Dear fellows-

I have recently been experiencing trouble with my 2006 Super Duty's automatic transmission. The truck has 134,000 miles on it, and we tow a 10,000 lb. travel trailer periodically. The engine does not use oil, has had its plugs replaced professionally and runs really great. I was hoping to keep it going for another 100,000 miles or more.

It now takes up to 45 seconds to engage when shifting from park to either reverse or drive. Actuating the tow/haul function has no effect. There does not seem to be any difference between cold and warm starts. Slightly increasing the engine speed seems to help the transmission engage faster but jars the truck when it does and worries me about making things worse.

My mechanic (a pretty decent fellow) reported that no codes were logged concerning the transmission, and that he was hearing noises that sounded like worn out bearings inside the transmission. He has committed to quoting me prices on installing: 1) a used transmission, 2) my own transmission rebuilt at his shop, and 3) a remanufactured transmission.

I have these questions-

+ Reading about the symptoms on the internet, it appears that replacing the PC-A solenoid might solve the problem. (See: 5R110W delayed engagement.) Would you risk it?

+ 5R110 transmissions are advertised on Ebay for as little as $400 plus shipping. (See: Ebay listing.) Should I attempt to buy one off Ebay, or should I get one locally, that is, from LKQ ("400-04663B; $800.00; 2005 to 2006 A.T.; (5R110W, TorqShift); 8-330 (5.4L); 4x4")?

- With this many miles, would you replace with used, or remanufactured transmission, or have your own repaired?

- Are there differences in the 5R110 transmissions from year to year and from different power plants (5.4L, 6.8L, 6.0L) that require one specifically for my truck?

Thanks in advance for your advice and counsel!

Mark

 

PC A may be whats causing your symptoms but the solenoid is most likely malfunctioning because of debris from something that is failing. These solenoids are very sensitive to debris and from my experience with this transmission I usually find that the converter will have a bad bearing and this debris sticks the solenoids and damages the pump (which can also cause low line pressure). The past several ones I have rebuilt this was the case including my own, remove the pan to inspect for metal debris.

I would have your original transmission rebuilt with at least the PC A and TCC solenoids, most likely a pump and I like the Transgo shift kit for this one. Get a decent converter that has multiple clutch disks for lock up if you can swing the extra cash and make sure they flush the coolers really well. The 08 and later pan and filter is a improvement over what you have in your 06 for that added protection.

 

Got it!

Would you elaborate on "decent converter"?

Lord, but I wish you lived in my neck of the woods!

 

You can get converters with stronger components and multiple clutch disks to help with holding strength during lockup, this is a good idea if you pull trailers. The shop that rebuilds your tranny can help you get the right one for your needs.