97 Expedition Tranny Failure?
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97 Expedition Tranny Failure?
Am original owner of 97 XLT, with a 5.4, 4x4, tow pack, 113K and 3.31 (big bungle), its been a great ride. I was 5 days into dream vacation (towing TT about 5,200 lbs) when I got a big vibration from the rear that i initially thought was a flat tire on the TT. The check engine light started flashing, its been on, but never flashed.
Pulled over tires were fine, everything else seemed ok, so started Expy to move off highway. I got a vibration in 1st and when it shifted to 3rd. Overdrive was off, we were only 15 miles on our drive and the weather was cool. I had the truck towed to a transmission shop, and they will not look at it until tomorrow.
My questions are I believe the 97 has the 4r70w tranny. Any ideas if I had failure or what? Can it be replaced with a 4r100? What can I do since I mostly tow with this truck to beef up the tranny? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Pulled over tires were fine, everything else seemed ok, so started Expy to move off highway. I got a vibration in 1st and when it shifted to 3rd. Overdrive was off, we were only 15 miles on our drive and the weather was cool. I had the truck towed to a transmission shop, and they will not look at it until tomorrow.
My questions are I believe the 97 has the 4r70w tranny. Any ideas if I had failure or what? Can it be replaced with a 4r100? What can I do since I mostly tow with this truck to beef up the tranny? Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Were you able to get the check engine light scanned to see what codes are coming up? It could be a couple of things. And you are in the correct area btw.. Places like autozone can scan your Expy for free to see what codes are showing. I'd look into that as well before spending lots of money.. good luck
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You best look again at where you are. This forum covers models going back to 1997.
Fleet Owner
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Why, what's making you think it's the tranny?
You could've simply broke a u-joint or bent the driveshaft, or it could be a broken cord inside a tire.
You could've simply broke a u-joint or bent the driveshaft, or it could be a broken cord inside a tire.
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That's true too, I also was wondering since his check engine light went on, that maybe a COP is shot or the notorious vacuum line that runs from the PCV valve to the back of the intake manifold finally got a leak or it collapsed like mine did. I'd try the code reading first thing.
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I guess I thought tranny because the vibration went away in 2nd gear and came back right at the shift into 3rd. The flashing check engine light was new too. I am definately not sure, but only have one tow with AAA, was 120 miles from home and sure semed to be tranny issue. The engine codes are first thing I will ask about as I am also curious if a code comes up for the 4wd which recently quit operating.
Thanks for the replies and i'll add more when i know more.
Thanks for the replies and i'll add more when i know more.
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Sounds like you had unattended to issues before you set out on the journey. I'm sure your wife has already reviewed this with you....
How long did you have a CEL on prior to this? Transmission and rear ends been serviced on schedule?
How long did you have a CEL on prior to this? Transmission and rear ends been serviced on schedule?
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Well the CEL was not on when we began the trip, I meant when it came on previously it never flashed. The CEL did not come on with the 4wd issue and it was unlikely I would need 4wd on the trip. Had oil change day before we set out, Tranny had been serviced about 18k ago and fluid looked decent, rear end fluid looked worse and was due for service, but didn't want to spend the cash before the trip. You are always a little apprehensive setting out on a big trip, but overall I thought the Ex was in very good shape, did make the mistake lately of telling everyone what a great vehicle it has been the 13+ years we have had it. WHile the truck had "only" 113,000 the first ten years were mostly hard in town miles, many daily short 2-3 mile trips by the DW. Only the last three years have we towed about 30 days per year.
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History was another reason i feared the tranny. In 03 I was towing a bobcat up a mountain grade with my '92 F250, 5.7 when the tranny failed, caught fire and virtually burned to the ground. I found out it had the same tranny the 4eod. The 91 f250 i replaced it with has a 7.5, 5 speed manual.
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Were you able to get the check engine light scanned to see what codes are coming up? It could be a couple of things. And you are in the correct area btw.. Places like autozone can scan your Expy for free to see what codes are showing. I'd look into that as well before spending lots of money.. good luck
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I had an F150 that did the same thing. It would shake like it was falling apart. I took it to a transmission shop. They worker drove it, with me in the car. I asked if he thought it was the transmission. He said no, the transmission is shifting where it is suppose to. Turned out it was the U-joint. It had pretty much fallen apart and the drive shaft was flopping all over the place. Luckily the drive shaft was ok. Replaced the U-joint and all was ok.
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I had an F150 that did the same thing. It would shake like it was falling apart. I took it to a transmission shop. They worker drove it, with me in the car. I asked if he thought it was the transmission. He said no, the transmission is shifting where it is suppose to. Turned out it was the U-joint. It had pretty much fallen apart and the drive shaft was flopping all over the place. Luckily the drive shaft was ok. Replaced the U-joint and all was ok.
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That would certainly be good news. I have not changed the U joints, or noticed any signs though. My 91 F250 i changed about five years ago and are clanging again. I recall buying an 82 F 150, 4.9, 4 spd MT very cheap in about 88 because the owner thought it had bigger problems, while it was only the u joints then. Thanks