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1997 transmission problem

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Old May 31, 2018 | 08:13 AM
  #1  
Muskyhunter53's Avatar
Muskyhunter53
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1997 transmission problem

My 97 F150 is making a horrible grinding noise on start up that lasts a good while, but eventually goes away. My trans won’t go in drive until she tachs at like 3g. Fluid level fine. Smells slightly burnt, good color though. Today I started it just to let it run for a minute. The grinding was lasting longer than it has before. Fearing doing more damage I tried to shut it down, but when I put it in park and turned the key off it continued to run. Anyone have any ideas? Truck has 163g. Not sure if it’s the original trans. Fairly certain it will need replacing.
 
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Old May 31, 2018 | 11:48 AM
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From your post it looks like you have two issues.
The starter is either hanging up or the ignition switch is not releasing.
.
A transmission problem if the trans does not engage right away and fluid smells.
Time to think about repairs.
It's not going to get any better without repairs and the flywheel might be damaged now.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Bluegrass 7
From your post it looks like you have two issues.
The starter is either hanging up or the ignition switch is not releasing.
.
A transmission problem if the trans does not engage right away and fluid smells.
Time to think about repairs.
It's not going to get any better without repairs and the flywheel might be damaged now.
Yep. You wouldn't drive around and not change your oil. The transmission and rear differential is no different. Each need regular fluid changes just the same as the engine. Many people never bother with the maintenance and trade in the vehicle before those ticking timebombs go off. You should never have a burnt smell. It could be overdue for a transmission flush. I'd get it done ASAP before any damage is done. Or you might need a tranny overhaul. If the flush doesn't fix it, you may want to visit AAmco. I don't think they have flushing machines. I tried to get them to service my transmission once. I asked why on earth would they be a transmission shop without a flushing machine? They told me that by the time the people need to come see them, all they are going to do is open the transmission and dump all the fluid out anyway. But you still need that machine to put that fluid back in, I would think.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Muskyhunter53
My trans won’t go in drive until she tachs at like 3g.
You're right, it needs replacing. If you need 3000 RPM to get it in gear the trans is done.

Originally Posted by FordRidingHigh
But you still need that machine to put that fluid back in, I would think.
Why couldn't you pour the fluid down the fill tube, otherwise known as the dipstick tube? I do it all the time.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
You're right, it needs replacing. If you need 3000 RPM to get it in gear the trans is done.
That does wonders for the universal joint and other suspension parts having them all get beat on every time that transmission shifts as if it had a quick shift kit installed. Unless the truck is filthy dirty and nasty inside, it would be worth investing the money and putting a new or rebuilt transmission.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 12:09 AM
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I've started in on it. I'm going to replace the u-joints as well. Teeth on the starter weren't chewed up at all. I haven't looked at the fly wheel yet. Hoping it's not missing teeth, but wouldn't be surprised. The truck was used for landscaping before I got a hold of it, but never used to plow snow. I was surprised the trans lasted to 167g considering it's past use. I imagine if the previous owner had ever changed the fluid it would still be going.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2018 | 08:39 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by Muskyhunter53
I've started in on it. I'm going to replace the u-joints as well. Teeth on the starter weren't chewed up at all. I haven't looked at the fly wheel yet. Hoping it's not missing teeth, but wouldn't be surprised. The truck was used for landscaping before I got a hold of it, but never used to plow snow. I was surprised the trans lasted to 167g considering it's past use. I imagine if the previous owner had ever changed the fluid it would still be going.
Sometimes saving money ends up costing you more money. I never skimp on maintenance, ever. I never have vehicles that break down unless it's an electrical problem.
 
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