Tranny help!

[Ironhead Dave]

02 4x4 auto. The shift lever has always been a little touchy about going into gear like it needed to be in between the positions. I probably should adjust it but if you wiggled it, it would work. So today it act like it popped out of gear. never done that before but I wiggle it and it seems to catch after a couple tries and goes. Never done that before either. Anyway, my wife takes off and it stops going and the message board says to check transmission. If I put in reverse or low, it 'seems' to work fine. I didn't push it as I was more worried about getting it in the garage before the next storm hit.

I see that there is no way to check the fluid. The owners manual say that it should be checked regularly by a Ford certified mechanic so I know it can be done. It has 150+k miles. Is it just wishful thinking that the fluid could be bad? I know my zero turn mower had a 'non-serviceable' trans and when it stopped going, a factory rep told me that the fluid was broke down and wouldn't make enough pressure. He told me how to change it and it was fine after that.

Long story longer....is there a way to check the fluid. I've been under the truck and I see nothing obvious. Is this thing serviceable or am I just out?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[ponkotsu]

02 4x4 auto. The shift lever has always been a little touchy about going into gear like it needed to be in between the positions. I probably should adjust it but if you wiggled it, it would work. So today it act like it popped out of gear. never done that before but I wiggle it and it seems to catch after a couple tries and goes. Never done that before either. Anyway, my wife takes off and it stops going and the message board says to check transmission. If I put in reverse or low, it 'seems' to work fine. I didn't push it as I was more worried about getting it in the garage before the next storm hit.

I see that there is no way to check the fluid. The owners manual say that it should be checked regularly by a Ford certified mechanic so I know it can be done. It has 150+k miles. Is it just wishful thinking that the fluid could be bad? I know my zero turn mower had a 'non-serviceable' trans and when it stopped going, a factory rep told me that the fluid was broke down and wouldn't make enough pressure. He told me how to change it and it was fine after that.

Long story longer....is there a way to check the fluid. I've been under the truck and I see nothing obvious. Is this thing serviceable or am I just out?

Thanks,
Dave

It has a drain plug on the pan. There's a large nut with a torx plug in the middle of it. If you want to check the fluid quality, just loosen the center torx plus and let a little fluid drain out into a cup. It definitely won't hurt to change it. Might buy you a few more miles of use.

 

[Explorer0204]

It has a drain plug on the pan. There's a large nut with a torx plug in the middle of it. If you want to check the fluid quality, just loosen the center torx plus and let a little fluid drain out into a cup. It definitely won't hurt to change it. Might buy you a few more miles of use.

What he said. Hate to say it but that is a big killer of transmissions in general. Old won out fluid. I hope for your sake it can be remedied cheaply.
Good luck.

 

[Ironhead Dave]

Ok. So I can drain it no problem but how do I refill it and how much fluid, what type, etc.? Is there a filter I should change also? I do not have a FSM only an owner's manual that says don't touch.

 

[F SANE IL]

Ok. So I can drain it no problem but how do I refill it and how much fluid, what type, etc.? Is there a filter I should change also? I do not have a FSM only an owner's manual that says don't touch.

I think your cheapest solution in changing fluid is a trans shop. Unless your local mom/pop shop has the right tools. On these trannies it has to be flushed as far as I know. There's no fill hole.

 

[ponkotsu]

Don't flush it if it's never been changed. Too much risk. Most shops won't even do it unless you have a record of regular flushes.

You can do it yourself.

1. With engine off, drain out all the old fluid with the large plug, then reinstall plug.
2. Refill with 1 more quart than you drained out. Easiest way to fill it is to use one of the 3 speed sensor plugs on the top left of the tranny. Remove the cap screw and pull the speed sensor out. Use a hand pump and flexible hose to pump the fluid in.
3. Start engine and warm it up to normal temp.
4. With the engine running in Park and parking brake on, remove the center torx plug and allow the excess to drain out. It's hot, so wear at least some nitrile gloves for a little protection.
5. Reinstall the plug before shutting off engine or too much fluid will drain out.

 

[Ironhead Dave]

Don't flush it if it's never been changed. Too much risk. Most shops won't even do it unless you have a record of regular flushes.

You can do it yourself.

1. With engine off, drain out all the old fluid with the large plug, then reinstall plug.
2. Refill with 1 more quart than you drained out. Easiest way to fill it is to use one of the 3 speed sensor plugs on the top left of the tranny. Remove the cap screw and pull the speed sensor out. Use a hand pump and flexible hose to pump the fluid in.
3. Start engine and warm it up to normal temp.
4. With the engine running in Park and parking brake on, remove the center torx plug and allow the excess to drain out. It's hot, so wear at least some nitrile gloves for a little protection.
5. Reinstall the plug before shutting off engine or too much fluid will drain out.

Thanks Ponkotsu! I knew there had to be a way! Any guess as to how much fluid I will need? I would like to get it ahead of time if possible. Also, is it just normal ATF?

 

[Ironhead Dave]

I just got off the phone with my step-brother who is a Ford mechanic. (I always forget about him because we live 6 hours away and don't talk too much). Anyway, he suggested to go for a drive. If it shifts into 1,3, and 4 fine but not 2 and 5, then it is probablya band that broke. He said Ford went with a cheaper band on these to save $ and they are known to break. Guess I'm going for a drive after work. Man I don't want to get into this thing!

Anyone else know about this?

 

[Exproblems]

Man I don't want to get into this thing!

Anyone else know about this?

Back in early December I had the tranny pan fluid (about 6-7 quarts) changed along with the filter at a tranny shop, cost me $150 out the door parts and labor incl.

 

[ponkotsu]

I just got off the phone with my step-brother who is a Ford mechanic. (I always forget about him because we live 6 hours away and don't talk too much). Anyway, he suggested to go for a drive. If it shifts into 1,3, and 4 fine but not 2 and 5, then it is probablya band that broke. He said Ford went with a cheaper band on these to save $ and they are known to break. Guess I'm going for a drive after work. Man I don't want to get into this thing!

Anyone else know about this?

Never heard that before. If it's a broken band, I would think it wouldn't shift at all. You can check the band. Go through the adjustment procedure. I don't remember the torque, but you tighten to a specific torque then back off 1 turn. If it's broken, you won't be able to tighten it. I'd be much more inclined to think it's the worn servo bores, that's what goes on all these trannys.