Transmission - I suspect the worst!

[Ralph1Malph]

Well I've been having some trans trouble and I though I'd offer up for any advice.
Generally, I'm happy with the overall business of the trans.

However, lately, I've been getting a lot of F trans faults on the dash.
They've become more frequent recently, especially when reversing downhill out my drive first up for the day. Although it has happened on first D engagement of the day.

A few things have happened recently which I'll try to eliminate before I panic.

1. Brake light failure. I've heard about how non genuine globes can cause all sorts. I have in the last few days (when it became more frequent) Had a stop tail failure which I replaced with a non genuine.
I'll replace with genuine and see what happens.

2. Potential low fluid. It's due a fluid change, but as I wash underneath after every weekend of wheeling, I notice that there is some oil residue on some of the under body bits rear of the trans. Not enough to drip in the driveway but I'm sure it isn't engine oil. A flush and top up will sort that.

3. Brake pedal switch. Replaced some months ago with a genuine ford territory one!

4. 4x4 Driving. Couple of weekends ago we spent driving in mud and rain at a 4x4 park. Plus I like to use my karcher to clean up afterwards. Not much can be done about this, but maybe a thorough run after washing/wheeling may sufficiently dry out any wet connectors.

I have an IID Tool and have been recording some of the fault codes:

Transmission

• P0736-00 (ED) Reverse incorrect ratio
( on 16-02-2016 15:46:05 at 252934 km )

• P0730-00 (6D) Incorrect gear ratio
( on 19-02-2016 06:33:28 at 253054 km )

Dates obviously not correct, dunno how to fix that!

I'm interested in your thoughts but I fear the worst.

Cheers
RJ

[loanrangie]

For #1, all the globes are dual filament so swap a couple around so then you have all the same.
I never high pressure wash under my car, no probs on the D1 but not worth the risk on the D3.
Cant offer advice on the error codes but cant see how the ratio's can change, has the trans had a flush and pan upgrade ?

[matti4556]

A couple of thoughts come to mind Roger...
1. The "non-genuine" globe thing. I was originally of the opinion faults were caused by the "hanging" filament of a stop and tail globe dangling down and making intermittent contact with the other filament circuit that is not blown? The intermittent connection causes the errors where the car thinks the brakes are "on" during throttle application and throws a code. Perhaps someone closer to the real issue of tail light globes can clarify this for all and sundry? I technically cannot see how a non-genuine working globe of correct wattage can cause an issue. I can accept that perhaps a genuine globe may last longer (not blow a dangling filament), but the non-genuine globe thingy has started to reach urban myth proportions.
2. The only transmission fault codes ever thrown up by my D3 was after a pressure wash following a dirty weekend. Once the connectors in the vicinity of the tranny dried out - all was good. So I'm with #loanrangie on this one.

I'm starting to think your fluid levels are low??
Matti

[Disco-tastic]

Could be the brake switch under the centre console. There's a bunch of write ups on it - I haven't done it myself (yet).

Could also be low oil. If there's a leak then I would be getting it serviced Asap.

Are there any Judders/shudders when driving? Or does the engine hunt or idle or rev erratically both while still and while driving? If not I'm gonna guess its fluid or electrical gremlins. Maybe spray all of the connectors with some water dispersant.

[DiscoMick]

I'm not familiar with D3s. Is there a transmission filter which could be clogged and restricting oil flow?

[matti4556]

I'm not familiar with D3s. Is there a transmission filter which could be clogged and restricting oil flow?

Sure is Mick - Part of the pan. And don't tell Roger where you are going with this. He's nervous enough already!
See this description... Description and Operation.pdf

[justinc]

Incorrect ratio faults are 100% due to the degredation of the transmission. Due to excessive clearances and or low line pressures which cause slow application of clutches.

Sorry about the bad news😣😣

[Disco-tastic]

Incorrect ratio faults are 100% due to the degredation of the transmission. Due to excessive clearances and or low line pressures which cause slow application of clutches.

Sorry about the bad news

Would low fluid cause those symptoms?

[Ralph1Malph]

Incorrect ratio faults are 100% due to the degredation of the transmission. Due to excessive clearances and or low line pressures which cause slow application of clutches.

Sorry about the bad news😣😣

The swear filter should have blocked this.

I've only done 255k!

Still, it's due for fluid change so I'll do that anyways.

As long as the degradation is gradual, it should last quite a few more km. Then I'll try to get a 3rd mortgage!

Cheers
Ralph

[DiscoMick]

Hope you get a good result. Make sure that transmission oil filter is changed.