[stberhard]

Was driving my '03 Excursion (105,000 miles, all services current) on the freeway w/ 4 guys and a load of stuff for halibut fishing in Canada... out of the blue I have a pegged in the red transmission temperature and the tow mode light is flashing. Owners manual says if tow mode flashes "immediate service is required". Took it into the dealer, said it had copper and silver shavings in the pan and they wanted to put a new transmission in for $5,200!!

When I originally pulled over, I pulled the dipstick, it wasn't more than 120F; you could hold it between your fingers w/ no issue. Nice a pink, not burned. I told the dealer I had a problem with the diagnosis, that it was likely a failed sensor.

Right now, they are replacing the sensor... it's been 10 days (w/ a rental F150 @ $42.00/ day!).

My question(s):

Anybody seen this overheat condition?
The shavings in the pan... issue/ no issue?
Sensor failures anybody?

Other than a failed injector, I've not had much to complain about with this rig, but that opinion may change! Thanks in advance as to any advice any of you could give on this.

I can get the tranny replaced by a local shop for $2,200...


Steve

 

[Casey_1]

There have been some sensor failures. It's not unheard of.

 

[bookem]

I had the same symptoms on my 03 excursion. I replaced the sensor in my driveway in about an hour and the problem was resolved. When I dropped my pan I had just a little bit of metal shavings stuck to the magnet, but I believe that was just normal wear and tear. The sensor was $80 from the dealer.

Hope this helps,

Dan

 

[Bruce1954]

I had done all the trans service on my 02, let the dealer do it on my 05 and I had to REDO it, there are always copper and silver shavings in the pan on the magnet, mostly it just looks like black gunk. The clutch's are designed to wear that is the function. Since you confirmed that you were not towing and it was out of the blue and cold it sound like the sensor or wire falure since it went full scale. Does anyone know if when the sensor is disconnected it goes to bottom or top of scale? I would expect full scale to force you to service it.

And five days at a dealer for sensor replacemt is way to long.

Bruce