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Question for auto mechanic - Tow vehicle tranny-gctid345602

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    #1

    Question for auto mechanic - Tow vehicle tranny-gctid345602

    Here's the deal

    2003 Ford Expedition with 4.6L engine, 4WD, 170K miles on gauge. Several months ago it started making a whining sound that varied with engine speed. I thought it was a belt pully going bad. So after a while I replaced all pulleys, belt tensioner and belt. Noise still there. Did some research on the Internet. Seemed to be the torque converter based on what I found. Well it finally went terminal on Wednesday. As wife was driving, the truck made a shuddering sound like she drove over rumble strips. Luckily On the way home, it started losing drive power, and just as she puled into the driveway, she lost all power through the drivetrain. All gears other than Park act like neutral.

    So, called around to a couple of places. Dealer (for worst case scenario) and Aamco. Dealer told me the torque converter in "inside" the transmission, and based on mileage, the transmission cannot be rebuilt, has to be replaced, to the tune of $3800. Aamco says it can't be the torque converter causing the problem I describe, tranny is shot, needs to be replaced for a mere $2300.

    I'm not convinced it's not the Torque Converter based on what I read on the Internet. However, I figured I'd ask here.

    Any thought's anyone?

    Thanks in advance,

    -Jorden
    Tags: None
    #2
    Do a google search. torque converter is between the tranny and engine and is usually replaced/refurbed when doing a rebuild.

    Comment

      #3
      The Torque converter is part of the tranny.

      Ok so it needs a tranny. Now there is one more way you could go with the tranny. You can buy a used one with a life time warranty parts and labor. should be around 1500 to 1800 bucks to do this.

      I do this all the time for my customers and it saves them alot of money plus the warranty if better than a new one or reman. food for thought

      Comment

        #4
        boatommy wrote:
        Do a google search. torque converter is between the tranny and engine and is usually replaced/refurbed when doing a rebuild.
        Yup, yup I knew what the torque converter is. I was wondering if replacing only the torque converter would solve my problem. Also commenting on the dealer's statement that it is "in" the tranny, verses attached to it.

        Comment

          #5
          nh boater wrote:
          The Torque converter is part of the tranny.

          Ok so it needs a tranny. Now there is one more way you could go with the tranny. You can buy a used one with a life time warranty parts and labor. should be around 1500 to 1800 bucks to do this.

          I do this all the time for my customers and it saves them alot of money plus the warranty if better than a new one or reman. food for thought
          So simply replacing the torque converter won't resolve the problem? Replacing the tc and tranny is needed/recommended?

          Just want to make sure I'm headed along the right path.

          Comment

            #6
            boatommy wrote:
            do a google search. Torque converter is between the tranny and engine and is usually replaced/refurbed when doing a rebuild.
            where??

            Comment

              #7
              nh boater wrote:
              the torque converter is part of the tranny.

              Ok so it needs a tranny. Now there is one more way you could go with the tranny. You can buy a used one with a life time warranty parts and labor. Should be around 1500 to 1800 bucks to do this.

              I do this all the time for my customers and it saves them alot of money plus the warranty if better than a new one or reman. Food for thought
              where??

              Comment

                #8
                No transmission has an expiration engineered into it- the care and feeding over the 170k miles are the determining factor for longevity. Sounds like the dealer's tech came up with a bunch of BS and took the easy way out- swapping parts. Secondly, when repairing the trans, whether a bench unit reman, brand new unit, or repairing your current trans, the TC must be replaced- if nothing else, to ensure that contaminated fluid is not recirculated into the new trans.

                As for your specific problem- it sounds like it may indeed be the TC, as you have no engagement either forward or reverse. At this point, I recommend you do both if you're going to keep the truck. To me, the 4.6 is a bit low end for towing, so that's another thing to consider.

                Personally, I avoid AAmco.

                Comment

                  #9
                  Pau Hana,

                  I've used Aamco for years . . .to get the absolute worst case scenario diagnosis for $0.00

                  Comment

                    #10
                    The torque converter is inside the bellhousing that is bolted to the transmission. It shares the same fluid as the transmission, so problems in one will cause problems in the other.

                    Transmissions really can't be diagnosed until they are off and taken apart, which is not free, and your truck will be stuck at that shop.

                    There are companies that build heavy duty transmissions for towing/racing and are mail order. They probably cost about the same as what you would pay for a rebuild at Chang's AAA Transmission shop.

                    Go to the ford truck enthusiasts forum and you will find a wealth of info about your expo.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Good use of them

                      For the OP, that trans should be available mail order for something in the neighborhood of $1500 reman + a couple of hundred for the TC. Install is pretty straightforward if you're handy with a wrench.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        just get it rebuilt ,they are cheap to rebuid it went a fair distance//

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Go with a company that offers a warranty on the re-build.
                          Phil, Vicky, Ashleigh & Sydney
                          1998 3055 Ciera
                          (yes, a 1998)
                          Previous boat: 1993 3055
                          Dream boat: 70' Azimut or Astondoa 72
                          Sea Doo XP
                          Sea Doo GTI SE
                          Life is short. Boats are cool.
                          The family that plays together stays together.
                          Vice Commodore: Bellevue Yacht Club

                          Comment

                            #14
                            I wonder if you have any gear oil in the diff.

                            Gears could have went.
                            Be good, be happy, for tomorrow is promised to no man !

                            1994 2452, 5.0l, Alpha gen. 2 drive. Sold ! Sold ! Sold !

                            '86 / 19' Citation cuddy, Merc. 3.0L / 140 hp 86' , stringer drive. Sold ! Sold ! Sold !

                            Manalapan N.J

                            Comment

                              #15
                              There are three things that will kill an automatic transmission. Abuse, lack of maintenence, and over heat. This vehicle is pretty light for towing much of anything, so---. Is your gross towing weight within the manufacturer's specifications? Have the scheduled transmission oil changes been done as per the maintenance guide? Do you have an auxiliary transmission oil cooler?

                              If this transmission is from the AOD/4R70W family, they are not a bad transmission, but not particularly strong. 170,000 miles is getting up there, but with proper care an automatic will last a lot longer than that. The whining noise would make me suspect the main hydraulic pump, not the torque converter. Whatever it is, assuming that you want to keep the vehicle and continue to tow with it, my advice would be to ask around to find the most reputable automatic transmission shop that you can find. This probably won't be a dealer or a "budget" transmission shop. Have them do the initial troubleshooting and diagnosis. Depending on what they find, and given the mileage on it, you will probably need a complete rebuild or replacement, including the torque converter, if there is severe wear or if a lot of shrapnel has gone through the system. It probably won't be cheap either.

                              Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but that's just the way it is.

                              Comment

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