My company has a 2001 X with 70,000 mostly highway miles. We tow a 7000 lb trailer with 4 electric brakes from state to state. We are in the engineering business and the trailer is full of industrial machinery diagnostic sensors which we used on the X to help diagnose a problem. Our PSD engine hardly notices the weight and it works like a charm. However I did not push the OD/off button on my last 2400 mile round trip because the engine never even hinted of too much stress but the OD clutch in the torque converter failed after 2000 miles. The trans temp never exceeded 185F (by thermocouple inserted in the oil to the cooler line) so it was not an overheat issue. It is now our company policy to turn off the OD whenever any trailer is pulled and eat the extra fuel cost. As the boss, I made the mistake and will repair the truck out of my pocket, will post the invoice and a copy of the check on the break room wall along with a policy statement that will require anyone else buning up an OD clutch in the X to pay for the repairs through payroll deduction. the X is a great, very capable vehicle but it is heavier than it seems and can put very dramatic loads on the tranny and brakes and must be treated with respect for these mechanical loads

 

I have heard that it is ok to us OD if the tranny isnt hunting between 3rd and 4th. Thats just one more reason to get a manual tranny.

 

Well you are right of course. i wish that I had a manual.

 

A converter failure is almost a certainty in a modified PSD Excursion. I had my trans fail at 35k and there have been MANY posts here and elsewhere concerning the reliability of this transmission.

Are your trucks modified? Just curious.

If they are, the failure may not have been driver-related.

Just my $0.02

Scott

 

Thanks for the note. No, the truck and tranny are both stock with the exception of the shock absorbers and windshield wipers. The fluid is Mercon but i plan to switch to Mobil 1 synthetic when we suck it out next in about another 10,000 miles. I have considered adding a spin on type transmission fluid filter. We are in the instrumentation and controls business and therefore have had the ability to put temperature sensors all over the transmission. It does not get hot with the stock cooler, even towing 7000 lbs in San Antonio, Texas so again this failure is a bit frustrating.

 

must be the windshield wipers. Shocks usually make the fuel pump go out.

good luck. maybe it was a fluke.