Transmission Fluid Burn

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Epic Dad

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Anyone else when towing get a strong transmission fluid burning smell? This happens when I’m towing in excess of 5,000lbs roughly. Yes I have the HD package, yes I keep it in trailer mode. I have a Max Platinum. Anyways, I’ve towed with less powerful vehicles and never had so much transmission fluid smell. Is maybe cuz my vehicle only has 11K miles roughly? It shouldn’t be. I’m not too worried about it but more curious.
 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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Anyone else when towing get a strong transmission fluid burning smell? This happens when I’m towing in excess of 5,000lbs roughly. Yes I have the HD package, yes I keep it in trailer mode. I have a Max Platinum. Anyways, I’ve towed with less powerful vehicles and never had so much transmission fluid smell. Is maybe cuz my vehicle only has 11K miles roughly? It shouldn’t be. I’m not too worried about it but more curious.


I have the HD towing package but do not tow.

The burning transmission fluid smell is not normal. I would have it evaluated by the Ford dealer under terms of your 5 year / 60,000 miles (no deductible) power train warranty.
 

SyndicateZ

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I have the HD towing package but do not tow.

The burning transmission fluid smell is not normal. I would have it evaluated by the Ford dealer under terms of your 5 year / 60,000 miles (no deductible) power train warranty.
They wont do anything if no codes are present. They Might take the time to put it on lift and atleast check the tranny fluid hopefully atleast...?
 

mwar99

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They wont do anything if no codes are present. They Might take the time to put it on lift and atleast check the tranny fluid hopefully atleast...?
That makes no sense as there are plenty of issues that won't throw a code. If a dealer is giving that excuse it sounds to me like it should be escalated. A burning smell isn't normal and should be looked at.
 

SyndicateZ

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That makes no sense as there are plenty of issues that won't throw a code. If a dealer is giving that excuse it sounds to me like it should be escalated. A burning smell isn't normal and should be looked at.
 
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Soliyou

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Anyone else when towing get a strong transmission fluid burning smell? This happens when I’m towing in excess of 5,000lbs roughly. Yes I have the HD package, yes I keep it in trailer mode. I have a Max Platinum. Anyways, I’ve towed with less powerful vehicles and never had so much transmission fluid smell. Is maybe cuz my vehicle only has 11K miles roughly? It shouldn’t be. I’m not too worried about it but more curious.
What is the transmission fluid temperature when towing??

You also need to remove the felt belly pan and see if it is puking transmission fluid from the vent.
 

Speedboosted

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I don't see how you'd smell burning ATF unless it was leaking out and dripping on the exhaust or puking out the vent tube. Check around the pan to see if the gasket is leaking, maybe the seal is slightly compromised and some sneaks out when it really gets hot (and thins out).

But yeah, what are the temps when this occurs?
 

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