***FINAL UPDATE*** Transmission issues

[Samus L. Jackson]

The transmission is actually rated for slightly less than the 250 hp engine rating. IIRC it's 220 hp. It seems like they set the computer to limit power/torque to prevent situations where the design limits of the transmission are exceeded.

Do what? Why again are eco boost folks paying for a 250 hp engine when the transmission isn't compatible with that?

If I had to guess......cost and weight savings.

Oh.

WHY again are eco boost folks paying....argh.

If Ford is trying to cut cost, why not a smaller engine that's suitable for the transmission?

I'm not a car guy, I understand next to nothing about the mechanics, but on the face of it this seems bonkers to me. Why not a smaller engine so you don't run the risk of killing the transmission, and be honest about the tow rating?

edit: And I'm not trying to be pedantic or salty. Just feeling a bit confused and apprehensive, asking questions, wondering if the first year of a new model was the right thing to commit to.

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[Decayed]

Do what? Why again are eco boost folks paying for a 250 hp engine when the transmission isn't compatible with that?

Oh.

WHY again are eco boost folks paying....argh.

If Ford is trying to cut cost, why not a smaller engine that's suitable for the transmission?

I'm not a car guy, I understand next to nothing about the mechanics, but on the face of it this seems bonkers to me. Why not a smaller engine so you don't run the risk of killing the transmission, and be honest about the tow rating?

edit: And I'm not trying to be pedantic or salty. Just feeling a bit confused and apprehensive, asking questions, wondering if the first year of a new model was the right thing to commit to.

By all accounts the ecoboost performance is very good. For real world use the 2.0 and the trans seem fairly well matched, they might have just limited things to keep people from blowing out their trans. Why worry?

 

[Timothyd]

You can tell by the dash. 2.0 has no tach. You can tell by the dash. 2.5 has no tach

Oops, yep. My mistake

 

[Samus L. Jackson]

Why worry?

Well...

I wonder if Ford is kind of rolling the dice here and hoping that the extra trans cooler along with the change in gearing increases longevity on the 8F35 at least in 4K tow models.

I guess I'm getting the impression that the 4K towing package isn't there for towing 4K, it's there to help the transmission hopefully live longer, assuming you don't plan on regularly towing 4K.

Maybe I'm reading too much into this. I know this is a comparatively inexpensive vehicle, but is it really designed to fail? I haven't bought a car since 2010 (or was it 2011, can't remember exactly) and the only reason I got rid of my 2008 RAV4 is because it turned into a rust bucket that was going to cost more to repair than what it was worth. I was hoping to drive that thing into the ground, but I had to toss it after 126,000 miles. Came as a big shock to me, I thought I'd get another ten years out of it.

If I had never found this forum, I wouldn't have given ordering a Maverick a second thought, probably. But, now I'm here, and starting to feel a little doubtful...lol...

 

[tomahawk72]

By all accounts the ecoboost performance is very good. For real world use the 2.0 and the trans seem fairly well matched, they might have just limited things to keep people from blowing out their trans. Why worry?

So your saying I shouldn't floor it at every green light?

 

[Decayed]

Well...

I guess I'm getting the impression that the 4K towing package isn't there for towing 4K, it's there to help the transmission hopefully live longer, assuming you don't plan on regularly towing 4K.

Maybe I'm reading too much into this. I know this is a comparatively inexpensive vehicle, but is it really designed to fail? I haven't bought a car since 2010 (or was it 2011, can't remember exactly) and the only reason I got rid of my 2008 RAV4 is because it turned into a rust bucket that was going to cost more to repair than what it was worth. I was hoping to drive that thing into the ground, but I had to toss it after 126,000 miles. Came as a big shock to me, I thought I'd get another ten years out of it.

If I had never found this forum, I wouldn't have given ordering a Maverick a second thought, probably. But, now I'm here, and starting to feel a little doubtful...lol...

Basically all cars are going to last about 10 years or 100k miles. Then big stuff starts breaking. like transmissions. It might go longer or shorter depending on luck and driving styles. Maintain it well and you might get 150-200k.

