't have readers that will read these codes. Heard AAMCO will check for free but I wonder if the OD Off light isn't flashing if the code reader will see anything from past trips?

 

[albi1cnobi1]

When you turn the truck off it resets the tranny out of limp mode(flashing OD light). The old code should still be stored in the memory even if the light is off. If the problem that set the code is still there then the light will trip again after a couple of drive cycles.

 

[SoNic67]

The cheap ELM327 readers can read transmission codes with appropriate software like Torque for Android devices or Forscan for Windows and iPhone devices.

 

[KitGames]

When you turn the truck off it resets the tranny out of limp mode(flashing OD light). The old code should still be stored in the memory even if the light is off. If the problem that set the code is still there then the light will trip again after a couple of drive cycles.

Thanks. The light started flashing again today when we went on a longer trip. We tried calling the shop and AAMCO but they're closed today, it's good to know they should be able to read the codes if the light isn't flashing.

The cheap ELM327 readers can read transmission codes with appropriate software like Torque for Android devices or Forscan for Windows and iPhone devices.

Thank you. We could order one but we'd have to wait a few days, tried looking it up at O'Reilly's, Auto-Zone, and Advanced but their search engines don't seem to find it. What about it makes it able to read transmission codes? I notice a few say "Check engine light and CAN-BUS" but most only say "Check engine light", some have ELM327 on them and others don't.

I have a Kindle Fire and a laptop, so I guess the OBD2 type would be the ones I should look for.

*Edit- Weird how typing "ELM327" automatically links to Amazon. I thought you linked that on purpose.*

 

[SoNic67]

I am not sure if Kindle/Amazon has Torque. I didn't try to install on mine, I have it on my phones.
In order to see the transmission codes in Torque, you have to load supplementary PID's - the have a custom set for Fords.
But the best app is Forscan, it really sees everything, including ABS, GEM, PATS...

 

[KitGames]

I am not sure if Kindle/Amazon has Torque. I didn't try to install on mine, I have it on my phones.

Kindle does not. I downloaded TouchScan, which is plainly inferior. I used their transmission PID's but they didn't return any codes, they just tell me what my RPMs are at when the torque converter slips.

In order to see the transmission codes in Torque, you have to load supplementary PID's - the have a custom set for Fords.
But the best app is Forscan, it really sees everything, including ABS, GEM, PATS...

I downloaded Forscan to my laptop but setting it up is not intuitive at all. Didn't get the chance to use it before returning the truck to the shop. The truck has been there for a week, apparently they are clueless. They've got the transmission torn apart trying to find the damage, said they'd call us Friday but didn't. We tried calling today but our guy wasn't available so we left a message. Hopefully they'll return our call with some information for us but I've got a feeling they're standing around with their thumbs up their butts. Patience is not my strong suite.

Sorry for the rant, thanks for the tips.

 

[fast_dave]

Have you tried disconnecting the battery overnight to clear out the computer?

Can't hurt - just saying...

 

[KitGames]

Have you tried disconnecting the battery overnight to clear out the computer?

Can't hurt - just saying...

No. I can't set Forscan up until I get my truck back. It's still at the shop, they're waiting for the warranty company to approve the repairs. Looks like it will be next week before I get it back.

 

[KitGames]

I just want to cry

Got the truck back today and on my way home it started having shifting issues, by the time I got home the OD off light was flashing again. I don't know what to do. Guess I can set-up my Forscan, but I doubt that will tell me anything the shop can't already see with their scanners. I hate to call and tell them it's having problems again as I doubt they know how to fix it and as far as I know the warranty is with them so it will cost me money to go elsewhere. Plus I'd hate to go without a vehicle for another two or more weeks.

 

[KitGames]

We still owe money on it, another two years of payments. Also instead of repairing the last remanufactured transmission from Ford, they installed another remanufactured transmission from Ford. What would you do if this was happening to you?

As far as I know my options are to take it back to them and probably have the same issues continue, take it to another place which will cost me money I don't have and there's no guarantee they'll fix it right either, try to get some sucker to take over the payments(Which I'm morally against and it also means I've got to come up with money I don't have to buy another vehicle), or drive it until it fails and have it towed back to them. Are there other options I'm not aware of?

EDIT: Here's a question. When they replace a transmission does that come with solenoids or are the solenoids separate?

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Set up your ForScan and post back what you find. Even though you may see the same codes the shop is seeing, there are plenty of experts here who may be able to help you. Perhaps they'll see something the shop is missing.

