2000 F150 4X4 5.4 Auto 70,000 miles owned from new and has had regular transmission service. Took a fishing trip over the North Cascade Pass towing a 26’ RV as we have done many times with no issues. Started the truck the next day and a CEL appeared. Local auto parts could not read code and we took it to a mechanic shop that has been great help in the past on our Fords. He came up with a generic transmission code for erratic shifting. Cleared it and said to continue monitoring. We tow with OD off and use lower gears to hold back on downhill.
Fluid looks good. Any input or suggestions.
Thanks to FTE for the help
Bob

 

Bob,
Kinda depends on the code that was tripped.

In all Likelihood ...you are fine....it prolly ran boarder line warm during the tow, for a bit longer than usual. Maybe have your radiator flushed, too ensure cooling is up to snuff.

Does it shift and drive fine otherwise now?? has the code came back?

If your still concerned, have the tranny more thoroughly checked at a reputable shop.

maybe you had more supplies/gear along on this trip (weight can add up fast)?? Maybe you had more of cross wind??

you obviously have a very low mile, well cared for unit...so, on a everyday bases, it must usually be either driven very short distances or it sits a lot. Either case can be harder on vehicles than a pile of miles, so maybe the cooling system and mechanicals need a bit more service than normal. especailly in preperatation of a longer outing & the home away from home behind you. But you prolly know this and I'm not trying to shack my finger at ya, but point out that little thing can make differences & dispite your best efforts...things just happen

 

Thanks for the reply. Dad did not get the exact code number just a report of generic transmission code, with nothing specific to fix. I was the one driving and nothing unusual from past trips, 2nd gear on the steep uphill throttle down, 1st gear on the steep downhill, just letting the truck hold back and no OD on the flats. It was snowing and I probably was not pushing as hard as normal. You are correct he is retired and the truck sits a lot, but he is good at over maintenance, radiator has been flushed, converted to green coolant. We will continue to monitor and code has not returned.
Thanks FTE for all you provide.
Bob