ncsurveyor

I have a 2010 SCrew, 4.6L 3v with 6 speed transmission. Parked the truck for a week and upon returning from vacation, noticed a leak on the driveway under the passenger floor pan. I discovered the wiring harness that mounts to the rear of the transmission, to the right side of the drive shaft, is leaking. It's a round, black plastic ring with wires entering the transmission through the center. There is a long "finger" sticking out one side of the ring like a lever for tightening it in the mount. Fluid is dripping off the end of this lever and then running along the exhaust cross-over pipe and also on to a frame cross member, thus spreading the puddle along the driveway. 66k miles and no previous issues with anything other than nails in tires.
Anyone have experience with this and is it something that is an easy do-it-yourself fix? Perhaps twist and pull harness ring, change gasket and re-insert ring?
No luck finding this in the forums. Thanks in advance for your input and suggestions.
Did I menion I never had any trouble with this truck? Love it! Need it! Very happy with it and previously owned 150s.

FoX2012

Why not just take it to the dealer for a fix?

seadragon

It's a known issue and Ford has a TSB on it:

TSB 11-3-25
03/31/11
6R80 TRANSMISSION BULKHEAD CONNECTOR
SLEEVE LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID FORD:
2009-2010 Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac,
Explorer, F-150 LINCOLN:
2009-2010 Navigator MERCURY:
2009-2010 Mountaineer ISSUE
Some 2009-2010 F-150, Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Explorer, Mountaineer and Navigator vehicles equipped with a 6R80 transmission may show signs of transmission fluid leakage around the transmission bulkhead connector sleeve. ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition. SERVICE PROCEDURE
Verify the leak is present at the transmission bulkhead connector sleeve. With the vehicle in neutral, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 100-02.
1. Disconnect the transmission vehicle harness connector by twisting the outer shell and pulling back on the connector. 2. Remove the transmission fluid pan and allow the transmission fluid to drain. 3. Pull the release tab and pull down on the transmission bulkhead electrical connector retainer. 4. With the release tab down, pull the connector sleeve out of the case/mechatronic assembly. 5. Lube new connector sleeve 0-rings with clean transmission fluid, then install connector sleeve into case/mechantronic assembly. 6. Press up on the tab and lock the outer shell of the transmission bulkhead electrical connector sleeve in place. Make sure that the locking tab is securely locked. 7. Install the transmission fluid pan/gasket and refill transmission fluid refer to WSM, Section 307-01 for refill procedure. NOTE DO NOT TOUCH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR PINS OR THE EXPOSED SOLENOID TABS ON THE TRANSMISSION BULKHEAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE MAY OCCUR AND MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). NOTE BULKHEAD CONNECTOR SLEEVES MAY COME WITH RED OR BLACK 0-RING SEALS. USE ONLY BULKHEAD CONNECTOR SLEEVE THAT HAS BLACK 0-RING SEAL FOR THIS PROCEDURE.

ncsurveyor

Thanks for the info, Seadragon. Hard to search for TSBs when you don't know what something is called. Who knew the transmisison had a bulkhead connector?
Thanks again.

ji603

300 fix out of warranty. Have to drop pan to change connector


Well dang. 45000 on my 10 xlt 4.6 built 12/09

Checked the plug... Look familiar? No drips, but obviously leaking.

ji603

Same issue

seadragon

Oh, the irony! I just got back from a week of vacation and noticed an oily spot on the driveway under the truck.

Took it in today and dealer replaced the bulkhead connector per the TSB I posted above.

Bonus is I got new tranny fluid too.

And they replaced the speaker wiring harness on the driver side to fix my speaker problem per another TSB.

All in all, a very productive day!

13Harleyfan

I have one question, why wouldn't the TSB have you disconnect the battery cable first?
I will be checking mine this weekend.

ncsurveyor

Took mine in to the dealer, presented the TSB provided by seadragon and was fixed up same day for $220. Over all a good experience. Thanks for your help, folks.

seadragon

Well, I still have something leaking. Fresh snow under the truck and there were multiple bright yellow spots of fluid. Called the dealer and they said it is coolant. It's going back in on Monday for them to check it.

Arghhh!