CD4E transmission problem
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CD4E transmission problem
Escape XLT V6 2001 with 81,000 miles.
Had the PCM recall performed three weeks ago.
Had the transmission fluid changed and serviced 8 months ago.
Recently noticed reduced power and flashing OD light.
There was a sensation of not shifting into the next higher gear
and trouble climbing up small hills.
Immediately headed to our local shop and they ran the computer
saying that it was internal to the transmission..
I suspect it is, or at least hope that it is, the solenoid or electronics at worst.
I am posting this to see if similar issues are out there.
There is a reasonable amount of data on this transmission and previous issues.
Thanks for responses. And I will followup with a report as to the findings.
Had the PCM recall performed three weeks ago.
Had the transmission fluid changed and serviced 8 months ago.
Recently noticed reduced power and flashing OD light.
There was a sensation of not shifting into the next higher gear
and trouble climbing up small hills.
Immediately headed to our local shop and they ran the computer
saying that it was internal to the transmission..
I suspect it is, or at least hope that it is, the solenoid or electronics at worst.
I am posting this to see if similar issues are out there.
There is a reasonable amount of data on this transmission and previous issues.
Thanks for responses. And I will followup with a report as to the findings.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Southern California.. Nea
common problem
Unfortunatly the CD4E trannie is a common problem on Escapes..The 2001-2002 models had the most problems.. for the 03-05s Ford has made improvements but the trannie is small and was origionaly made for the smaller Ford Probe and the 2.5 (less torque and HP) engines of the mid 90s.. Be sure that regular "Dextron lll/Mercon" fluid was used when it was changed (a little late now if it wasn't). The wrong fluid causes converter shudder and clutch failure.. some Escapes came with the dipstick handle wrongly marked "Mercon V".. This sounds like you are in for a $2500 rebuild.. Good luck
Last edited by Mojave2k; Aug 26, 2004 at 12:47 AM. Reason: more information
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Mercon issue
Well, I did ask my local service guy which mercon he used, but he couldn't say.
Then I informed him of the dipstick marking issue.
The trannie repair shop said it didn't make a difference which ATF was used despite all that I have read about your posts on another thread.
I will be sure to have them use the proper ATF..........in retrospect
Thanks,
Then I informed him of the dipstick marking issue.
The trannie repair shop said it didn't make a difference which ATF was used despite all that I have read about your posts on another thread.
I will be sure to have them use the proper ATF..........in retrospect
Thanks,
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CD4E followup
Well, the repair of my trans is complete.
It cost $3500 incl tax. There were several problems with
three updates required per the shop.
The torque converter was out and the solenoid was bad.
Interestingly, the vehicle drives extremely well now.
It is my wife's vehicle and when I had the occassion to drive it,
I always thought it felt odd to drive. Now it is plush like butter.
This was a bit of a surprise to cost this much.
Just wanted followup for others in the same situation.
Bob
It cost $3500 incl tax. There were several problems with
three updates required per the shop.
The torque converter was out and the solenoid was bad.
Interestingly, the vehicle drives extremely well now.
It is my wife's vehicle and when I had the occassion to drive it,
I always thought it felt odd to drive. Now it is plush like butter.
This was a bit of a surprise to cost this much.
Just wanted followup for others in the same situation.
Bob
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 107
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From: Southern California.. Nea
With a new trannie and converter you should do ok.. Just remember to lock it out of overdrive in town below 45 mph.. and change the fluid every 25-30K.. (Dextron lll/Mercon only) and you will save that torque converter...
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new converter ?
Originally Posted by goiner
Well, the repair of my trans is complete.
It cost $3500 incl tax. There were several problems with
three updates required per the shop.
The torque converter was out and the solenoid was bad.
Interestingly, the vehicle drives extremely well now.
It is my wife's vehicle and when I had the occassion to drive it,
I always thought it felt odd to drive. Now it is plush like butter.
This was a bit of a surprise to cost this much.
Just wanted followup for others in the same situation.
Bob
It cost $3500 incl tax. There were several problems with
three updates required per the shop.
The torque converter was out and the solenoid was bad.
Interestingly, the vehicle drives extremely well now.
It is my wife's vehicle and when I had the occassion to drive it,
I always thought it felt odd to drive. Now it is plush like butter.
This was a bit of a surprise to cost this much.
Just wanted followup for others in the same situation.
Bob
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Can't say that I notice any difference.
You would expect much better mileage now that I am
carrying around much less cash. That stuff really weighs alot
and can result in poor mileage...
Fortunately, with this rebuild, I have a 36 month or 36K mileage warranty for
full repairs, so we are driving the hell out of it.
You would expect much better mileage now that I am
carrying around much less cash. That stuff really weighs alot
and can result in poor mileage...
Fortunately, with this rebuild, I have a 36 month or 36K mileage warranty for
full repairs, so we are driving the hell out of it.
