aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
Update (if anyone cares ... I bet they don't)
Ford approved a new transmission, but it's backordered. Could be a month, could be 3 months. So I have my truck back and they'll call me when it shows up.
TSB 22-2145 - Certain 2018-2021 Expedition & Navigator, Built On Or Before April 29, 2021, + Other Models - Momentary Neutral-Out Condition In Drive
- Thread starter HazBeen
- Start date
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Ford approved a new transmission, but it's backordered. Could be a month, could be 3 months. So I have my truck back and they'll call me when it shows up.
ManUpOrShutUp
Full Access Members
JFC, they seem to be having some pretty major issues with these model years.
99WhiteC5Coupe
Full Access Members
Ford CEO Farley has stated that he wants to improve quality: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2020/11/ford-ceo-farley-wants-to-make-quality-job-1-again/
Not sure if his efforts are working?
Why did they decide to replace the transmission rather than applying the fix in the TSB??
aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
Even though the TSB clearly describes what my vehicle is doing, and my truck was built in the applicable timeframe, when they plug my VIN into the system, the TSB does not come up as applicable to my vehicle.
So because they duplicated the problem and acknowledge something is wrong, rather than tear down the transmission to try to diagnose the issue piece-by-piece (and maybe they figure it out and maybe they don't, and even if they do maybe the parts are back-ordered, and and and), they said it is more cost-effective for Ford to just replace the whole thing as a unit. It's fewer man-hours for them and gets my vehicle out of the shop faster. Plus, a single replaced unit is always going to be better quality than a pieced-back-together one (in my opinion anyway).
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aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
I think the 4th gens clearly had some issues early on in the run. Mine was one of the first 5,000 off the line, so I think I have had more problems than most. My three "big issues" have been:
1) the 4wd hub actuator failure (which has been fixed on later model years)
2) the cam phaser issue (which is endemic, but not unique to the Expis as it affects F-150s as well)
3) this transmission issue
I have had a couple other small issues (jumpy wing mirrors, massaging seat control not working, etc.) but all of those were small and easily addressed. And all have been remedied on later model years.
I do still have the rattling turbo wastegate, but it's also endemic to all the 3.5 ecoboosts, so not a unique Expi problem. And with the exception of a few folks on here that have had their turbos replaced, I think Ford is basically telling us all to just live with that one.
All that said, I am incredibly happy with my truck overall and wouldn't think of giving it up. I love it. It is a fabulous road trip vehicle, serves our family well, is wildly comfortable, has great power, and looks great.
I have been lucky enough to find an excellent service department and service advisor that always makes a loaner available to me, and they have been really great about working through all my issues quickly. So yes, there have been issues, but I think most are because I was an early adopter and all have been resolved under warranty.
So if you (or anyone else) is scrolling through this forum thinking about buying a 4th gen Expi, my message would be: don't be put off by what you are reading. Most folks don't seek out a forum to tell the world how problem-free their vehicle is; most are on here because they have a problem. So the forum is certainly going to have a high concentration of folks with problems. These really are great vehicles and I would encourage anyone to consider one if they need a big, comfortable, powerful vehicle to haul a bunch of folks and stuff around.
JL Cruising
Member
Thanks aggie for the post. I have the exact same vehicle bought early on as well(2018 Plat loaded). Wife loves the car to the point it almost got her killed on a hilly interstate and lost its gear on an uphill at 70 and found itself at 35mph. After the transmission reengaged with a violent slammimg of metal on metal and almost rear ended by vehicles behind, she had had it. Waiting for a rental car availability before Ford takes our car again.
Daughter also has 18 Exp Lim. It shifts/accelerates much better than the Plat. Just luck I’m sure.
My 150 2016 Lim is solid with the 6 spd.
Point being to all who arrive with the same problem I don’t believe switching manufacturers will help. Both Ford and Chev have class action lawsuits in regards to this issue(the joint developed 10 spd death star transmission). Hence why they have to fix it. My neighbor with a barely used Subby Ascent had the transmission recalled and fully replaced. Blame any manufacturer you want except the smart Germans with the wet double clutch vs. dry. Genius!
