2001 F150 transmission problems...?

A930Rocket · 04:40 AM

I'm a member of three F150 forums, but you guys have it going on, so here's my question:

I have a 2001 Ford F150 Supercrew 2WD with a 5.4 and 191k miles. No major problems in 11 years and the trans has been serviced several times. It doesn't get driven very much since I bought my BMW last year, but today my son says that the truck doesn't move very well after a stop. I take it for a spin and the engine seems to rev up before the trans kicks in. It can be 2000 - 4000 rpms before it moves. I'mm thinking low fluid and add a little, but it didn't help much.

I'll replace the filter and fluid to see what happens first.

Any other ideas... How to rebuild? Buy a factory rebuild? Suppliers?

A930Rocket · 02-20-2012, 04:41 AM

Don't let me down guys after I told my wife you guys would know...

Two Rivers · 02-20-2012, 05:14 AM

Sounds to me like the valve body gaskets have cracked or the valve body has come loose. Had mine do that and after replacing the cracked gaskets all was fine.
From talking to a transmission repair friend it seems to be a problem.

Also you can turn up the pressure one quarter to half turn, it should be on the left side of the valve body.

Mine is 4x4 but the pressure servo should be the same.

A930Rocket · 02-20-2012, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the info TR.

I bought some new trans fluid, a filter and some Lucas trans stuff in hopes it will help. My son tried to drive it today and he said it wouldn't even move.

Perhaps having it sitting around so much and not driven, has lead to shrinking or cracked gaskets you mention.

Strange how it just up and went after being so reliable for 11 years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Two Rivers

Sounds to me like the valve body gaskets have cracked or the valve body has come loose. Had mine do that and after replacing the cracked gaskets all was fine.
From talking to a transmission repair friend it seems to be a problem.

Also you can turn up the pressure one quarter to half turn, it should be on the left side of the valve body.

Mine is 4x4 but the pressure servo should be the same.

fastfredracing · 02-21-2012, 03:16 AM

With milage that high, that trans owes you nothing. The only one I have replaced was an easy diagnosis, it only had 1st gear, and when I dumped the fluid, there was shrapnel all through it.
I have one that had a cracked servo piston, but it was missing 3rd gear from what I remember. Sorry could not be of more help

A930Rocket · 02-21-2012, 04:51 AM

I hear ya. It's been a great truck and all I've done is change the oil reguarly and replace one alternator a couple of years ago.

It's still in great shape. I just want to get it running as cheap as possible for an extra vehicle.

Quote:

With milage that high, that trans owes you nothing. The only one I have replaced was an easy diagnosis, it only had 1st gear, and when I dumped the fluid, there was shrapnel all through it.

I have one that had a cracked servo piston, but it was missing 3rd gear from what I remember. Sorry could not be of more help

A930Rocket · 03-10-2012, 04:11 PM

For grins I had it towed to the dealer for a diagnoses. Service advisor read the techs notes and said with age age, miles, something internal went, maybe worn clutches. Well, DUH! I would have thought they could have pin pointed it better.

I'll pull it next week hopefully and either rebuild it myself or take it somewhere.

speeder · speeder's Garage

The thing is, you don't know until you take a knife and fork and dig into the thing. Auto transmissions can have several different failure scenarios that result in lack of motion and sometimes multiple/redundant failures when they are generally worn-out. Sounds like it's rebuild time. You know how to do it yourself? That's a great skill to have.

A930Rocket · 03-10-2012, 06:52 PM

^^^ I've never rebuilt an automatic but rebuilt my 930 trans a couple of times. Between a rebuild manual and YouTube, hopefully I'll be ok.

Or I take it to a local wrench who works on the side and will do it for $400 plus parts. Another $3-400 maybe?

EarlyPorsche · 03-10-2012, 07:12 PM

I think it could be fun to rebuild an American 4 speed auto so long as you can take your time.

A930Rocket · 03-10-2012, 07:33 PM

It's a 4th car and driven very little, so taking my time won't be a problem. I'd take lots of pics, just like when I did the 930 gearbox.

Quote:

I think it could be fun to rebuild an American 4 speed auto so long as you can take your time.