Hi everyone. I've been recently getting code P0720 on my truck and I'm wondering about a few things. Firstly, I get trans fluid changes routinely and don't have any modifications. It's a 13 f150 STX with 5.0 V8. I once added about a quarter of a bottle of seafoam transtune about 6 months ago. Simultaneously to that, I had a recall performed on the output sensor to get it reprogrammed. So basically I'm wondering if seafoam can damage sensors (maybe lifts gunk one place to another and blocks them?) and do I HAVE to go to a dealership to get it fixed? I called a few local mechanics and they said when that sensor gets replaced, it has to be reprogrammed and I'm curious if that's BS. It's getting worse and worse every day and I really need help asap. Thank you

 

Forgot to mention. When then code pops up it gets stuck in first gear, airbag light turns on, speedometer goes to zero, and it constantly lunges. I have noticed a decrease in power. Whenever it does happen I pull over and restart it until it fixes and I clear the code with a scanner (recommended by a family member to do so).

 

If you are still under 150,000 miles take it back in, the lead frame itself sounds like it is bad and that is under the 10y/150,000 mile warranty also.

 

The recall reprogramming was only to prevent the transmission shifting to 1st gear at highway speed in the event the speed sensor failed.

Unless the leadframe is replaced, the sensor will likely fail at some point.

As mentioned above, if you are under 150,000 miles, take it back to dealer for warranty repairs.

If you are over 150k, you're on your own.
Mine failed at 158k. With no warning.

Parts availability can be an issue.
I was going to have a trans shop fix mine since I was past warranty, but they couldn't get the part.
Dealers are snatching up parts as soon as they become available.

 

My truck just hit 200k miles so I can't go through the warranty. Anyone know how much a dealership would charge for the leadframe? And would more of that seafoam trans tune help it or make it worse?

 

My repair was around $500 if I recall correctly.
The dealership did the repairs and replaced the leadframe, bulkhead connector seal and another internal seal/bushing thingy, along with filter and fluid change.

Ford Tech Makuloco on YouTube has a video on replacement of these parts that is pretty comprehensive.
A reasonably competent shade tree mechanic could do this at home, but it looks so much easier if you have access to a lift or a pit.
It's a potentially messy job, and getting the fluid level correct after it's done is it's own adventure in possibly burnt skin.

As much as I was loathe to give any stealership a dime to do what should have been a full scale recall on Fords dime, they did get me in and out in 2 days after telling me it could be a week or more.
They saved my Memorial Day weekend.

There have been reports of dealers refusing to sell leadframe kits over the counter so they will have them available for their in house repairs.
YMMV.

 

This is a known hardware issue. I don't see that the Seafoam has anything to do with it. OTOH, I don't think the Seafoam is going to give you any benefit, either. Just do drain and fills regularly, maybe every 50k.

 

Thank you everyone for helping with my issue. I'll make an appointment with a dealership and have them fix those things now that I know what I'm looking for.

 

At last check the lead frames were on eternal backorder so you may want to ask the dealer if they have them in stock before making an appointment. If you have other dealers in the area it may be worth making an appointment with them if they're in stock.

 

I've been waiting on a new lead frame for about 1 month. Took it to dealer to confirm problmem and order part. They said Ford won't even allow a dealer to order the part until the dealer has verified the failure codes. Mine had the exact same failure symptoms as the OP.