Well, I was hoping that it was just an unusual incident with my last Expedition (2001 - rebuilt transmission @70,000 miles), after all they're rated to tow a boat a lot bigger than my 20.5 ft inboard, but alas. It's not looking good again.

My 2006 Ford Expedition with 70,000 miles is displaying transmission problems. I put a lot of highway miles on it and I tow my boat two days a week in hilly western NJ. I first noticed that at low speed/rpms it felt like it was hesitating. I'd give it gas (without the boat), and it wouldn't respond. Eventually it would downshift after more throttle was applies and then it would be fine. At highway speeds I didn't notice any problem, only the lower gear(s). Now, when I give it gas at times it shudders as it thinks about accelerating.

It's off to the trans shop that I know and trust tomorrow to find out what they think. I guess there is no hope that Ford will help here? After all, I buy the Expedition for towing. I would think that the transmission should last longer than 70,000 miles?

Does anyone know if I might be able to get some help, and if so how? Have other people who tow with their Expediiton broken their transmission?

Thanks,
Rick

 

Do you do regular service on the tranny? Seems odd that you would have two go on you.

 

Yes I have.

 

Since you do a lot of towing, are you towing in DRIVE or OVERDRIVE ?

 

My last truck I never disabled overdrive, but this one I've been religious about it thinking that was the problem. The owner's manual claimes it's not a problem to tow in overdrive unless you notice the trans shifting in and out of overdrive.

 

Might have them check the trans cooler, and install an aux cooler. Maybe check into some synthetic fluid??

 

I tow a 23' walkaround fishing boat (April-October) and have my trans completely flushed annually. I've been told by some that is excessive, but I think it's worth the added insurance. I'm approaching 116,000 miles and haven't had an issue with my transmission. I also evaluate the road to determine whether I tow with O/D engaged or not. The 5.4 has a good torque band and I often find the Expy pulling hills in O/D I was certain it'd drop down a gear. But, long hills I take it out of O/D until the roadway is flat again.

 

does your Expy have the Normal or Heavy Duty tow package?

The difference in the cooler size makes a huge difference


Since you are towing in hills, I'd venture to guess that your tranny is getting hot...and heat kills transmissions