Spewing trans fluid
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 2
From: Bartlett, TN
Spewing trans fluid
I'm backing my 10K 5er up an incline and into an not very level campsite this past weekend. After multiple attempts (not much access plus my limited 5th wheel backing experience), my tires are lossing grip on the pavement. I finally look down to what I later calculated as about 3 quarts of transmission fluid on the pavement. I didn't notice what the transmission temp was at that very moment, but just before and a little while later it was fine. After replacing the aformentioned 3 quarts of fluid, everything seems to be working fine.
Is that the case, or is something terribly wrong with my transmission?
Don't ask about the '08 Dodge 2500 that finished putting my trailer in the site! It was a 4X4 and he used 4L.
I am also posting this in the 7.3 Diesel forum.
Is that the case, or is something terribly wrong with my transmission?
Don't ask about the '08 Dodge 2500 that finished putting my trailer in the site! It was a 4X4 and he used 4L.
I am also posting this in the 7.3 Diesel forum.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Not much cooling is happening when you're going backwards. Best bet is to use 4LO and if you have manual locking hubs, don't lock them in.
I think that Dodge may have an auxiliary electric fan. You can add one to yours for situations like that.
I think that Dodge may have an auxiliary electric fan. You can add one to yours for situations like that.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
The first sign that you are overheating a 4R100 transmission is fluid coming out of the transmission. As long as you stop at that point, allow the transmission to cool and replace the fluid it'll probably be OK.
For towing, you should seriously consider extra cooling for the transmission. Heat is a huge transmission killer.
For towing, you should seriously consider extra cooling for the transmission. Heat is a huge transmission killer.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 2
From: Bartlett, TN
I have had a friend tell me that it would be a good idea to have the transmission flushed. I don't know if this is a good idea or not, but I don't want bad fluid in my truck either. I've also heard of many transmissions going bad just after a flush. And I don't think pulling the pan will get it all out. What's next?
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,705
Likes: 2,626
From: SE Florida
If you want to change the fluid yourself here's how:
Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission .: Articles
Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission .: Articles
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,242
Likes: 758
From: Houston, Texas
I'm backing my 10K 5er up an incline and into an not very level campsite this past weekend. After multiple attempts (not much access plus my limited 5th wheel backing experience), my tires are lossing grip on the pavement. I finally look down to what I later calculated as about 3 quarts of transmission fluid on the pavement. I didn't notice what the transmission temp was at that very moment, but just before and a little while later it was fine. After replacing the aformentioned 3 quarts of fluid, everything seems to be working fine.
Is that the case, or is something terribly wrong with my transmission?
Don't ask about the '08 Dodge 2500 that finished putting my trailer in the site! It was a 4X4 and he used 4L.
I am also posting this in the 7.3 Diesel forum.
Is that the case, or is something terribly wrong with my transmission?
Don't ask about the '08 Dodge 2500 that finished putting my trailer in the site! It was a 4X4 and he used 4L.
I am also posting this in the 7.3 Diesel forum.
This happened to another user (Eric Long) on his '00 Excursion. He was backing a good size boat up a driveway in 2wd and his tranny ralphed up about 3qts like yours did. I don't think the Dodge had a auxiliary cooler, he just knew you had to use 4lo if you're backing a good size trailer up a driveway. I don't quite know the whole theory behind it, but maybe Mark could expand on it.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,705
Likes: 2,626
From: SE Florida
At low speeds there is a lot of slip across the torque converter. That's how a torque converter turns RPM into torque. It also creates a lot of heat.
When in 4x4L the transfer case adds a gear reduction of 2.7:1. So now the torque converter is spinning 2.7 times faster, which makes less slip, so less heat. Plus with the added gear reduction the work that the torque converter has to do is A LOT less.
When in 4x4L the transfer case adds a gear reduction of 2.7:1. So now the torque converter is spinning 2.7 times faster, which makes less slip, so less heat. Plus with the added gear reduction the work that the torque converter has to do is A LOT less.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 116
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My 04 did the same thing after driving 120 miles over the cascades. It never got hot or slipped a bit during the trip however when we got to our camp spot I had to make several attempts to finally get our travel trailer in the right position. It didn't spit quite that much but enough that I added fluid. I'm looking into an HD tranny cooler for the future.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,705
Likes: 2,626
From: SE Florida
You won't find a better trans cooler than the one on your truck right now.
If you have to make several backing attempts pushing a trailer around let it fast idle in park or neutral every other backing attempt. Even better, back in 4x4L. That will eliminate the problem.
If you have to make several backing attempts pushing a trailer around let it fast idle in park or neutral every other backing attempt. Even better, back in 4x4L. That will eliminate the problem.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 2
From: Bartlett, TN
So Mark you're saying I don't need another cooler. I don't know if an add-on cooler would make things better. I'm checking out the do-it-yourself section. This is only an option if I don't need to get another seal. Was it the seal that caused the leak?
Fluid was leaking from everything under the truck, but there is a weap hole in the bottom of the trans/engine area cover. Is this where all this came from and will removing this cover and looking at anything help me?
Fluid was leaking from everything under the truck, but there is a weap hole in the bottom of the trans/engine area cover. Is this where all this came from and will removing this cover and looking at anything help me?
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,705
Likes: 2,626
From: SE Florida
The seal is around the torque converter hub. You can't see it without removing the torque converter. You won't see anything useful looking inside the bellhousing.
You won't improve trans cooling with another cooler. You'll probably restrict the flow and have less cooling. The way to fix this problem is to give the trans a break by idling in park or neutral after several high load reversing loads. You're just overheating the torque converter by working it so hard and so long without a break.
You won't improve trans cooling with another cooler. You'll probably restrict the flow and have less cooling. The way to fix this problem is to give the trans a break by idling in park or neutral after several high load reversing loads. You're just overheating the torque converter by working it so hard and so long without a break.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 2
From: Bartlett, TN
So if I don't get around to changing the fluid for a while, what kind of damage might I be doing. The fluid on the stick looks very clean. The reason I'm waiting is I'm trying to find a good brand at my local parts stores, but they only have off brands. Walmart was no help, but it was all I could find in Iuka, MS that was open at the time. Is Motorcraft any better than what I am seeing? NAPA has Maxlife brand, Autozone carries Coastal brand. You know why I would hate to go to a Ford Dealer??$$$$$
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 39
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Mark, this is CJ @ cljzen@sti.net. I wished I had read your posts before I got so discouraged. I have a pristine 7.3 PSD 99 F250 4X4 and my truck puked out some fluid at high elevations on two occassions; both of which were on 100 degree days and pulling fairly ligthweight trailers. I did add a quality tranny cooler, and am running full synthetic. I've towed a 4000 car/dolly 8,000 miles without incident and going over 4000'elevation (cooler weather) and never had one issue. I just purchased a new filter and intend to have it changed and a tranny mechanic look see. Naturally I'm vulnerable to what he interpets. No slippage, clear fluid, runs great, but I certainly get worried when I'm on an r.v. trip in the mountains and she spits out a quart of fluid as I nearly reach my destination. I was about ready to just sell the truck and update but I've only 60K miles and it seems the newer 6.0 psd have the same issues. Now, as a retired conservative old man I'm not sure what the heck to do. Any counsel is welcomed. CJ