Good luck all. I will post updates as this 2018 Platinum tries to get fixed. Only 36k on the rig we bought new. Also driven lightly unlike my F150.
Daughter also has 18 Exp Lim. It shifts/accelerates much better than the Plat. Just luck I’m sure.
My 150 2016 Lim is solid with the 6 spd.
Point being to all who arrive with the same problem I don’t believe switching manufacturers will help. Both Ford and Chev have class action lawsuits in regards to this issue(the joint developed 10 spd death star transmission). Hence why they have to fix it. My neighbor with a barely used Subby Ascent had the transmission recalled and fully replaced. Blame any manufacturer you want except the smart Germans with the wet double clutch vs. dry. Genius!
Good luck all. I will post updates as this 2018 Platinum tries to get fixed. Only 36k on the rig we bought new. Also driven lightly unlike my F150.
JL Cruising
Member
Upate: Rental car available. Ironically it’s an Expedition2019 Platinum.
Dealership called and says the separator plate will be replaced. Should get the vehicle back in a week. 9/28/22 approximately. Anyone have any luck with this repair(separator plate)? Thanks
Dealership called and says the separator plate will be replaced. Should get the vehicle back in a week. 9/28/22 approximately. Anyone have any luck with this repair(separator plate)? Thanks
HazBeen
Full Access Members
So that we may all know what it looks like, the Valve Body Separator Plate is item #2 in the Lower Valve Body illustration of the attached 2019 Expedition Workshop Manual document:
10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R80 - Description and Operation...
10-Speed Automatic Transmission - 10R80 - Description and Operation...
aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
Dropped mine off yesterday for its new tranny. I'm in a lovely Explorer loaner and have been promised the work will be done next Wednesday.
aggiegrad05
Full Access Members
Final update here....
After dropping the truck off on Wednesday, they called Friday night and said it was ready to be picked up. It's been driving like a dream since I picked it up on Saturday.
Per the paperwork:
"CDF Cylinder bushing failure; Found burnt C D and F clutch due to CDF cylinder bushing moved failure; unable to free up E clutch latch valve; converter discolor overheated"
New transmission. Case closed.
JL Cruising
Member
Dropped a message to the dealership in regards to:
1. How confident are you that the separator plate will solve this problem considering what other internal damage may have been caused by the violent ramming of gears?
2. Should the cam phasers be replaced also since the rattle has begun on starts as well?
No calls have been returned
2018 Platinum Max, 4WD, Max Tow, Fancy White 33k original owner. Wife luvs it. I’m ready for a Stealth version
1. How confident are you that the separator plate will solve this problem considering what other internal damage may have been caused by the violent ramming of gears?
2. Should the cam phasers be replaced also since the rattle has begun on starts as well?
No calls have been returned
2018 Platinum Max, 4WD, Max Tow, Fancy White 33k original owner. Wife luvs it. I’m ready for a Stealth version
JL Cruising
Member
Update: Job completed was cam phasers and main separator plate in the transmission. I have only driven the Expedition 50 mi. and I’m not confident in the transmission fix. Most of my area is flat roads and the downshifts to maintain speed are infrequent. Only 1 hard shift with a moderate clunk so far.
The cam phaser replacement seems to have resolved the news on start. However around 2700 rpm there’s a new noise like something is loose. This is at start and at normal operating temp.
The cam phaser replacement seems to have resolved the news on start. However around 2700 rpm there’s a new noise like something is loose. This is at start and at normal operating temp.
Maxine the Max
Full Access Members
Why, doesn't this come up on my Ford pass ap?
Why doesn't this come up on my Ford pass app? Does it not apply to my vehicle? It's a 2019.
