Smell smoke in reverse when loaded
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Smell smoke in reverse when loaded
I have a '99 F450 with 110,000 mi. Trans shifts great and everything seems normal except in reverse when attached to my trailer (18,000 lbs) I smell smoke when backing up. Especially when putting some strain on it. Unloaded it doesn't do this. I think there's a seal getting weak but I can't see where it would contact the hot exhaust pipe to cause smoke. Any ideas?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
It sounds to me that the trans is overheating, Happened to my early 99 f350. It was fine going foward with and without a load, but in reverse under strain(backing uphill into a campsite), it slipped slightly and smelled like it was overheating. My trailer is 9200 lbs. Check trans fluid for burning, smell it and look close at the color. Whens the last time you serviced the tranny? When you service it do a tranny flush, that completely changes the fluid including the TC.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
If you have a floor shifter with manual locking hubs, leave the hubs unlocked, and shift the transfercase into 4lo. You will be in 2 lo, which takes off alot of stress in the reverse gear. Still easy to steer and keep control without torquring up the steering wheel. Since you have a 450 with most likely 4.88's, do not use 2lo in a forward gear, because that is way too much torque multiplication for one drive axle. It is OK to pull up to re-aim the trailer, but do not blip the throttle or "get unstuck" using 2 lo. 
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Someone will be along here shortly to fully explain, but until then, I recall that our trannies do not like to move trailers/loads in reverse, worse yet backing them up a hill. Don't recall the exact reason, maybe something in the valving and pressure in there, but I seem to recall several people stating that they trashed their trannies backing loads up an incline. Hopefully someone will explain this.
Edit: OK, maybe folks who type faster and don't watch TV while they are trying to do that. Maybe it was overheating.
Edit: OK, maybe folks who type faster and don't watch TV while they are trying to do that. Maybe it was overheating.
Last edited by Tenn01PSD350; Jan 14, 2007 at 09:09 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 1
From: Central Alabama
Living up a steep hill on a Cul-be-sac, I get some inconsiderate neighbors that park in the road and I can't swing my camper around in the cul-de-sac. So I have to back my rig up the 300yd hill to get into my driveway. I puke some tranny fluid everytime. I've been told that it was normal...lot of strain for reverse. I'll try the 4 low next time.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake, WA
I have also noticed a burning smell, almost like gear lube when backing up our drive way even without a load (its pretty steep). Iv checked my trans fluid and it is full, pink and doesnt smell burnt.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Wow, thanks for all the quick replies.
The smell seems like oil to me but trans fluid might smell the same. Also, I service my trans each year replacing the fluid and filter, and I drain the torque converter.
Where is the trans overflow located?
The smell seems like oil to me but trans fluid might smell the same. Also, I service my trans each year replacing the fluid and filter, and I drain the torque converter.
Where is the trans overflow located?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
Even with ESOF, as long as you don't have to make turns you should be ok.
The gear ratio is all wrong for backing up with a load. It's way too tall, causing stress and strain. Imagine trying to take off going forward, with a load, in second gear. It's not quite that bad in reverse, but you get the point. 4 Low helps a lot.
The gear ratio is all wrong for backing up with a load. It's way too tall, causing stress and strain. Imagine trying to take off going forward, with a load, in second gear. It's not quite that bad in reverse, but you get the point. 4 Low helps a lot.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BogginDave
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Oct 13, 2015 04:14 PM
99 4.0
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Jul 9, 2003 07:24 AM
