Hello!

I have recently just purchased a 2001 Excursion 5.4L Limited 4x4. It's in pretty good shape given the age and miles, (187k). The transmission so far as I can tell is original, and I can tell the fluid needs changing. Don't know when it was last done but fluid is dirty, still a slight red tint to it. Any advice on the correct way to do this? Normally with other vehicles I have just dropped the pan and changed fluid/filter but I have read some comments about draining the torque converter on the 4r100? I plan to use Mercon V which seems to be what is recommend.

I've also noticed two issues, one, the overhead display for the temp and direction is not working, any common causes of this? And second, it does not seem the power locks are working correctly, it unlocks fine on the drivers door and rear glass, but the other three doors don't really seem to function by the remote or door switch correctly, the little lock indicators sorta fidget, but don't go down all the way or back up all the way by themselves...

Also, I am unsure if it was ever taken in for recall on the cruise control fire deal. I have not used the cruise control, but if it has not been fixed, how dangerous is it? Is there a fuse I can pull just for peace of mind until I can confirm the recall was done? Safercar.gov shows it has no open recalls, but is there a way to identify looking at if it has been done?

thank you!

 

Check for Mark K.'s transmission fluid flush in the tech section.

 

Can't speak to changing the transmission, but check these threads out. They are from the Tech folder, you should browse that, a bunch of good info.
Link to the tech folder:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...excursion.html

Link to possible useful threads that may answer your questions.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...ml#post3266008
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11938325
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13959110

 

Here is how to change the trans fluid: https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...-transmission/

If the cruise control recall has not been performed, it can cause the truck to catch fire at any time. You can prevent it by unplugging the connector on the master cylinder until the fix is performed. With that connector unplugged it can't cause a fire.

 

If I understand the design flaw causing this recall there is a potential fire hazard whether or not you actually use the cruise control.
The brake pressure sensor used to deactivate the cruise control is on an unfused circuit (powered all the time) so there is no fuse to pull.
If the pressure switch leaks brake fluid into the switch, which can happen just sitting in the driveway, a fire might start.
If there was a fuse in the circuit there probably would not have been a recall.
The fix is adding a fuse to the circuit by installing an extender cable with an inline fuse and replacing the pressure sensor switch with an upgraded model.
Here's some info - https://www.autosafety.org/ford-crui...s-and-history/
Here's a pic of a recall kit -

 

Thank you, I did poke around under the hood and it has the replaced line with the inline fuse, so I should not have a fire risk.

 

Thank you! Does not seem like it will be to big a pain, very concise guide!