I'd like to thank Mr Kovalsky for the info I def learned something. I guess the converter lock up is when it feels like an upshift with a little bump down in rpms? If I stay in M manual mode will in stay locked up? And I think what you implied keep rpms up as well?
Sorry for all the questions

 

Hey man just wanted to thank you for your knowledge and advice. Just got back from hauling the load and didn't have any issues. I am going to have to put a aftermarket temp sensor on it because mine is working but not reading right. I hooked up my scanner so I could monitor it and the temp never got over 100. Don't think it's to accurate and an aftermarket temp kit is way cheaper than replacing the whole solenoid pack. Thanks again for everything.

 

Correct.

No, it will not.
Yes. Higher RPMs will lower the heat generation AND help remove the heat that is generated.

 

I’ve recently had a similar issue with my 2001 super duty V10, while towing (a pontoon boat) at highway speed (60mph) the trans leaked fluid, but showed no other signs of a problem, no noise no decrease in performance, nothing… just a lot of smoke from the fluid hitting the hot exhaust.
My concern has been how to proceed as this truck will be use in the future to tow a 5th wheel travel trailer. I was going to pull the transmission and replace the front seal and have even been considering a rebuild…but am I to understand that this may not be required? Can I just replace the lost fluid and call it done??
I know these may be redundant questions but auto transmissions have always been black magic to me and I need to be able to trust the truck for cross country travel.
Any assistance is appreciated
J

 

You can just replace the fluid and it will probably be fine until the next time the seal gets overheated and leaks again.

If you replace the seal get an aftermarket seal made from Viton. It is far superior to the original seal. Also inspect the snout of the torque converter for any damage. If there is any damage where the seal rides it will leak. Also look at the torque converter hub bearing in the pump to see if it is worn or damaged.

 

03 5.4 auto here at work does that if we put a bunch of weight behind it. We just quit hooking trailers up. Does fine with 1,500 lbs on the roof rack

 

Hey man this is my post so I know your exact issue. I took these guys advice and just changed the fluid out. Now the most o have towed since was about 8k and it was only about an hour drive. I also towed a trailer maybe 5k for about 6 hours that was over mountains and I have not had any issues. I have learned to take it out of overdrive when towing anything substantial because I was told it over works the tranny when shifting back and forth to overdrive. That's all I can offer you. Also I was told if you do not have an aftermarket tranny temp gauge to get one. The stock one is crap and can fail which is what happened in my case. Hope this helps man.

 

Did yours shift in and out of overdrive? If so, then you need to turn off overdrive. If it stays in fourth gear all you gain by turning off overdrive is the opportunity to burn more fuel.

 

When hauling a good load yes mine would not maintain normal speed in overdrive. Now mine is also a gas not a diesel so that may play into it but it was someone on this page that suggested turning off overdrive because the constant shifting from 4th to 5th gear is probably what caused it to overheat the first time. Since I changed the fluid and have been doing this I have not had any issue. As far as gas mileage hell I only get about 10 mpg normally about 9 mpg when towing so not much change.

 

It never shifted from 4th to 5th. You have a four speed transmission, there is no fifth gear. It was probably locking and unlocking the torque converter, and/or shifting between 3rd and 4th gears. In that condition it is better to turn off the overdrive.