I last had the transmission flushed at around 150K (when I bought the truck). The truck now has 220K -- so, likely overdue for a flush I guess.

At any rate, I'm not sure what this is, but, think it's the transmission.

I'll start the truck up. Doesn't matter if it's been off for 5 minutes, or 5 hours, when I first put it in 'Drive' the truck goes a bit, but, then the RPMs start going up as though it's not quite grabbing, and then suddenly the RPMs fall... even too low as though it's about to stall, and then the truck kind of lurches a bit. It's almost like someone who doesn't know how to use a clutch with a manual transmission vehicle.

At the same time, the 'Overdrive' light on the gear shift starts blinking on and off, and, the spedo reads 0 MPH (despite the fact I am moving -- or rather lurching).

After about 1-3 minutes of this, the truck starts to drive normally. The light stops blinking, and, the spedo reads the accurately.

I think this feels like transmission issues, but, I'm really not an expert on this. Haven't taken this to the mechanic yet as this just started acting up.

If it helps, I've got the 2000 Excursion LTD, 7.3L Diesel.

 

The flashing OD light means there is a transmission code stored. You need that code to find out what is wrong.

 

Not trying to hijack but r those trans codes stored or does the OD light have to be blinking for someone to read them?

 

The codes are stored. The light does not have to be blinking to read them.

 

So how accurate are these trans codes? Can they pinpoint a bad clutchpack?, bad front pump?, bad converter?, sticking valvebody? bad servo? etc. Nobody ever heard of a code when I was working on them years ago.

 

Sometimes they can, sometimes they can't. They are very effective in pinpointing electronic problems. That is very helpful when the trans is electronically controlled, like all modern automatics.

 

Well brought the truck into the mechanic before I went on vacation, and having returned was told a summary of what the technician found...

* 'internal transmission problems'
* 'clutch slipping' -- didn't actually know that automatics had clutches, but, not that I would be any where near an authoritative source anyway...
* 'needs rebuild' -- $2500 parts, about $1500 labor...$4000

Not sure what to do with it at this point. Just dumped $1500 into it recently with readhead steering box, and new ball baring, new brakes, and few other minor repairs -- kind of wish the bloody tranny failed first... would have made the decision on what to do much easier...and less costly.

Guess first question is, is $4000 typical for new transmission (or rebuilt one I should say?)

I think I recall hearing there's better/improved transmissions for the 2000 7.3L diesels out there now, than was available 13 years ago when the were building these. Are they worth it (and near in same-ish price point as stock rebuild?)

Definitely didn't want to get this news, but, just trying to figure out whats best at this point... or, is it time to sell it (but what the heck can I get for it now with a failing transmission). Parting out it's really an option, don't have the space nor the know how.

 

There are several clutches in an automatic transmission. In the 4R100 trans in your truck there is a forward clutch, intermediate clutch, direct clutch, overdrive clutch, low/reverse clutch, and coast clutch.

There are some specialty shops that sell an upgrade 4R100. I don't have any experience with either of them, but they both have excellent reputations on the forums. Brian's Truck Shop (BTS) and John Wood are the two I hear about the most. $4000 for a garden variety rebuild is on the high side.