I have a 2013 F-150 3.5L 4X2. It has the 6R80 6 sp transmission.
Last week I was driving on the expressway when the trans started to downshift out of 6th. Since there is a recall on this trans to update the software and I have yet to get this done I though this was the cause of the downshifting of the trans. I drove on a bit further with the trans acting more and more with the vehicle slowing down I finally pulled over with barely any drive at all which turned into no drive as I sat on the side of the road.

I got it towed off the highway and while it was being loaded both I and the tow driver could see a pool of trans fluid below the radiator, not the trans.

The truck had a failure in the trans cooler line. This was fixed and the truck now drives but I was told that the trans has some slip in it and the torque converter could be damaged.

Could this be true or am I being pushed into a trans swap that I don't need?
What damage occurs when the trans loses it fluid other then the loss of power transfer though the torque converter.
Could the balance of the trans such as the gears or clutches be damaged by the low fluid?

The whole process from the start of the problem to pulling over took less than 5 minutes.

My choices are a new trans ($3,300) a rebuilt ($2,200 +/-), or a low mileage used unit for under ($1,000).
None of these prices include the labor!

The truck has 150,000 miles on it, it was purchased used with high mileage but otherwise in very good condition. I only use it for towing my trailer and not as a daily driver.

 

loosing fluid can cause all kinds of issues.... the first is Lack of Lubrication and over heating, this can cause the clutch packs to glaze and burn, this can also cause Galling of the bearings and the races/surfaces that they ride on.

since I wasn't there and I don't know how long your transmission may have been low on fluid, as it may have been leaking for some time.

But it might be a good time to drop the pan and inspect it, change the filter, and do a Flush ..... run it then check and see if you are generating any Codes
I would advise checking pressures too.. just to make sure there is no pump damage and you Might just be good to go


EDIT: I would get the recall done too, IF it is in fact slipping then that for sure indicates it has issues, and needs inspection.