I have a 2001 Excursion 4 X 4, with the 7.3 Diesel engine. Before the 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty expired I took it to the dealer and had it serviced and inspected, and no problems were found. Because it is a diesel, it has a 100,000 mile Power train warranty.

Up to now I have had no problems. I just turned 41,000 miles and a few days ago when returning to LA from Las Vegas, I started to have a real problem. The outside temp was 114 F.

I noticed that the engine service soon light had come on. A few minutes later the overdrive light on the shifter started to blink. So I tried to reset it but it would not reset.

I stopped at a truck stop and checked the trans oil level, which was OK. When I started to leave the station, I noticed that the trans was starting to slip in first gear. but once it shifted into second gear, it seams to be OK.

I took it to the dealer the next day and I got another rude awakening!

The 100,000 mile power train warranty does not cover the transmission, and the bumper-to-bumper warranty expired at 36,000 miles.

The dealer told me that when they put the test computer on the system, and at least 6 trouble codes came up. All related to the transmission. They then told me that the trans needed a total overhaul or a new factory trans, all at my expense.

At this point, the dealer cannot tell me what caused the problem only that the trans has to be repair or replaced.

Does anyone have any suggestions???

e-mail me at zoloent@juno.com

Thanks,

zoloent

 

At the price of a new transmission, I'd go buy a code reader from Auto Zone or where ever and then post the codes here and see what everyone else seems to think. Then maybe take it to what ever that national transmission company is and see what they think.. Dealer might be my last place I'd look....


Big Mick

 

My transmission let loose at 35k. Lost the first-second shift function (wouldn't shift out of first without letting off throttle). Back from the dealer two days ago (after a rebuild) and it is still not shifting right. Off to the dealer again in the AM. Setting the torque converter solenoid code among three others. My guess is they reinstalled the bad solenoid pack.

These transmissions don't have a heavy duty enough converter and need a shift kit to keep the transmission from hunting for the right gear. There are posts all over here and on SuperFord on three consistent subjects--premature brake rotor failure (seems to be related to not torquing the lug nuts correctly), transmission failure in the 36-50k mark (especially on diesels--usually converter related), and the door lock actuators failing.

I'd suggest you get a hold of "gearman" (Mike) over on superford.org and give him a call (310 674 4400) before you let the dealer rebuild your transmission. Mike is as good as they come and I would have shipped my trans to him if it hadn't been a warranty claim. I am still going to order a beefier converter and shift kit as soon as I go out of warranty.

Scott

 

I have a 01 X with 7.3 PSD. I bought it used with 6700 miles on it in April of 2001. The original owner leased it as a corporate runaround vehicle. Soon after I bought it I purchased a SuperChips Micro Tuner. Used it with joy til last week. Gained ~3.1 MPG on the mileage. Great throttle response.

I ran to Tacoma, WA to pick up my new 28' TT (max gross 7K lbs), ran great for the run down the AK highway. 18.3MPG over the 2500 mile trip south. DeTuned the truck to tow mode for the trip back. 9.5-10.5 MPG.

I was on the way back about halfway and had a stall then when it restarted we had no go. We pulled over let the truck idle for about 30 min. and the truck seemed fine. All fluids in the green and all gauges in the green (no tranny guage yet, soon though). then two days later in the trip. Got a service engine soon light on the panel. Being in the middle of nowhere we got on the Sat Phone and called the dealer at home (Anchorage, AK) they told us to check the fluid levels and if the guages were in the green to continue the trip and bring it in when we get back. No problem right?

Got to within 80miles of home and had the tranny go limp on a up hill blind corner. NO GO again. Being in a bad spot we backed down the hill accross the two lane highway into a pull out at the bottom of the hill and called Ford Roadside Assistance. They sent out a truck and I called a friend with a 3/4 ton Dodge to come get my trailer. The Tranny fluid smelled fine and while waiting for the tow we unhooked the trailer and tried the tranny again. It pulled forward fine, only about 10 ft, then eased it back alongside the trailer and we shut it down.

Ford looked at it two days later and called to tell me they had "evidence of a performance chip" and that my warranty was void. Only 24K miles. They said that they cleared out the codes and test drove it and it test drove "okay". I could come pick it up. On the way home (40miles from the service center) The truck started shifting erratically with the overdrive on. I turned it off and the truck drove fine til I got into city traffic. Then, even with the OD off it acted funny. I parked it at home and called a mech. I trusted. He couldn't look at it til a couple days later.

The next morning I on a hunch checked my dip stick again and almost got sick. It stunk to all hell. I had it towed to my friends shop and he dropped the pan to find a hairy donut on the magnet. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?

I cleared out the Superchips program before sending it to the dealer the first time. I called SC with the news that I got from the dealer and they gave a fax on demand for the Magnusson Act. That is suppose to help me. Can any one help me?

 

In response to the original post. Why is the transmission not covered under the powertrain warranty. I was told it was covered. The powertrain is usually the engine, tranny, and rear diff. isn't it? (thus the train and not just the power).
Tom

 

Your Ford OEM 100k powertrain warranty covers the engine, not the transmission, differential, etc. This is a common misconception fueled by (what I believe to be) deceptive advertising on Ford's part.

I agree with you that "powertrain" implies the whole powertrain, not just a part of it (the engine). In fact, other manufacturers (like Dodge) offer a true powertrain warranty.

Seems like a great cause for a class-action lawsuit. Anyone know a hungry attorney?

Scott

 

Is the 100k engine warranty represented as a powertrain warranty? I thought that it just covered the diesel engine.

The transmissions and rear ends of these trucks are essentially the same as the gas version. There are minor differences in the trans. Valving or converter differences or such. Nothing to warrant for 100k miles.

 

Hi Everyone,

Great News on how my Trans problems were solved!

The problem was resolved, but, I had to go to 3 Ford Dealerships to resolve it.

Apparently the Ford Trans is subject to high heat problems.

When I went to Las Vegas it was HOT, HOT, Hot in the desert.

I finely found a Ford Tech who knew what he was doing. He told me that I should strongly consider installing a larger Trans cooler in front of the radiator, about $50.

This should help prevent future damage.

To help pay for the repairs, the Dealer offered me what is called a good faith warranty which cost me $ 500.

That is far better than a new trans for $ 3500.

They rebuilt the trans and provided a warranty of 12 months or 12000 miles, which ever comes first.

O month after I had the trans fixed, I received a letter from Ford apologizing for my problem. Because my truck was just out of the Factory Bumper to Bumper Warranty, they gave me a full power-train warranty for 3 years or 100,000 miles, for no additional cost
to me.

I was lucky.

Zoloent