I am trying to figure out if I am seeing the beginning effects of a possible transmission problem, or if this condition might be considered normal.

I have 155,000 miles on my truck, and I am noticing that when I first start the truck, particularly on cooler days, or basically when the truck isn't up to normal operating temp, that when I put it in drive and step on the gas, it is almost like the transmission doesnt lock in. I guess like it is only half powered until I get the rpms up. It works like it is supposed to once the engine is warm.

I noticed it awhile back when only in reverse it would do it even when the engine was at norm op temp, but recently it has started to do it when I put it in drive. However, it doesnt always do it when I put it in reverse, only sometimes. The rpms go up like they are supposed to, but the transmission just doesnt want to catch and accelerate like it is supposed to. Only when it is warm.

I really love this truck, especially the 7.3L PSD part of it, but I have been itching to get into something a little newer. I am trying to think long-term a little bit here, and was hoping for another good 10 years out of this truck, or if it is time to bite the bullet and trade in for a new one. I realize that transmission work on a truck like this, particularly to rebuild or even a flat out new transmission would be fricken expensive, so I was hoping to get a couple of opinions as to whether or not trading for something new might save me some headaches in the future.

Thanks alot.

 

Try changing the fluid first. When was it last changed. The fluid takes some abuse, especially from the PSD.

I'd opt to fix the trans then trade it in.... There are a few reputable vendors on this site for transmissions..... It might cost you some cash for a new bulletproof trans with all of theshortcoming fixed, but it'll be worth it.

Also, do a search for "trans diode" on here. That might be the problem. Don't recall exactly what it did/does but it was a problem in some of the 00-01 trucks....

 

The mechanical diode was a problem in the '01 trucks. It was used for the first half of the 2001 model year. When it breaks you will lose the 1-2 shift, everything else works fine, until parts from the diode get into other things. I don't think this is your problem.

Low fluid could cause this.

 

Thanks Casey..... I couldn't remember exactly what the problem was.

 

Having 155,000 miles with the factory OEM tranny is pretty good. IMO...if the rest of the SD is in good shape, then just go with a new tranny. You can go two ways...that is with a bullitt proof type or just a remanufacture type. Heck...you got 155,000 miles on the original...the remanufacture should get you that and more.

Keep in mind that if you replace the tranny, then you also need to replace the tranny cooler. A flush is not acceptable according to FORD and the life of the new tranny.

Good reading:
http://www.jasperengines.com/index.html
http://www.factorytechtransmissions.com/index.asp
http://www.brianstruckshop.com/


Good luck…


biz

 

I have heard of a type of check valve that helps maintain pressure and if this is bad the pressure can bleed down after sitting and has to build back up after starting.

 

Sounds like the torque convertor fluid is draining back to transmission. There is a check valve that could be the culprit. When mine did this, the torque convertor was fried.

 

Thanks for the input. Very interesting. So interesting in fact that I just traded my 01 in on an 06 F350 king ranch PSD. Awesome!!!! The tranny issue we're talking about here didn't factor into the trade in either. Not my problem now though. Also, I had changed the tranny fluid when I bought it a couple years ago with 108,000 miles on it. I was planning on doing it within the next couple of weeks, but I guess that's a non-issue now.

So what is the typical lifespan of the tranny for the 01 PSD's anyway? biz4two seemed a little surprised that it had that many miles on. Yes, there wasn't a single thing wrong with the rest of the truck. I think I will miss the ol 7.3. [cry, cry, cry]

 

My 01 has 256K on the orignal. I know the original owner (I'm the 2nd) and it has never been repaired, just serviced....


Good luck with the 6.0!

 

I hope you didn't pass a bad tranny onto an unsuspecting buyer! That's how I got my bad tranny. Long-story-short, I got a rebuilt transmission for around $1000. Not bad, but still a $1000 I wasn't intending on spending.

 

Congrats on the '06!

The lifespan varies with the 4R100 tranny. Lots of factors like how the truck was used, if maintenance schedules were followed, etc. I can say that it is not un-usual to see a post with a dead 4R100 tranny at 70,000 miles here at FTE. Of course...the other can be said...of seeing a 250,000+ lifespan. So...again...it varies.

Good luck with your '06!


biz