First big RV towing trip and stranded in Midland TX

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

skydiver

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2019
Posts
28
Reaction score
15
Location
Austin, TX
My 2019 Expedition XLT with the Class IV towing packed was performing well all the way from Austin to S New Mexico and all the way to Albuquerque with my rented 25ft RV trailer.
On the final leg back to Austin, I was set on cruise control at 65mph and then pressed the gas to accelerate to pass another vehicle when the transmission chattered at about 2200rpm.
It recovered once then it did it again at 50mph and about at 2000rpm. The engine light is now one and I limped at 40mph to an RV park near a Ford dealership. Even at 40mph, the engine would refuse to accelerate, and I would have to lift on the gas and coast to s stop until the engine would accelerate again to around 40mph.
I have had ALL service bulletin software updates. I am trying to figure out how I am going to get home with w 5000 pound rented trailer due back on Sunday. Has anyone has similar transmission issue and what was the underlying issue?
 
OP
OP
S

skydiver

Active Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2019
Posts
28
Reaction score
15
Location
Austin, TX
Has anyone else experienced this type of issue with the transmission chattering and inability to drive and especially tow?
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

Full Access Members
Joined
Jun 3, 2015
Posts
2,562
Reaction score
1,279
Location
USA
Has anyone else experienced this type of issue with the transmission chattering and inability to drive and especially tow?


The transmission recently failed in my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 - purchased new with the HD towing package, but NEVER used for towing.

I realize it is a different year and has a different transmission.

The vehicle began bucking and shuddering when attempting to lightly accelerate on level ground, from about 40 mph. When going up a grade (not mountainous), it would also shudder severely when trying to accelerate.

The vehicle had 92,*** miles on it - and the dealer had changed the transmission fluid and filter at 75,*** miles (not a flush). The vehicle is used strictly for passenger use.

I made an appointment with my Ford dealer and when the technician was driving the vehicle to diagnose it, the transmission failed and went into limp-mode.

It took the Ford dealer 42 days (after diagnosis) to repair the transmission due to lack of parts from Ford.
 

X BRONCO OWNER

Active Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2019
Posts
37
Reaction score
8
Location
US
That’s terrible hopefully ford will put you in a loaner that you can tow that trailer back with.
 

Fastcar

Full Access Members
Joined
Dec 14, 2013
Posts
518
Reaction score
269
Location
FL
The trans is electronic as is the whole damn truck. I'd disconnect the battery for a bit and hope like hell things reset.
 

duneslider

Full Access Members
Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Posts
783
Reaction score
372
Location
Utah
There seems to be a small handful of people who have had transmission issues but it isn't too terribly common. Dealer is probably the best place to look at your issue though. I hope they can figure it out fast or get you in a loaner to get you home while the issue is resolved. Towing with my expedition has been a great experience.
 

Hectorsvt

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2019
Posts
14
Reaction score
15
Location
TEXAS
Good luck, I live in odessa right next door and both dealerships are backed up and take a while to get "looked" at
 

BMW2FORD

Full Access Members
Joined
Jul 18, 2021
Posts
244
Reaction score
238
Location
CT
I’d do like Fastcar said and disconnect the battery for about 15 minutes to see if whatever fault is set in the trans will un set so at least you can get going. May or may not work but worth a try in the situation your in with the trailer. Unfortunately when you get it to a dealer, that might erase codes and they may not be happy to fix it but at least you can drive. If you start driving and it happens again, try to pay attention to what gear it’s happening in and use manual mode and don’t shift into it anymore. Good luck and man that sucks!
 

JasonH

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 12, 2018
Posts
1,318
Reaction score
689
Location
Houston, TX
Very sorry to hear you broke down. I've broken down in the middle of nowhere twice during road trips (not with my Expedition). If there is a check engine light you can get an OBD reader and pull the code to get a sense of what the problem may be. The vehicle also stores codes that don't throw a check engine light, but can be read via Forscan using a laptop and OBD reader. You can purchase a reader at most auto parts stores or Walmart.
 

mr_dave

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 5, 2021
Posts
280
Reaction score
199
Location
MN
Just curious, do you have "HD tow" package? Or just a class IV hitch? Reason I ask is because HD tow comes with a transmission cooler.

If you don't have the cooler it's likely the transmission was overheated and will need to be rebuilt or replaced.

Either way, it's probably not possible to get it back up and running any time soon, unfortunately. I'd recommend getting a rental vehicle to get the trailer back.
 
Last edited:
Top