started shifting hard today .. then wouldn't shift from 2nd to 3rd. Got home and looked at it - found a leak near the test port where my gauge sensors are. So checked the fluid and it was a tad low .. put some in and just plugged up the test port in case it wasn't getting pressure.

Temperature was about 220 degrees .. when I finally got it back home, it was slipping bad, would barely move . .it was all I could do to get it in the driveway.

So any ideas what this COULD be ? 160,000 miles, original tranny.

 

I don't know but it don't sound good. Can you spell B-T-S???

My old '99 truck behaved similar and it ended up needing a Ford reman put in it. Maybe a clogged filter? I'll let the experts chime in now. Good luck.

 

Say it ain't so!

You could always try a flush and filter.....Mark the trans expert will be here soon.

 

Wonder if the torque converter was making all that excess heat. Or the valve thing (I know you love it when I talk technical) on the side of the trans, that has been known to stop opening to allow fluid to the cooler.

 

I see you have an 01, AKA the dreaded mechanical diode transmission. Not sure if this is what is causing your problem though. Just more food for thought.

 

well here's a small update .. after letting her sit for a bit .. started it up .. trans temp is now 170 deg .. put it in reverse and backed up fine .. 1st gear is fine .. not going on the road with her acting how she did .

so what will NOT work or have problems when the temps get that high ?? ?

 

Everything works fine in a good transmission at 220F. That's not really that hot. If it doesn't work at that temp it has a serious problem.

If the filter is plugged don't bother changing it. The only way to get enough in the filter to plug it is when the transmission has already failed.

I'm sorry to say you need to have the trans rebuilt or replaced. It's done.

 

Okay thanx Mark ..

 

100% agree with this.

 

Sorry for feeble hijack attempt---will post and ask.

 

well of course if I could have ANYTHING I wanted, I'd just have a BTS put in .. of course the $$$ is not an option now!! But a friend is a mechanic and has a shop and can replace and get me a good price on a reman with a 3yr / 100,000 mile warranty ..

 

Bummer. Whats your plan of action? BTS?

Edit: Nevermind. You answered my question before I posted it.

 

There was a six month production run where Ford tried something new inside the tranny and found out it wasn't one of thier "better ideas" right away, but they had to run it that long because of tooling and logistics.
Every rebuilt from that era gets an automatic upgrade to get rid of it.

 

Yeah Lisa .. I have to finish throwing up first ..

 

Although I always appreciate Mark when he comes in with his news, I know he has helped me, But, I feel he should be dressed as the grim reaper...