I have a 2001 F250 CC 4X4, V10 automatic. Two weeks ago the dealer performed the 90,000 mile service, including changing the transmission fluid. Drove 100 miles to my hunting camp this weekend, transmission operated normally at first, but Saturday afternoon as we were driving on one of the county roads it started slipping. I pulled over at the nearest place, looked under the truck and saw transmission fluid dripping from the bottom of the pan. I checked the fluid level, didn't register on the dipstick. I shut the engine off and looked under the truck again, fluid was pouring from the pan, apparently from the drain. It appeared that the drainplug was missing. No smoke, unpleasant smells or sounds. Had the truck towed to the servicing dealership, and I am awaiting the verdict. I am assuming at this point that they failed to tighten the drainplug securely and that it vibrated off. I looked in the driveway and found a small puddle of transmission fluid, so it was leaking some before I left.

So, assuming that I only ran for a couple of miles at moderate speed with the transmission low on fluid, what are the chances that I have significant transmission damage? What would you do if the dealer fills it back up with fluid, and proclaims that there is no damage? If it is toast, does the dealer owe me a new one? What if it fails a few thousand miles later?

 

Well, the place you had the service done in the first place needs to take a look at it. If they top up the fluid and say it is ok I would ask them for some kind of warranty. They DID make a mistake and need to stand behind it.

Is the transmission screwed? Probably not depending on how long you drove it like that for. If they give you a warranty for 3 years or so that should be long enough for it to fail from their mistake if it is going to.

Good luck!

-Matt

 

I had a line blow off a transmission cooler while towing a fifth wheel along an interstate in Virginia. Fortunatly it was at the top of a hill. It covered my truck (not a Ford) and trailer with ATF. to the point I couldn't see through the windshield.(the wipers didn't help) The truck rolled appox 1 mile to the next exit before I could pull off on a ramp. After repairing the line I replaced about 10 quarts of fluid, without any damage to the transmision. I think your transmission should be OK.
What I learned from this: 1)Trucks and trailers look really bad covered in pink. 2) I was lucky the rig didn't catch on fire, the smoke was like something you would see at Talladega. 3) You should have seen the cars scrambling behind me, again like Talladega. 4) Bugs really stick to transmission fluid. 5) There are some decent people in Virginia, like the person that gave me a ride to the Texaco and back to get some transmission fluid. 6) The campground that let me wash the rig, before getting back on the road.