 

[KitGames]

Set up your ForScan and post back what you find. Even though you may see the same codes the shop is seeing, there are plenty of experts here who may be able to help you. Perhaps they'll see something the shop is missing.

Thanks. I'll on that tomorrow as I have to get ready for work now.

 

[Bobmbx]

Where does the AC condensate exit the vehicle? On my 2006 I had huge tranny weirdness due to the condensate drain location, which is right above the tranny electrical connector. Water would work its way into the connector and play havoc with driveability.

 

[fast_dave]

Just saying To establish a baseline, have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours, so that the computer (which in part controls the transmission) can reset back to all of the factory parameters?

 

[beach]

Yeah I was gonna say, had you tried leaving the battery off to see if the code clears? To get another transmission with the same exact issue seems odd, guess could be coincidence, but have to wonder if something in the code is hanging causing a glitch. You would think the shop would clear and reset though. What about he electrical sensor for the trans as Bob mentioned?

 

[Bobmbx]

Just saying To establish a baseline, have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours, so that the computer (which in part controls the transmission) can reset back to all of the factory parameters?

Follow this procedure to the letter. I did, trying to solve a specific issue, and after completing it, I had what felt like a brand new powertrain.

 

[KitGames]

Alrighty, got home, set-up Forscan and got code PO733 from the DTC section. Made a log and here it is:

===OBDII DTC None===
Successfull DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: On Board Diagnostic II

===END OBDII DTC None===

===PCM DTC P0733===
Code: P0733 - Transmission Gear #3 incorrect ratio

Module: Powertrain Control Module

Diagnostic Trouble Code details

Transmission Gear #3 incorrect ratio

Open or Shorted Shift Solenoid circuits.

Suspect shift solenoid(s).

This DTC may be caused by :

Suspect Internal Transmission Component(s).

===END PCM DTC P0733===

===RCM DTC None===
Successfull DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Restraint Control Module

===END RCM DTC None===

===GEM DTC B1818===
Code: B1818 - Rear wiper motor up relay circuit failure

Module: Generic Electronic Module

Diagnostic Trouble Code details

Rear wiper motor up relay circuit failure

===END GEM DTC B1818===

===ABS DTC None===
Successfull DTC reading, no error codes found

Module: Anti-Lock Brake / Traction Control Module

===END ABS DTC None===

Not really sure how to use Forscan effectively, I didn't mess around with the PIDs or anything.

Where does the AC condensate exit the vehicle? On my 2006 I had huge tranny weirdness due to the condensate drain location, which is right above the tranny electrical connector. Water would work its way into the connector and play havoc with driveability.

I don't know, I'll have to look into that, thank you.

Just saying To establish a baseline, have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours, so that the computer (which in part controls the transmission) can reset back to all of the factory parameters?

Thanks for the reminder Dave. I've disconnected the battery after seeing your comment, I'll reconnect in the morning. Would the transmission have trouble shifting just because it's in the memory? That would be weird.

Yeah I was gonna say, had you tried leaving the battery off to see if the code clears? To get another transmission with the same exact issue seems odd, guess could be coincidence, but have to wonder if something in the code is hanging causing a glitch. You would think the shop would clear and reset though. What about he electrical sensor for the trans as Bob mentioned?

Yes, very odd. Not sure if the shop cleared it or not, I know my radio settings were the same so they didn't disconnect the battery. I don't know enough to know where the AC condensate exits, I'll have to look into it. Thanks.

Follow this procedure to the letter. I did, trying to solve a specific issue, and after completing it, I had what felt like a brand new powertrain.

Thanks again Bob. I don't have that tool unfortunately, maybe my brother does, he's an AC tech, I'll have to ask him tomorrow if he has alligator leads because he's asleep. If he can't leave any it'd be this Saturday before he could get to it.

I put that video on my Watch Later list, looks useful.

 

[The Chief]

I had the same problem with the OD/Off light flashing...ended up being a solenoid pack. Just in case...

 

[Bobmbx]

Thanks again Bob. I don't have that tool unfortunately, maybe my brother does, he's an AC tech, I'll have to ask him tomorrow if he has alligator leads because he's asleep. If he can't leave any it'd be this Saturday before he could get to it.

I put that video on my Watch Later list, looks useful.

Any kind of wire will work; you're just shorting the + and - sides of the cars electrical system together. You could take both leads off the battery and just hold them together; same thing.

DON'T SHORT THE BATTERY TERMINALS! Bad joojoo will happen.