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Same Prob.
I just dropped my 02 Escape off for the tranny, I am hoping it is not going to be a $3,500 fix. 28,500 miles but I had it for 39 months. If anyone has good sugestions for dealing with the dealer service guy, please let me know. Thank You.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Southern California.. Nea
Well that's it. After a year and a half of reading about CD4E failures here and at Escape Central, I gave up and traded my Escape in for a different SUV. With all of the great improvements Ford has made on the F-150 and superduties you would think they would get rid of the Mazda auto tranne designed origionally for the 1993 Ford Probe. I loved the performance of my Escape.. especally the smooth little Duratec V6 but I hated that CD4E, (search for lock up) trannie since I bought it. Good luck to you all and I will visit the forum from time to time.. really good folks here.. Mojave
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From: Texas
Good luck Mojave2k! We'll miss you here and on the other Escape forum. It would be interesting to know what SUV you got assuming similiar in size, etc. My 2002 Escape was pretty much totaled less than 2 weeks ago, I went looking and I didn't find anything I liked better than the Escapes/Tributes...so I bought a 2005 Escape last Friday night. I looked at Nissans/Jeeps but terrible gas mileage and they're on truck frames. Spouse likes Hondas so I drove one - interior seemed really cheap plus I really don't like the shifter and e-brake on the dash plus a few other things!
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From: Southern California.. Nea
Hi Bannaboat; I bought a new 04 Nissan Xterra. I am going to miss the power to weight ratio of my Escape. You are right about the gas mileage, 17 on the first tank, (hope for improvement when it brakes in). I bought an 04 knowing that the 05 is comming soon with more power, but I got $5000 off of list on the 04. It outweighs my Escape by 700+ pounds and has 20 less HP. The Escape would beat me hands down 0-60. I have already visited the Xterra Forum, and with only a 180 hp 3.3 V6 and built on the truck frame, I can't find anyone complaining about any trannie problems, (not enough Power to hurt it'self). I think the O5 Escape with the new larger 4cyl might be the best choice in Escapes until they replace that CD4E. I bet they don't have any problems with it at the HP levels of the 4cyl though. Keep us updated on your new Escape. I have over the years, put half a million+ miles on F-150s at home and work and short of small tune up issues I have never had one brake down or leave me hangin .. Mojave
Last edited by Mojave2k; Feb 11, 2005 at 11:58 PM. Reason: Ahh spelling
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From: Southern California.. Nea
I stand corrected. I went to the Xterra forum and did find a auto trannie complaint. The guy went 160,000 miles, sometimes pulling a boat trailer, never changed the fluid since he bought it new, and was complaining that the trannie quit. .. Duh.. It seems the big problem over there was corrosion killing the fuel senders causing total fuel pump shutdown leaving them stranded.. Yup Nissan finally did a recall after 3 years of problems. Lucky no one was killed.. No auto or truck company is without any problems. Go to the forums for your truck or car and learn from the owners. They will let you know what to watch out for on your truck and you can nip any problem before it causes you trouble.. Thanks for all the helpful answers in the past .. Mojave
Last edited by Mojave2k; Feb 12, 2005 at 02:15 AM. Reason: typo
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From: Texas
In all honesty, I like the look of the Xterra best...especially in yellow. I'm partial to Nissans since I've owned several of their trucks. A friend has an Xterra and the reason I didn't seriously consider was due to the truck frame and mpgs (that's why I gave up the F150 for Escapes). 120 miles a day commuting just doesn't fit well. The 2005 is 8 days old and I've got over 800 miles on it averaging 24.8, 25.1 and 25.5 mpg on the improved HP 4-banger. I can tell it's not the V6 (mostly by the engine/exhaust sound) but it's not bad. Plenty of freeway merging power.
I had hoped they would have used something other than the CD4E on the 4-banger but I took my chances. The spouse wants a loaded up one now but I'll wait and roll the dice with the 2006 s since they're suppose to have a different tranny. Plus the Tribby has a few more features at the same price in addition to a warrant that lasts 14k miles more than the Escape.
I had hoped they would have used something other than the CD4E on the 4-banger but I took my chances. The spouse wants a loaded up one now but I'll wait and roll the dice with the 2006 s since they're suppose to have a different tranny. Plus the Tribby has a few more features at the same price in addition to a warrant that lasts 14k miles more than the Escape.
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From: Southern California.. Nea
I bet you won't have any problems with the CD4E and the 4 CYL.. a better power match.. That sounds like great gas mileage for an SUV.. The X has a 4.65 rear end ratio so the little 180 HP V6 can pull it.. I got 17 combined city and highway driving on the first tank..but the X does weigh almost 4K... I think I might have liked a new 05 Scape with the improved 4 CYL automatic. Have fun with your new one and I hope have many crash free miles ahead... Mojave