Blown Tranny?

mxr181 · #1 05-28-2008, 10:23 PM

My truck is a 2002 2wd f150...4.6L w/ 4speed auto (not sure which model) It has 102,xxx miles and is in pretty good mechanical shape (thought so anyway). I was towing boats all morning for work...I made it back to work but right before I made it back it dropped out of gear and then grabbed a couple times. I parked it in the parking lot...it wouldnt back up, unless i gave it a little gas it would slam into gear...same for putting it in drive but if you didnt give it any gas it would die. It threw three codes...the trans overheated and PO712 and PO713 which is something to do with the trans temp sensors? Anybody have any idea what could be wrong? I dont know if I need to put a whole new rebuilt tranny it in, or if mine can be fixed. Any ideas are welcome and if anybody knows where to pick up a tranny new or used whatever for a good price PLEASE let me know. I need to get it fixed as inexpensively as possible but still have it be reliable. THANKS!

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Darrin Burch · #2 05-29-2008, 09:24 AM

A couple of things.

It's odd that you are getting those different codes for the TFT.

I would think that there has to be some damage, but start off by checking your fluid level with the truck warmed up and in park after you have driven it, or tried to at least. What you need to be careful of is the mistake that a lot of people make by reading the topmost level of fluid shown on the stick. A lot of times that isn't the real level. What you need to look at is the highest level on the stick that hasn't got any dry spots at all below it. To check the fluid, pull out the dipstick and wipe it off, put it back in and leave it for at least a second, pull it back out and look for the highest level where you have complete coverage of fluid with no 'dry' spots below it. That is your fluid level.

I bet you find that you need to add at least a quart and a half.

Like I said, it may not be the ultimate answer, but it might get it running for a while if it is low.

Also, where do you live?

Oh, you have a 4R70W transmission in your truck.

Darrin

mxr181 · #3 05-29-2008, 01:56 PM

the trans fluid was good...it was solidly covered right in the crosshatched area...there were missing areas so I dont think that we read it wrong...I live in Sacramento, CA area. Also when you go to move it it makes a pretty loud grinding noise so I think something mechanical is wrong

Darrin Burch · #4 05-29-2008, 02:08 PM

Ok, the noise makes all the difference in the world. Noise is bad. Noise like that means that it's time to get a rebuild or replacement.

Darrin

Laxcoach81 · #5 05-31-2008, 05:54 PM

Had similar issues with my truck. I had an extended warranty, dealership replaced temp senor. Two weeks later transmission slipped, the heard grinding sound. Had truck towed to dealership, 11 days later of dealing with their inspector the truck was repaired with a new transmission. The service manager and tech who worked on the truck who not verify if the temp sensor failure had anthing to do with the transmission going out or not. I am not normally a fan of extended warranties but I quess this one paided for itself.

mxr181 · #6 06-01-2008, 05:28 PM

ya that warranty definetly worked out for you! I got the truck back friday afternoon with a new Ford remanned tranny w/ 3yr - 100,000 mi waranty. I had to come out of pocket $2100 (sopposedly $100 over cost on the tranny plus discounted labor)...and it definetly hurt, BUT i got it back in just over a day fixed. Which was nice and i think the old one was slipping a little bit because the new seems a little more direct. Also there was all kinds of metal in the pan of the original tranny so something definetly let go internally.

glc · #7 06-01-2008, 11:27 PM

That's a decent price and a great warranty. You made out very well.

mxr181 · #8 06-02-2008, 02:33 AM

ya i think it was a pretty good deal considering my other options were installing a used tranny (who knows how it was treated) for about $1500 or have mine rebuilt with less warranty by AAMCO for $2500ish. It was still a major bummer though...I am just about to turn 19 and working full time but I still dont really have $2100 sitting around. Luckily my dad helped me out, and I got it back before the weekend. The biggest bummer is that I was finally getting ready to go get my new wheels and tires, but now I have to spend more money just to get it back exaclty the way it was. Oh well atleast I have my truck back and I hopefully shouldnt have to worry about too much for awhile.

minimonster17 · #9 06-03-2008, 10:24 PM

look at it this way: an expensive repair or two is STILL cheaper than 4+ years of $500+ monthly payments on a new truck.

mxr181 · #10 06-04-2008, 02:08 AM

ya that is true...it is still a major bummer but atleast I got it back...is there anything that you guys would recommend to do to the tranny that may help prolong the life of the tranny. I am extremely gun shy of towing right now, and may not use it to tow much anymore but I am wondering if there is anything that isnt too expensive that will help the tranny live longer.

minimonster17 · #11 06-05-2008, 02:33 AM

upgrade the transmission cooler. the stock one is a tiny POS. also, get a transmission temp gauge so you can monitor what is going on.

glc · #12 06-05-2008, 03:12 PM

Do a full fluid replacement with a good brand of full synthetic ATF.

lenore · #13 06-05-2008, 07:14 PM

I just changed mine fluid with Mobil 1 ATF synthetic...Took a whooping 14qts. but it is done...