Hey guys,

I posted this problem over on FTW but I thought you guys might have some additional advise.

My 2004 F-150 has 96k on it, as I drive about 670 miles weekly. The trans has started shifting funny. By this I mean the shift are clunky and arejnt occurring at normal shift points. They are stumbly feeling and occuring at low RPM. Ive checked the fluid, and its PINK and it has a funny smell to it. But IM NOT SURE how the trans fluid is supposed to look or smell in these trannys. Its got the stock cooler on it, and most of the 96k on it are highway miles

Thanks!

Master

 

Hi.

It could be many things ( you should actually post this in the tranny forum for better hits), but i'd start with the obvious - get that tranny fully serviced - a flush, pan drop, filter & fluid change ASAP. Then go from there....

At 96K it's way past due. You haven't neglected all the other required maintenance, have you (fuel filter, front O2's, plugs, diff, etc fluids )?

Cheers
Bubba

 

HAS BEEN SERVICED:

Diffs
Oil (obviosuly)
Fuel Filter


HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED:

O2's
Plugs (have 5K left on them)
Trans

 

Hi.

Do a little Searching here and you'll discover your plugs are actually approx 60k past due. That 100k figure is pure BS - it's in Ford's self-interest, not yours (lower TCO).

You're in for a treat when you get them changed - prepare to be astonished at the repair bill if/when they break off in the head.

Your O2's are probably a little lazy by now too....

Do the trans then report back - like to see if it fixed your issues.

Another thought - do you know if your PCM was ever re-flashed by a dealer? That can apparently help with some shifting issues, but I think yours is mechanical in nature.

Good luck.

Cheers
Bubba

 

I prefer not to change the plugs for that reason exactly. I also thing that 30k plug changes is excesive

 

They actually make a tool know to take the broken plugs out in the event they brake. This is to avoid having to take apart the engine to the block. It was costing too much in time on warranty work to have this done and thus a tool was created to save Ford money. Find this tool or just pay the dealership to pull the plugs. If a plug breaks while they're doing it, it's up to them to fix it.

Duke

 

Wait a second. So, you're telling me that you can agree to have the dealer change your plugs but if they break off you'll have to pay for that too? I'm sorry but HELL NO! I didn't ask them to break off the plugs and if it happens than thats up to them, not me.

 

i agree with Thump

 

Hi.

Oh, don't misunderstand me - I agree with Thump too.

BUT, unfortunately, the reality is, if you read about all the folks here who have had this chit happen to them, are STILL being stuck with a repair bill. That's what I meant by being astonished, & prepared - as in be prepared to arbitrate.

Sorry - 30K is not excessive when you are faced with a design that, if left in too long generally results in broken plugs, even if the TSB is followed. The idea here is simpy PM - remove them early, inspect ( & replace if necessary), apply the nickel-based hi-temp antisieze to the sleeve as per TSB, reinstall & torque to spec. Rinse. Repeat. Every 30K. Peace of mind, if you plan on keeping the truck.

Your call of course - I'm certainly not attempting to force this issue, okay?

Good luck with your truck & Happy Thanksgiving

Cheers
Bubba