New Transmission or New Truck? 7.3 Fail
 

Good morning! I've combed the threads here for some answers on my 2020 F250 7.3 gasser. It has 63K miles and I've had it 1.5 years, hauling my horse several times a years and my daily Florida and NC mountains driver. After weird jumpy shifting and lagging and slamming into drive, some Ford enthusiasts advised to have the computer learning reset, so took it to the dealer who instead hooked up their diagnostics and sent me the message below yesterday. This is my first Ford. I've since read a lot about problems with the 10 speed transmission and the gasser. Question is if I replace the transmission am I golden, or am I in for a truck that will never be a dependable hauling vehicle? I'm alone most of the time hauling, and a breakdown with my horse is a nightmare I don't want to have. Replace or run? Thanks guys! Also attached a service bulletin- can someone translate?

• Concern

  Critical Auto Trans Concern Customer States Trans Is Jumpy And Laggy Needs To Have The Computer Reset

  Cause

  TRANSMISSION HAS INTERNAL FAILURE P07F7:00:6C TEST INDICATES FAILURE OF 10TH GEAR AND VALVE BODY CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE

  Correction

  REMOVE AND REPLACE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY

  Estimate

  $ 8,018.90
  
  ApproveDecline

There was a TSB about valve body Seperator plate being defective on initially released 2020 10R140 transmissions. The service bulletin you attached was relating to this issue as well. I have replaced a few on the 2020 model trucks I have in for service. Caught mine early before actual failure and just replaced the valve body.

Had no issues with the updated valve body and currently have six healthy 10R140 transmissions in dump trucks working daily if that makes you feel any better? Without seeing your transmission in person I cant make a judgement on whether or not you actually have failure outside of the valve body function requiring complete replacement. Most likely you do have internal failures stemming from lack of appropriate fluid pressures.

So it is 3,000 miles beyond the powertrain warranty and there is a TSB for the issue and the dealer wants full price for the repair?

I think getting the trans replaced is probably your best bet. You have an early version that has since been revised, they look like they are selling you a new trans so it will most likely be fine for a long time.

I would be pressing the dealer and contacting Ford about this. I think you might be able to garner some "goodwill" discount given the circumstances. $8000 repair on a 63k mile ~3 yr old truck is kind of rough...

Thanks, @OverheadCram . It makes me feel like I'd be wise to get an opinion from a second mechanic on whether a complete replacement is needed.

Thanks, @RidgwaySD . They've submitted it to Ford and tell me we'll hear by mid next week. I'm calling today to see if anyone is in the office on the Friday before Christmas! Question: If they won't work with me, and I have a highly recommended local mechanic with good Ford 250 experience, can I do a big repair like this outside a dealership?

Problem is if you trade that truck in for another truck, the dealer is going to deduct that repair cost from the trucks value. Probably just better off rolling the dice on another 10 speed transmission including a second quote.

removing and replacing a transmission is not a difficult job. Opening up that trans and rebuilding it will require someone familiar with transmission repair. I personally would probably find a used trans and do it myself or in your case a trusted shop. You can likely save a couple thousand dollars with a used trans and an independent shop.

It sounds like the CDF drum bushing failure and possibly a valve body problem. If you are on the hook for the total repair I would find a reputable transmission shop and have them repair it. These are known issues for the 10R140 and are easily repaired by someone who knows what they are doing, but the transmission will have to come out and be taken apart. Depending on your location I would think you could cut that dealer price in half for the repair or even less.

@leadmic thank you so much. This is such helpful information. I was able to get Ford involved and open a case by calling them myself. Now waiting for the dealership to respond to Ford with the info they need to decide if they'll help and how much. The only option put forth by the dealer mechanic is a total replacement. I'm in the Florida panhandle, Destin area. Local best reviewed transmission specialist is Aamco... https://www.aamcofortwaltonbeach.com...-Transmissions At this point, if Ford doesn't assist, I'm taking it elsewhere since the dealership hasn't exactly inspired my confidence so far. I never got to speak to the mechanic; they just sent me this automated text where I'm supposed to click the "estimate approved" button so they can start! : )

IF it is the CDF drum OR the valve body and it is a known issue I would keep very detailed records and be prepared to threaten Ford with legal action because your truck has a k own design flaw and Ford is refusing to honor it under warranty. It doesn't matter if you have 80k miles and it pukes if it has a bad CDF drum and Ford was aware of the issues they cause. If it is bad it was bad from day 0 not just at 63k miles.

Why is title 7.3 fail? Is not the same tranny used in the diesel?

I have read through this numerous times and fail to find any relevance to a failure in the motor.

Almost but not quite, The gas version has 3 planetary gears, the diesel has 4, plus a few other things to help with having twice the torque of the gas engine. But mostly the same, yes.

When I was researching in 2019 - 2020 the 10R140 there was a difference between the diesel and gas transmission, I couldn't remember where I saw the video/article.
Your post backed up my thoughts, couldn't remember exactly what was different.

Most Ford dealership techs will only replace valve bodies and torque converters with a few exceptions. After that they will only replace the entire transmission.

As for the 1 member who says it's not difficult to replace a transmission also has to consider they are extremely heavy and require a lift for the truck and a transmission lift.

Thanks.
Once I dug into deeper it's simply that each SD motor gets its own tranny.

10-140R-D 6.7L
10-140R-G 7.3L
10-100-G- 6.8L