2003 6.0 79k 4x4 f350<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
I plow snow with this truck. I have a Edge programmer but hardly use it.
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It started making a noise the other day after a big snow storm. The best I can describe is like a flywheel rubbing on tin. Usually only when accelerating. Does not do it in neutral. Seems to be getting worse like doing it even when not accelerating but a lot quieter. Fluid does not look too bad, a little darker than new fluid. Valvoline flushed it last year. I'm 99% sure noise is transmission. It stays pretty constant no matter how fast I am going. Started shifting funny from stop like it did not know what gear to be in. Is tranny on its way out? <o></o>
Tow/Haul started blinking as I pulled into the drive too.<o></o>
I am worried to drive the truck.<o></o>
Thanks<o></o>

 

I think you are correct on the tranny problem, especially since the tow/haul light is blinking. You need to stop driving it and get it in to be checked. No good to keep driving if that t/h light is blinking. The noise is troubling because that normally indicates a hard part failure which usually contaminates the whole tranny.

 

Hmm. I just can't believe I only got 70k out of this thing! Do I need to go to the dealer to have it scanned? Was thinking of pulling the pan off to take a look. I searched every forum on here under "transmission noise" and fould no one describing my same problem.

 

Sorry you missed all the post about Edge and having to tell you NOW,
but the Edge has been known (infamously so!) for ruining trannies....

get rid of it and fix your tranny, consider an SCT tuner....

 

Let's not jump to the worst assumptions. If T/H is blinking, that means there is a code to be read. Once you've done that, you'll have a clearer picture.

 

You know, I debated even saying I had the Edge because I was affraid people would bash that. I don't think it was the death of this tranny. Like I said I hardly ever used it. Never in 4 or 5 settings. Mostly on the highway.
What I am asking for is people that have heard of the issues I am having and to tell me if they think my tranny is totally shot. Or to give me ideas of things to look at fixing.

 

Thanks BPOUNDS,
I'll get it somewhere to get some codes.

 

There was a problem with the early '03 torqshift, but I can't remember just what it was. Haven't had enough coffee yet. Someone who knows this stuff will hopefully jump in.

 

Hopefully someone else will provide more details, however I believe that it takes a special code reader to access the transmission codes. I don't think you will get them if you go somewhere like AutoZone.

 

Wondering if the Snap Ring has finaly let go on your 03' Torq-shift trans,,the early trannies had some issues I recall,,,pertaining to plow trucks especially!

 

The snap ring was a 2005 problem. The 2003 trans was especially trouble free.

 

Wasnt there a planetary recall on the earlier models? I also remember the one way clutch design, digital, had to be replaced with the earlier design due to premature failure, get it checked out, that low mileage can probably be fixed with little parts replacement and may even be covered.

 

My truck was at ford 2 years ago (20k ago)due to a bad engine. They put in a new long block. Wouldn't they have done any recall work on it then?

 

No, depends on the dealer. I do remember a while back reading about a defect in those trannies where some part came loose, especially on plow trucks. Do some research here and go to the dealer informed it may be a warranty issue.

 

You're thinking of the snap ring failures. Ford had a customer satisfaction program (not a recall) to fix those trucks that had the snow plow package. That was only on the 2005 models.

That was never a recall or a customer satisfaction program. Ford didn't help on that repair at all.

Oh, yeah, it was the mechanical diode, not digital, and it was only on the 2001 models with the 4R100 transmission.