I need help with a tranny problem, it started out a while back, would not shift back into drive after stopping at stop sign (after driving fine for about 20 miles) thought maybe dirty filter so did fluid and filter change seemed to work for a while then started again noticed it was mostly after using cruise control, but u joints were very bad, so replaced 2 of the 3 and worked fine for about a thousand highway miles, then got really bad. Now when I check the tranny fluid cold and /or hot it is way up on the dipstick. Any ideas?
Took to ford dealer in ladoga, lied and said no speed sensor codes, but list on the paper he gave me had all kinds of abs and a p500 code.

 

I wonder what year and engine this truck has. Without that info about all I can tell you is that something isn't right.

Oh, I can tell you that if you did have a dirty filter you need a new trans. The only way the filter can get enough junk in it to make a difference is if the trans has failed.

 

Sorry about missing info, I am new to forums, it's an early 99 f350, 7.3 with 605,000 miles on original engine and about 200,000 on this 2nd tranny, just thought since my first one went out because I did not do a tranny fluid and filter change, that it might help. filter was ok and only greyish soft graphite like dust on magnet, less than last fluid and filter change, no metal at all
Everything I do seems to help for awhile (changing u joints) but then goes back to the same thing. changed speed sensor today and drained about a quart of tranny fluid, still not shifting right but better so far and still seems to be too full after driving for about 30 min.
Noticed a leak on a line on right front that is leaking tranny fluid and seems to have a bulge in the rubber where it goes onto the metal line. Fluid looks good, smells fine but seems a little on the hot side after driving it for a while. I will keep looking until I get it right, and I appreciate any and all help I get.

 

It sounds to me like you may have a problem with transmission cooling. Transmission fluid expands when it gets heated, which is why you can only check the fluid on a warm transmission. I believe if the fluid gets too hot it will expand to the point where it will appear too full.

 

Thank You! any idea how I can check that myself?

 

Use the dipstick and see if it is over filled. Drive it at least 10 miles first to make sure it is warmed up.

 

Thanks Mark!
OK, here,s what I have found out today, checked fluid while cold, fluid was OK on cold stick, fluid was pink & looking good and normal smell, drove about 10 miles, now doesn't want to go into reverse unless I gas on it, then it jerks into gear, but if I just sit for a couple of seconds it goes in real smooth, 1st gear is a lot better, but does the same.
Came back checked the fluid hot looks over filled and smells hot. How can I find out if the cooler is bad or not? Is there a pump or something that could be bad? torque converter maybe?

 

Yes, there is a pump. If it is bad the trans won't do anything. The one pump in the trans supplies pressure to EVERYTHING. How could it be the torque converter? I can't come up with a way that it could be a bad torque converter. And checking the fluid cold means absolutely nothing.

I suspect that you have worn out seals in the clutches. If so, the trans needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

 

I checked the tranny fluid cold before and it showed all the way up on the dip stick, (too Full) so after draining about a quart out it showed normal in the cold spot on stick but after running it for about 10 miles today still looked too high, and after letting sit for about 5 hrs and checking cold again looked to high was on the hot mark of the dipstick, found a small leak on hose on passenger side, tightened the clamp, changed speed sensor on diff, seams to shift harder in all gears now but still hesitates before going into 1st gear and reverse, but goes in real smooth when it does if i don't give it any acceleration, but have not checked to see how hot it gets on a longer ride yet, will check that tomorrow

 

Checking the fluid cold is MEANINGLESS! Don't do that. Only check it warmed up idling in park.