King Ranch 4x4 FX4
81k mikes
Extended warranty

Have Pulled 4800lb camper 20k thru western mountains no issues

recently had transmission flushed as preventative maint. 1st tow after flush (uhaul trailer 2200lbs) and transmission got hot (not pegged). I backed off speed and it cooled, and pulled over when I could. Noticed tx fluid all down trailer and coated then underside of truck.

took to tshop to check, and it was quart low. They topped me off and now getting ready to get back on road.

what would have caused it to blow fluid out ? ThinkI did damage ? It’s running normal now but i have to get backon road in am.

don’t know whether to take back to shop that flushed it, or take to ford and see if they’ll look at it under warranty

thoughts on cause ?
Thoughts on next steps?

thx

 

LV fluid expands more than the older fluids. What temperature did you get to?

 

when I switched to the trans guage it was little over 3/4. Not sure how hot it got before I checked.

I drove it back (4hrs), staying out of turbos as much as possible and the trans temp never went above normal (1/2 way)

guessing they either overfilled it causing it to get hot, or possibly the filter stopped up briefly?

 

Overfilling the transmission will not cause it to overheat. Underfilling might, as the oil gets cycled to the TC and bearings more often without being given additional cooling time. The higher temperature of the oil will cause more heat transfer at the exchanger, but it's not a 1:1 ratio of heat added Vs heat removed.

Are you certain the shop used Ford LV fluid, and that the correct filter was installed?

 

Took it back to shop today. Found out they didn't really do a "flush" or a "change". They took out the plug, sucked fluid out, and put fluid back in . They checked it out, fluid level normal, cooler not stopped up. Basically said "We don't know what's going on with it" . This may be one of those things I just don't get an answer too.

 

I'd question whether or not the correct fluid was put in. These transmissions are pretty finicky about having the correct fluid used as the specs are slightly different between Ford and GM. I'd do a flush and filter I could control, either do it myself or have a Ford dealership do it. Then, it if acts up again down the road, you know you've got the correct fluid in it and the correct amount, and the filter is good.

 

I'd be curious to know if they didn't put the dip stick plug back on or didn't tighten it down. If they didn't do anything but suck some fluid out and pump some more it then that's the only thing I could think happened. They don't sound like a very confident shop so i'd do as suggested and do the fluid and filter yourself. It's very easy to do.

 

the 19mm plug was tight.. I verified that at the small shop i stopped at. the shop that did the work is a good shop, i've know them for a long time. He's just as perplexed as I am. Having said that, anyone can make a mistake.

My plan now is to take it to ford and do a "real" transmission flush. Not sure how warranty would handle this, or even if I have a claim.

thx again

 

Did they use genuine Motorcraft LV fluid? If not, or there is any suspicion they did not, I would have the work redone with the correct fluid and a full drain and fill.

If this never happened before the service, it seems like it is either incorrect fluid or incorrect level.