Maxine the Max
Full Access Members
I guess I should have called my dealership first. My VIN is not involved. Shwooo!
nrgphx
Member
Just got a 19 max limited, 65k miles, with tow pkg and special edition. Absolutely loved the vehicle during a test drive but did notice 1 slightly rough shift. We purchase the vehicle and drive home (appx 40 miles). 1 time over the 40 mile drive it felt like it popped out of gear. I didn't think too much about it (wife was driving) and besides we purchased an extended warranty (to 105k miles). The next day it happened several more times while I was driving and I noticed exactly what is posted here, it drops out of gear, downshifts to 1st, then real hard back into another higher gear. It seemed to happen to me more at slower speeds (15-20mph). I got a good recording of the dash and gears showing it dropping to 1st gear. The last time it happened, I heard a lot of tings and rattles around the transmission area, and when I got home, noticed a fairly large puddle of fluid underneath. It is not AC condensation since it's cold here right now and I wasn't running the AC at all during the time. It doesn't necessarily look like transmission fluid to me either. There might even be 2 different fluid leaks. I saw more engineer oil/transmission oil looking stuff on cardboard after I set some under the vehicle. I saw other fluid on the street right where I just drove and stopped to back into the driveway. It was basically clear, no real smell and was definitely oily to touch. Both fluids are coming from about middle of the vehicle, below where the transmission is (coming from the bottom cover). Talked to the sales person, she already talked to the sales manager who is going to work with the service manager Monday to hopefully get us a good loaner vehicle so the expedition can be fixed. Service was closed yesterday for New Years Eve and today of coursebas well. We shall see tomorrow what they say...
It was incredibly difficult to find this vehicle, with all the options I wanted and in my price range, so I'm hesitant to try and return it. The expedition was first purchased from the same dealership, had all service done at this dealership, is a 1 owner vehicle and already had the cam phaser TSB done in December 2021. I've looked at tons of threads on the forum about similar issues so far, and it seems like the only way people really didn't have any issues after taking it in was with a new transmission. I'm hoping I can convince the dealership to replace the transmission. I'm really, really worried about how long the vehicle is going to be in service though...
Owners with similar issues, am I just trying to love the vehicle too much? Should I return it and keep waiting to find another? Seems like Ford really dropped the ball early on regarding this issue, but seems to be getting more attention now.
It was incredibly difficult to find this vehicle, with all the options I wanted and in my price range, so I'm hesitant to try and return it. The expedition was first purchased from the same dealership, had all service done at this dealership, is a 1 owner vehicle and already had the cam phaser TSB done in December 2021. I've looked at tons of threads on the forum about similar issues so far, and it seems like the only way people really didn't have any issues after taking it in was with a new transmission. I'm hoping I can convince the dealership to replace the transmission. I'm really, really worried about how long the vehicle is going to be in service though...
Owners with similar issues, am I just trying to love the vehicle too much? Should I return it and keep waiting to find another? Seems like Ford really dropped the ball early on regarding this issue, but seems to be getting more attention now.
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JL Cruising
Member
Good chance the TSB for the tranny needs to be done. Either a main valve sep plate or complete tranny replaced. As stated above I had the main vlv sep plate replaced. After a few months no issues. However the true test will come driving into the high country.
We still love our Exp. Just jump the transmission hurdle isn’t fun.
We still love our Exp. Just jump the transmission hurdle isn’t fun.
nrgphx
Member
Thanks for the input! I see you are in AZ as well. What dealership did you take it too? We bought ours, and it is currently at AutoNation Ford Scottsdale. I have used SanTan Ford before (we are in the far east valley), but their service department is literally the worst... AutoNation got us in a brand new explorer for a loaner, literally the day after we purchased the expedition (it literally looks like they pulled a vehicle from the lot to give to us), which is ok I suppose. At least they got us into service and a loaner the same day we reported the issue. They also paid 100% for the tow ($400 from my house) to get the expedition to the dealership. So far, AutoNation has been great, and I have the personal cell phone numbers of the sales manager and service manager, so hopefully communication will be ok too. I am willing to let them go through the steps (TSB parts before transmission replacement) but I am convinced the tranny has permanent damage and should be replaced. I guess we will see how it plays out... I'll keep you updated with what they say.
I have a 22 limited max 4WD (picked up in March 22) and this has happened to me 3 times so far, but only at low speed after pulling out of my driveway. Goes from first or second to neutral, revs like hell and then shifts to third.
SyndicateZ
Full Access Members
Im waiting for mines to go from 10th gear on the highway to reverse automatically.
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