We have an 03' Aviator with 103k miles and the OD light flashed and on the info center "Check Transmission" was displayed. I have a regular code scanner and tryed to get a code but there was no code set. First off does this set a code in the ECM or is there a chance that no code was set? Do I need a better scanner? I have got transmission codes off of my wifes Escort with this scanner so I think it is capable of reading them.

I am planning on checking/replacing the trans fluid and filter this weekend. I am just wondering if it is possible to get the check transmission on the dash and no code be set in the ECM, or do I need to take it to someone that is capable of reading "deeper" into the ECM?

Could it just be low on fluid? I just did an oil change on it about 2k miles ago and didn't notice any fluid leaking from the trans.

Doing some research on this I came across this code scanner. http://www.obdscan.net/index.htm It's about half price of the Auto Enginuity scan tool that alot of people like for the Powerstroke diagnostics. Just wondering if anyone has used this scan tool and if it works like the AE for the the powerstrokes if anyone has experience with it.

Ok back to searching, thanks in advance for any, all input on this.

 

It very well might be that your scanner is not capable of reading the codes. I wouldn't think so, but it wouldn't surprise me either. I doubt a low transmission fluid level would set a code; there's no fluid level sensor in the trans, although a low fluid level could cause FAULTS that would set a code. For example: no fluid equals slipping/no engagement equals fault code. But since you don't mention any other problems other than the warning indicator/fault code, I doubt this very much. I wouldn't do anything as far as changing your fluid until I'd retrieved codes. No point putting new fluid in that might be lost when you had to pull the pan again or contaminated due a failure.

 

Since the "Check Transmission" light was on rather than the "Check Engine" light, you'll need a more capable scan tool to pull the dedicated transmission codes. Most of the consumer scan tools will only read powertrain (ie: P0123) codes. There are some speed sensor codes that may trigger a P code which could be read by a consumer scan tool which is probably what you pulled from the Escort. Or your scan tool truly can read transmission codes the software may not be up to date enough to pull the codes from the Aviator.

-Rod

 

There is already a code in the ECM for an unrelated problem I am trying to get fixed so I don't know for sure that the check engine light didn't come on. I just read the codes and only the one existing code was there. So if it was a Transmission code will it be something other than a "P" code? The scanner I have only reads "P" codes.

And as of now I haven't noticed any slipping or differance in the way it drives. When we boght it we got a 100,000 mile extended warranty that covers the engine, waterpump and drivetrain so if need be I can take it in and have it fixed. Just trying to figure out what is wrong before we need to have it fixed.

 

I checked a couple of vehicles and the transmission codes are still P codes, but they are in the transmission section of the factory service manual rather than in the Powertrain Codes chart. I've experienced in the past where my consumer scan tool did not pull any transmission diagnostic codes by my Genisys did when they were transmission related. I don't remember if they were P codes or some other prefix. Since the Check Transmission indicator came on, I'm pretty confident saying there are transmission codes there and your current scan tool is not able to access them.

-Rod

 

Thanks for the info. Today I am going to have it scanned by a shop that should be able to pull the transmission codes. Also check on my other pending problem to fix that. I will update when I figure out what is going on with it. What is this Genisiys you are talking about? One of the laptop scan tools or something else?

 

Update, I got it scanned and it came up as a P0732, 2nd gear incorrect ratio. First off when we bought the Aviator we got the extended warranty so I'm not worried about it too much. Is there anything I can do to make this last any longer? I have done some searching on this trans and know about it's downfalls. The shop I will be having the new trans put in has all the upgrades done for the weak parts/manufacturing. Is there something I can do to prolong the life of this? Will attempting to tighten the bands or some other maint help this live a little longer or should I just drive it till it's done? Right now it's not giving any problems but the guy at the trans shop said it's got a little slip in 2nd and tq converter shudder.

 

Yeah, easy, anyone really capable of fixing this will fix your old trans. If they are swapping another trans, they are not fixing the problem.

You fix is to first identify why 2nd is slipping (did the shop identify the why?), and to replace the torque converter. I would think the real solution is to fix the 2nd gear issue, replace the torque converter with a heavy duty one, and then install a Transgo shift kit to make the shifts firmer and cleaner. The shift kit is the only long term solution to make the trans last longer.

It seems to me the shop you found does not actually rebuild transmissions unless they have to, they would rather swap in another trans that was rebuilt on a budget, which means that some internal parts might be newer stronger versions, but the trans is not actually upgraded and will probably not last as long as your current one has.

 

The guy at the shop said that the oblong case from the steel on aluminum is most likely causing the slipping. And the valve body is also a problem. The shop uses rebuilt trans with the steele insert and upgraded valve body and he said a couple other things also but can't remember.

Also the shop said it's actually cheaper to get the rebuilt then for them to rebuild it with all the upgrades. I will definately take it for another diagnosis but I am fine with what they are going to do. Like I said this will be a warranty fix so as long as the trans has all the upgrades when complete I am fine with it.