8 speed transmission slipping when cold.

[Whatcolortochoose]

2022 xlt fx4 4k tow 32,XXX miles

For the last 1000 miles or so my transmission has started slipping occasionally. It only happens shortly after a cold start(like in the morning or after all day at work)

I took it to the dealer but they only got the truck to slip once and could not diagnose it. They told me I "have to wait till it gets worse"......

I can get it to slip pretty consistently in the morning on my way to work(after work there is usually too much traffic and slower roads in the beginning of my drive)

It seems to only slip around 30mph under moderate acceleration ( getting rpm up to about 3k). It is also rough downshifting during this time. Once everything is up to temp everything seems fine.

Any tips on getting the dealership to diagnose it.
Possible causes, what I have seen on here is low fluid and a bad seal where the harness connects(allowing moisture in.

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[Ford Motor Company]

Good afternoon, Please send a DM with your VIN and local Ford dealer and we can look into this concern with your Ranger. Thanks!

 

[Whatcolortochoose]

This morning I started my drive in tow/haul instead of normal. It did not slip in tow/haul but when I switched back to normal it did.

Tow haul is more likely to go through each gear whereas normal will skip for gears for efficiency, maybe my TCM is having trouble deciding if it should skip?

 

[Whatcolortochoose]

Good afternoon, Please send a DM with your VIN and local Ford dealer and we can look into this concern with your Ranger. Thanks!

This Bot account needs to get banned. I know the dealers in my area. And figure out which forum you are spamming(this isnt a Ranger)

 

[boxster03]

Ford - "We are Sorry for you issues - while we would like to assist you with your fine Ford vehicle - it is no longer under warranty - we suggest you contact your local dealership where they will be happy to assist you with the replacement of your transmission"

 

[colinl]

Call a different dealership, ask to speak to the service manager, and describe your issues and point out that Competing Dealership (blah) brushed you off and you want a real diagnosis.

Even though it happens when cold, the first thing to rule out is transmission fluid level. This is checked when hot, which a competent dealership should know, so if they check soon after your bring it in, they won't have to do a lengthy test drive just to warm up the transmission to operating temp.

 

[Jah.]

Probably needs trans fluid added but unfortunately hard to check . maybe you have a minor trans leak . something for you or dealer to check out . trans is power train so under 5 year 60 k miles warranty . Unfortunately , Of course warranty only as good as company backing it . Good luck .

 

[billbillw]

One possible cause that may differ between Tow Haul and normal mode is torque converter lockup. I'm pretty sure Tow Haul disables that. I know in many high mileage auto trans, that can be one of the first problems to show itself as a shudder/slip feeling when it tries to do lockup for efficiency. You wouldn't expect it at 32K miles though.

Have you done a fluid replacement yet for the transmission? 30K is my conservative target mileage for the first fluid drain/refill. I think the manual says you can go 150K miles, but in the fine print, under special operating conditions, it says to change the fluid at 30K. They list out several conditions including extensive idling, low-speed driving, short trips, towing, using a carrier, etc. I'd say its best to follow the special conditions schedule. 150K vs 30K is a huge discrepancy to me and it sounds like they are sugar coating the need for fluid change to get people past the warranty period.

 

[brokenaxle]

If you can, record the issue on your phone. It goes a long way when they say can’t replicate. Also schedule a test drive with the service manager, leave the truck at the dealership overnight to replicate the time you’re seeing the issue.

 

[710-oil-614]

Good afternoon, Please send a DM with your VIN and local Ford dealer and we can look into this concern with your Ranger. Thanks!

Even the bot sucks….

 

[colinl]

Probably needs trans fluid added but unfortunately hard to check

I still have no idea why there is no dipstick on the 8F35.

I mean, I get it that people could read the dipstick wrong with a cold transmission, unlevel ground, etc. But that can happen with the level plug also, so I'm not buying that as the reason...

 

[710-oil-614]

This Bot account needs to get banned. I know the dealers in my area. And figure out which forum you are spamming(this isnt a Ranger)

@Ford Motor Company is the worst “member” on MTC.

 

[Whatcolortochoose]

Call a different dealership, ask to speak to the service manager, and describe your issues and point out that Competing Dealership (blah) brushed you off and you want a real diagnosis.

Even though it happens when cold, the first thing to rule out is transmission fluid level. This is checked when hot, which a competent dealership should know, so if they check soon after your bring it in, they won't have to do a lengthy test drive just to warm up the transmission to operating temp.

I guess I shall move onto dealer #3. The first and most convenient turned me away when my window switch failed and a passenger window was stuck down. Telling me ot would be a month before they could get me in(didn't even offer to wrap the window). They got greasey fingerprints all over my headliner for the airbag recall and trapped a wire for my dashcam(i had to drop the healiner again to route the cable properly. And I suspect they stripped one of my skid plate bolts.

Dealer 2: was pretty good until I was told to wait till it gets worse.

Of course none of them will offer a loaner while they have my truck.

 

[Whatcolortochoose]

If you can, record the issue on your phone. It goes a long way when they say can’t replicate. Also schedule a test drive with the service manager, leave the truck at the dealership overnight to replicate the time you’re seeing the issue.

I left it with them a few days. Picked up and I have sent my service writer some videos since I got the truck. Attached is from my text conversation, thet have not replied to my emails. But acknowledged they got them in text.

 

[colinl]

I guess I shall move onto dealer #3. The first and most convenient turned me away when my window switch failed and a passenger window was stuck down. Telling me ot would be a month before they could get me in(didn't even offer to wrap the window). They got greasey fingerprints all over my headliner for the airbag recall and trapped a wire for my dashcam(i had to drop the healiner again to route the cable properly. And I suspect they stripped one of my skid plate bolts.

Dealer 2: was pretty good until I was told to wait till it gets worse.

Of course none of them will offer a loaner while they have my truck.

it is possible dealer #2 just has a crappy service advisor. if you want to stick with them and give them another try, call there and ask to speak to the service manager. if they aren't there, ask for the GM.

if both aren't there (or more likely, won't take your call) and it's too far to drive to catch them in person, definitely try a different dealership.

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