AWD - PTU fluid change

[801Maverick801]

Welp, I either changed it too early or something else was definitely going on because I just got a call from the dealer and the tech notified me that there is metal in the tranny fluid, so I believe they are doing an entire transmission replacement since I'm still under power train warranty at 41k miles. Not really happy about it because now I'm scratching my head for not getting the extended Granger Ford/Flood warranty. Will post updates once I hear more.

Are you sure it was the PTU you had them service and not the Transmission?
Can you post the Work order from that service?
Welp, its really sounding like the Dealership screwed up your initial service you had them do. Im guessing they drained either the PTU or Transmission and didnt fill it back up.

Servicing any drive train components early will never hurt them, unless its improperly serviced. I am an aviation mechanic and every drive train component that is installed will have an early drain service scheduled. The aviation industry isn't beholden to maintenance cost consideration like the automotive industry is when it comes to fluid changes.

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[bckrupps]

I had the dealer change the front and back fluids on my FX4 today at 10k. I read some reports of metal wear, not filled all the way at the factory and other stuff. I figured now I know and moving forward I will probably stay with 25k intervals. I hope to keep mine for many years so I figured better to side with caution.

 

[LGRW_GoGRG]

Are you sure it was the PTU you had them service and not the Transmission?
Can you post the Work order from that service?
Welp, its really sounding like the Dealership screwed up your initial service you had them do. Im guessing they drained either the PTU or Transmission and didnt fill it back up.

Servicing any drive train components early will never hurt them, unless its improperly serviced. I am an aviation mechanic and every drive train component that is installed will have an early drain service scheduled. The aviation industry isn't beholden to maintenance cost consideration like the automotive industry is when it comes to fluid changes.

Will try and get more information tomorrow. The tech today said the PTU fluid levels were fine; sounds like just a fluke thing with the metal. Hoping this isn't a common occurrence with more Mavericks once they get closer to 40-50k miles. Hopefully will find out more on what they are actually replacing and everything is going to be covered under the powertrain warranty luckily.

 

[TacoTanium]

After reading many posts on draining and filing the PTU, it's the same procedure as the rear diff, is this correct, anyone?

 

[LGRW_GoGRG]

Just a quick follow up @801Maverick801 .

At ~41k miles, my torque converter failed and sent some metal through the transmission. One of the clutches was burnt up as well as a few parts with damage from the metal in it. I'm relieved this happened before 60k miles as the powertrain warranty is covering all of it, but pretty concerning overall. I never towed anything with it (this has the 4k tow package) and never took it off road on any rough trails. Mostly all highway miles and city commuting. Keep in mind for everyone else that I did have the dealer flush the PTU fluid at ~31k miles; but I'm kind of scratching my head how that dealership didn't report anything was up at that point in time unless the issues started happening after that. My tech who has been communicating with me just mentioned this is the same torque converter that goes in the Ford Edge and he said they replace those often.

 

[Sjurgen]

i found my transmission approximately 1 quart low. About 16% low. No leaks detected. At 5900 miles. No good at all.

 

[801Maverick801]

Just a quick follow up @801Maverick801 .

At ~41k miles, my torque converter failed and sent some metal through the transmission. One of the clutches was burnt up as well as a few parts with damage from the metal in it. I'm relieved this happened before 60k miles as the powertrain warranty is covering all of it, but pretty concerning overall. I never towed anything with it (this has the 4k tow package) and never took it off road on any rough trails. Mostly all highway miles and city commuting. Keep in mind for everyone else that I did have the dealer flush the PTU fluid at ~31k miles; but I'm kind of scratching my head how that dealership didn't report anything was up at that point in time unless the issues started happening after that. My tech who has been communicating with me just mentioned this is the same torque converter that goes in the Ford Edge and he said they replace those often.

I'm sorry to hear this happened to you. I'm glad it happened within your warranty period though.

I'm still guessing they screwed up your initial service you had. It sounds like you said things started acting up after the service? That indicates improper maintenance to me. Unfortunately it's pretty impossible to prove at this point. Those transmission clutches won't burn up with that low of miles and city/highway driving.

There is a massive tech shortage right now, and alot of the techs doing work aren't exactly experienced either. Im still guessing the guy accidentally drained your transmission instead of the PTU and didn't fill it at all. I drained about 6 quarts when I did my transmission drain and fill. There is still a few quarts inside and would make sense that it would partially work for a while and then start burning up clutches/torque converter.

Something was done wrong when you had the work done. Please refrain from discouraging other members to do early services.

 

[Sjurgen]

Nothing was acting up. I heard about the PTU’s being underfilled from the factory. I then deciphered the writing on the wall and changed all the fluids in the PTU, RDU and trans. I’m not encouraging or discouraging. I’m am recommending actions based on my investigations. Let me reiterate this again. I found my PTU underfilled. I found my transmission underfilled. I did a lot of towing. I am encouraging and educating others to use their educated judgment, my investgative findings and just do the PTU asap themselves and see what they discover. Same with the trans. There is no way I would go 30,000 miles without checking everything If I were to purchase another new Ford vehicle. There is no way that my vehicle is the only one to have an underfilled PTU and trans. I want my Maverick 4K FX4 to last forever. Having a compromised PTU & trans scientifically will not benefit the longevity of those 2 specific items. To me it’s only a little money to verify Ford’s mistake and attempt to ensure my Maverick will be able to confidently fulfill my intended uses for me and my family’s use of the vehicle and the RV I will be towing with it. I’m not making this up or imaging this. I fix aircraft for a career. I emptied the PTU directly into a measuring cup and drained 9 ounces. I drained the trans fluid into a gallon milk jug and had a quart left over. I saw the concerning amount of ferrous/metallic debris on the PTU magnetic plug. I could go on and on, but at this point I fell individuals are going to continue to doubt my finding and recommendations. I’ve done my due diligence. I am encouraging others to do the same.

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