[RedDominion]

My warranty is close to expiring and I'm concerned about the transmission. Here are the issues I'm currently having and I am not sure if this relates to tranny or not:

1). When starting the car and putting in reverse, sometimes the car will make a jerking move and a loud sound when putting in R.

2). Same issue as above, but rather making a noise, the car will just sit there for a brief delay, then will start moving in reverse.

3). When on the highway traveling about 20-25mph, I try to accellerate but the car has a big delay, makes noise when trying to move up in gears.

4). When OD drive is off, I have the same issue as above unless I really stomp on the gas.

5). Sometimes when decelerating, the car has brief delay in switching to low gears.

If I take this to my Ford dealer, I know I will have to pay the $100 upfront for them to look at it. I have feeling though they won't find anything. If that is the case, should I take it to a non-Ford tranny shop and can they investigate without canceling my warranty?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Mr. Ugly]

From those symptoms, the first thing to check is your tranny fluid level.

You could do that yourself, but you have to get under the car for that.

[tientran]

Take it to the dealer. We can not check auto transmission fluid.

[topnycdog]

I said take it to a good shop, 1st. See what they have to say, then take it to ford to fix. That way you know something is wrong, you can ask the shop to write it down, or if you know what they speak of, just said it. this way it seems like you have knowledge of what arong with the car. so they can not say there is nothing wrong. until after your warranty expires.

[Mr. Ugly]

Originally Posted by tientran

Take it to the dealer. We can not check auto transmission fluid.

You can check if you loosen the center fitting on the drain plug.

Fluid should run out in a slow stream.

Specs say to fill the tranny and let the excess fluid drain out. If you let it drain until the no more excess fluid runs out, the tranny will be slightly underfilled. This is according to the master mechanic and head transmission guy at my dealership, as well as per experience of other forum members.

If it's not the fluid level, then it's some tranny problem that should be covered under warranty.

Also, the manual calls for transmission service at 30k miles. The "service" is actually to check(not change) the fluid. Dealer will want to charge you about $100 to check the fluid level.

[Ravenblack67]

Based on my experience with the 5R55S, as one of the people that builds it, you should take it to a dealer. They will check the symptoms and order a replacement valve body or solenoid pack. If you let it continue, the forward clutch will fail. If it is under warranty and they cannot fix it in the car, they are required to replace the transmission. Good luck.

[RedDominion]

At 50,000 miles I reported transmission issues and the Ford dealer stated - oil cooler hose found to be at fault. R&R (remove and replace?) oil cooler assembly & adjust fluid to spec.

I'm at 71,000 miles now and have noticed several other issues:

1) while in traffic on highway driving around 30mph approx 1500-1800 rpms, I noticed when trying to accelerate I get a 'chug' feeling and I'm waiting for the car to move. (Performance issue or tranny?)

2) I was driving down a hill going around 45-50mph and wasn't sure which gear I was in (4th or OD), but it seemed to be stuck in a gear while trying to decelerate into a lower gear and riding at a high rpm 4,000.
I'm not an expert on these issues, so I'm not sure if this is all related to the tranny or another issue.

My warranty expires in 4,000 miles, and I don't think the dealer is going to itemize every TSB that needs fixing or other parts failing or near to fail. I had a previous Ford where tranny went out 2,100 after warranty expired, don't want to go through the same mess.

If it is the tranny will Ford replace it with a rebuilt or will they attempt to repair and offer an extended warranty on the repair work?

[amustangrocks]

your choice is to pay the hundred bucks and have the dealer check it out, which they have a special scan tool for temp of the oil in the pan, or you can purchase either a infa-red or digital temp probe, a special fitting to go into the center of the drain plug/ to attach your new hand pump( to add fluid with) and a new drain plug gasket. theres also a backyard mechaninc method not using the temp equip, but i`m a tool freak so i would go that way. at some point, i`ll have to do my own. if you have warenty, for sure i would go that route for now. at least to have the fluid checked. unless you can see leaks, you should not need fluid. theres a host of engine/ computer/ mechanical/ adjustments/ hydraulic problems that can cause trans like symptoms. if your gonna check your level yourself, i would either purchase a chiltons for 20-25.00( or equiv.) manual, or pm me your emial and i`ll scan a few pages to explain how it needs to be done.

[NCV6stang]

I had the same problem and it was diagnosed when I went to Aamco Transmission shop for scheduled maitainence. The manager alerted me to a Service Bulletin for the 2005-v6 4-speed automatic. The problem was "reverse harsh engagement" and the local Ford dealer had been fixing the problem. Check the bulletins and get more information. Mine was fixed under warranty. Saved about 700-dollars.
Gotta give a to Aamco manager who helped me, he even called a buddy of his in the service dept. at the dealership.
They changed the soleniods and other parts and runs better now.
This transmission is shared with the Explorer, and the 2005's has the same problem.