Torque Converter Failure
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Torque Converter Failure
I have a 2000 F-550 PSD 4x4 w/ 4 spd auto trans. It is outfitted to respond to fires in this mountain and forest area (Colorado). It weighs in at 15,500# (17,500# GVWR) and has about 3000 miles on it.
On the mountain roads (up to 12% grades), the trammy heats up some, and then "locks in" to 2nd gear which causes the engine to lug down and have no power. I have to shift into 4 wheel lo range to creep "home".
Ford garage tells me only that they will replace/repair the torque converter under warranty, but I don't get any info about possible overload on the design of the 12" single stage TC. An aftermarketer wants to install a 13.5" 3 stage TC (for $1500+), but I wonder if Ford shouldn't replace the apparently under-designed mis-matched TC in this truck.
Any and all thoughts and advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
Fignewt
On the mountain roads (up to 12% grades), the trammy heats up some, and then "locks in" to 2nd gear which causes the engine to lug down and have no power. I have to shift into 4 wheel lo range to creep "home".
Ford garage tells me only that they will replace/repair the torque converter under warranty, but I don't get any info about possible overload on the design of the 12" single stage TC. An aftermarketer wants to install a 13.5" 3 stage TC (for $1500+), but I wonder if Ford shouldn't replace the apparently under-designed mis-matched TC in this truck.
Any and all thoughts and advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
Fignewt
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
Torque Converter Failure
There is a TSB on transmission overheating that I think relates to your problem. A new torque converter isn't going to help much, if at all.
When you feel it "lock in" what I think is happening is the torque converter is locking.
It will lock due to high transmission temperatures. Trucks built before February, 2000 didn't have a transmission cooler in the radiator. They only had the air-to-oil cooler out front of the radiator. Is this the way your truck was built?
If so, the TSB authorizes your dealer to replace the radiator with one the has a transmission cooler, and also keep the existing cooler. It's done under warranty if the truck is still in the 3 year/36,000 miles warranty period. Yours should fall into this.
Your driving conditions are exactly where the transmission heating problems occur. High load and low vehicle speeds are the problem.
Mark
When you feel it "lock in" what I think is happening is the torque converter is locking.
It will lock due to high transmission temperatures. Trucks built before February, 2000 didn't have a transmission cooler in the radiator. They only had the air-to-oil cooler out front of the radiator. Is this the way your truck was built?
If so, the TSB authorizes your dealer to replace the radiator with one the has a transmission cooler, and also keep the existing cooler. It's done under warranty if the truck is still in the 3 year/36,000 miles warranty period. Yours should fall into this.
Your driving conditions are exactly where the transmission heating problems occur. High load and low vehicle speeds are the problem.
Mark
