2006 XLT - Transmission Issue?

[angryweez]

I've got a 2006 XLT, which has been the best car/truck/SUV that I've ever owned. It's got about 151,000 miles on it so far and I'd drive it for another 150K if possible.

However, I am starting to think it might be losing its transmission. I've never had that happen before on any car so I'm not 100% sure that's the issue (I'm not mechanically inclined either). When I'm driving and it's close to switching between gears, you can feel it lurch a bit as if it's not grabbing onto the next gear. It usually happens in the lower speeds - driving around town in the 30-45 MPH range. In one instance, when I went to pass someone who was going unreasonably slow, I gave it a good bit of acceleration and it really struggled to accelerate quickly. At the next light, the orange engine light started blinking, the truck was shaking, but then it went away and I drove on.

I'm going to have it looked at. Any approximate costs on replacing or fixing a transmission in this condition (if it is the transmission)? Is it worth it? The only other issues with the truck are the climate control problems (A/C stops working frequently).

Thanks.

 

[Skauber]

Sounds more like you have a misfire, and the blinking CEL (engine light) means that you have a severe misfire which can and will damage your catalytic converters. Get it checked asap.

 

[Bedrck47]

When was the last time Plugs were changed. Fuel Filter changed? Trans fluid changed?

 

[angryweez]

Not sure off the top of my head, but, I've been pretty good about maintenance. I think what I'm hearing is that my prognosis that it's a transmission issue could be completely off base. Thank you for the replies; I guess I need to just get it checked out ASAP.

 

[Bedrck47]

Suggest that you stop and have your codes read in case any are present. Post any code that may show up and get some replies from other members.

Your A/C problem could be caused by low Freon. Stamp11127 is a good person to discuss A/C problems with He should be on later in the day.

 

[stamp11127]

First off welcome to the site.

Anytime you have performance issues you always have the codes read. Most general codes can be read by any decent auto parts place. The more in-depth codes require a more advanced reader/programmer that will be at the repair shops that can afford it.

In your case since the check engine light came on, you should have the codes read. If they are engine related they should be able to give you the codes. Make sure you right them down so that you can post them back here.

The a/c problems can be caused by a problem with the a/c or a problem the ecm has detected and is cutting off non-essential items to preserve engine power.

Transmission problems you always check the fluid level, color and smell before doing anything else.

Take care of the codes first, then look at the a/c.

 

[angryweez]

Hi, quick follow up. Had the Expedition checked out and it was not the transmission as you guys suggested might be the case. It was misfiring on multiple cylinders. Replaced all the ignition coils (didn't want to just do three and then have the rest crap out) and it's now running great. Thanks for the input.