Ford transmissions....
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Ford transmissions....
I have the worst luck. Picked up a 2004 Ford Expedition, auto 5.4L about 6 months ago. It was about 3/4th qt low on atf. Filled it that day. Put about 5k on since then, still just under 150k miles. A few days ago, with no warning the transmission just started slipping from what feels like 3rd, but could be OD. It's right around 35mph and turning OD off will let me hold about 45mph at 3k rpm with no slipping at all.
Read up on a few problems the trans has, like the snap rings ect, then tore it down. The trans fluid was pretty dark and smells like bad bacon. While taking the VB off a few of the bolt holes leaked what looked like new bright red ATF. It's sitting in my garage still torn down and looking for any ideas.
Love this expy, but this is my 3rd Ford, and my 3rd transmission problem. Any advice?
Read up on a few problems the trans has, like the snap rings ect, then tore it down. The trans fluid was pretty dark and smells like bad bacon. While taking the VB off a few of the bolt holes leaked what looked like new bright red ATF. It's sitting in my garage still torn down and looking for any ideas.
Love this expy, but this is my 3rd Ford, and my 3rd transmission problem. Any advice?
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Southern Cal
Wow!
I'm impressed taking your tranny out first, asking questions second. You are a braver man than me. I believe you have a 4r70w in your Expy which uses electric solenoids to shift. I've seen others post where changing those can help. But since your ATF smells like bacon, probably gets much deeper. Interested to know if you have the maint records to see when it was serviced, if at all?
Sounds like worn bands to get that burning smell to me.
I'd pm Mark Kovaslky to get some of the best advice here.
I'm impressed taking your tranny out first, asking questions second. You are a braver man than me. I believe you have a 4r70w in your Expy which uses electric solenoids to shift. I've seen others post where changing those can help. But since your ATF smells like bacon, probably gets much deeper. Interested to know if you have the maint records to see when it was serviced, if at all?
Sounds like worn bands to get that burning smell to me.
I'd pm Mark Kovaslky to get some of the best advice here.
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It does not smell burnt, and I got the truck with no service records. But that yellow bead thing came out in the pan when I dropped it. First trans service?
It is the 14 bolt tranny, what should I look at next? =D
* Trying to figure out if just OD is out, or if 3 / od is out. Can get it to 35 with OD on, and then it will slip like it is in neutral. And 45mph is around 3k rpm with od off iirc, will not slip at all with OD off
It is the 14 bolt tranny, what should I look at next? =D
* Trying to figure out if just OD is out, or if 3 / od is out. Can get it to 35 with OD on, and then it will slip like it is in neutral. And 45mph is around 3k rpm with od off iirc, will not slip at all with OD off
Last edited by Coaxke; May 31, 2013 at 12:28 PM. Reason: *
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
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From: Southern Cal
It does not smell burnt, and I got the truck with no service records. But that yellow bead thing came out in the pan when I dropped it. First trans service?
It is the 14 bolt tranny, what should I look at next? =D
* Trying to figure out if just OD is out, or if 3 / od is out. Can get it to 35 with OD on, and then it will slip like it is in neutral. And 45mph is around 3k rpm with od off iirc, will not slip at all with OD off
It is the 14 bolt tranny, what should I look at next? =D
* Trying to figure out if just OD is out, or if 3 / od is out. Can get it to 35 with OD on, and then it will slip like it is in neutral. And 45mph is around 3k rpm with od off iirc, will not slip at all with OD off
Kind of hard to check anything now if pulled out of truck unless you start pulling it apart.
Send a sample to Blackstone to test. May help determine the root issue.
Some good videos on you tube to help.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Southern Cal
You say you have shifting issues and solenoids drive this. Maybe some correlation? Good video/info on checking resistance.
Smelly ATF. Maybe some band wear?
Not sure what else you are looking for?
Smelly ATF. Maybe some band wear?
Not sure what else you are looking for?
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You can find 4r70ws with good mileage on them all day for the $400-$500 range I'd honestly just swap in a newer one if you already have yours out. Do the torque converter while you are at it or upgrade to an aftermarket stall if you want. J-mod the new trans for longevity and faster gear selection. If you don't want the firmer shifts leave the springs in the trans when you do the J-mod. J-mod is a modification to the factory valve body that acts like a shift kit without any shift kit problems and the only cost is the $60 worth of gaskets and fluid.
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Anyone have a diagram of where those stupid little ***** go in the valve body? I saw one floating around the net but seem to have lost it.
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er,ba lls.
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