I don't have a clue! Just got word the transmission is burnt up in my F-250 2002 Ford truck. I take the thing in for every recommended maintenence and it is burnt up. I have a two horse LQ and haul in the mountains once a month. So far 5 trips this year with the new LQ. I use 2nd gear coming down and make sure the overdrive is off going up. So what am I doing wrong? Would an exaust brake help eliminate the need to stay in second gear for those long steep slopes? Any help would be appreciated.
Posted 2007-10-18 3:57 PM (#69591 - in reply to #69588) Subject: RE: Trailer towing
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
It is probably a result of high transmission fluid temps. If you are constantly traveling in mountainous territory, you would do well by switching to a synthetic auto transmission fluid.
It is capable of running at higher temps without burning up and ruining your transmission. My normal temps are 40 degrees cooler on the level and 90 degrees cooler on hills using mobil 1 synthetic. The synthetic fluid will last longer and continue to lubricate long after the standard fluid has burnt off.
If you still have high temps after switching fluids, you may need an auxiliary oil cooler.
Posted 2007-10-18 7:05 PM (#69598 - in reply to #69592) Subject: RE: Trailer towing
Regular
Posts: 51 Location: Labelle, FL
Make sure you get a second opinion, unless the truck is not moving period. I replaced my tranny last year and found out that for the particular problem my tranny was having I could have cleaned the terminals on my battery and the lack of noise would have quit conflicting with the tranny computer. 2200 dollars later I wish I would have gotten a second opinion. Could be broke just wanted to throw that out there. I didn't even know that noise from dirty cables could have an effect on a tranny.
Posted 2007-10-19 7:51 PM (#69661 - in reply to #69588) Subject: RE: Trailer towing
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 309 Location: MO
I wouldn't haul in the mountains without an exhaust brake. I learned the hard way by burning up my brakes coming down from the Big Horns. It costs about
$2000-2200 to put one on an automatic trans.. A little less for a Standard trans. The safety alone is worth the cost.
Posted 2007-10-20 2:32 PM (#69687 - in reply to #69588) Subject: RE: Trailer towing
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by AC1 on 2007-10-18 3:33 PM
I don't have a clue! Just got word the transmission is burnt up in my F-250 2002 Ford truck. I take the thing in for every recommended maintenence and it is burnt up. I have a two horse LQ and haul in the mountains once a month. So far 5 trips this year with the new LQ. I use 2nd gear coming down and make sure the overdrive is off going up. So what am I doing wrong? Would an exaust brake help eliminate the need to stay in second gear for those long steep slopes? Any help would be appreciated.
Just out of curiosity...what kind of weight is your "two horse LQ" loaded??
Trailer towing