I like having the trans cooler from 4k because it will help prolong the life of the trans but if you look at the manual they want you replacing the trans fluid at 60k normally and 30k harsh driving conditions. Know what harsh driving conditions are? Regular stop and go driving. That goes for all vehicles. How often do you change the trans fluid in the car you have now?

 

[Decayed]

So your saying I shouldn't floor it at every green light?

If it were a manual I would advise revving the engine past the redline and popping the clutch. But you can only do that so many times...

 

[Samus L. Jackson]

How often do you change the trans fluid in the car you have now?

Well not at all because I don't have a car any more, haha! I take your point though. I didn't realize it was so important to change it that frequently.

Sounds like whatever vehicle I end up with next, I'll have to be diligent about transmission fluid, and probably getting some sort of annual application on the underside to protect against rust. Rust is what made my RAV4 untenable to keep any longer. I didn't have any problems with it outside of routine maintenance.

100,000 miles as a lifetime for most vehicles seems on the low side though. Is that really true for modern cars/trucks?

 

[Decayed]

Well not at all because I don't have a car any more, haha! I take your point though. I didn't realize it was so important to change it that frequently.

Sounds like whatever vehicle I end up with next, I'll have to be diligent about transmission fluid, and probably getting some sort of annual application on the underside to protect against rust. Rust is what made my RAV4 untenable to keep any longer. I didn't have any problems with it outside of routine maintenance.

100,000 miles as a lifetime for most vehicles seems on the low side though. Is that really true for modern cars/trucks?

No idea, just going from experience.

Its probably more but I would guess most last at least 120k before a major repair. My take is that manufacturers shoot for about 100k. It's a nice round number and after that you really can't complain. A lot depends on your driving habits and conditions.

As for the trans thing, I had no idea either until I dove into the maverick user manual. Then I went back and looked at the manual for my mazda. It was due at 60k, I am just about at 100k now with a LOT of stop and go. Guess what doesn't shift very smooth anymore?

 

[k9rasco]

UPDATE

I just got off the phone with the dealership, Ford is going to replace the entire transmission. The service advisor also stated that they have another Maverick in the shop with the same issue

 

[MakinDoForNow]

As for the trans thing, I had no idea either until I dove into the maverick user manual. Then I went back and looked at the manual for my mazda. It was due at 60k, I am just about at 100k now with a LOT of stop and go. Guess what doesn't shift very smooth anymore?

Might try Lucas Transmission Fix (claims to stop slip cleans valves and stops leaking seals)

 

[Decayed]

Might try Lucas Transmission Fix (claims to stop slip cleans valves and stops leaking seals)

Claims.

Or I could trade it on for a nice new maverick!

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Claims.

Or I could trade it on for a nice new maverick!

Never had opportunity to test but on any Lucas product I have used I was happy. On any vehicle I purchase used I have OEM dealer change all fluids at 50k miles or immediately if milage is greater than that. Flush brake fluid every three years along with coolant. Also replace battery at three year intervals.

 

[k9rasco]

****Final Update****

Got the truck back yesterday. They replaced the transmission with a new one. They did not mention what was wrong, but stated Ford wanted the transmission to look into. To me, the first three gears do not feel right, still. I'm hoping I'm being over sensitive to the truck. First to second is a quick snap, almost like it's in sport mode. Second to third is almost like an early gear slip, but I don't know.

The bill was for $5600 dollars, if anyone was interested.

 

[Gr8Mustang]

****Final Update****

Got the truck back yesterday. They replaced the transmission with a new one. They did not mention what was wrong, but stated Ford wanted the transmission to look into. To me, the first three gears do not feel right, still. I'm hoping I'm being over sensitive to the truck. First to second is a quick snap, almost like it's in sport mode. Second to third is almost like an early gear slip, but I don't know.

The bill was for $5600 dollars, if anyone was interested.

This process took you less than a month from your first post. This was a faster response than many I have seen. Ford must be looking close at this issue to be jumping on it like that.
I think you need to stay wary. I also think we all need to be aware that there is a on going issue with that transmission. Don't wait until there is a failure. Once you feel something is off get that vehicle in to the dealer.

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