How to Troubleshoot Ford Trucks Transmission
The transmission on your Ford truck keeps your engine running properly. If the transmission starts to slip, it will make changing gears more difficult, and will ultimately lead to much more serious problems. Diagnosing the problem is the first step towards fixing it.
- Crank up your truck and let it get warmed up. It will only take a few minutes for your truck to warm up to normal level, and this is when you will be able to find and properly identify any problems with your vehicle (which cannot be done when the engine is cold).
- Lift up your vehicle's hood and check the transmission fluid level. This is done by taking out the dipstick and checking the level on the dipstick. There are a number of marks, or indentations, located on the dipstick. The normal running level on the dipstick should be located in between the top and bottom mark on the dipstick. If the fluid level is low, you will need to add more transmission fluid to get the dipstick level up to where it is supposed to be. After adding transmission fluid, check the level again until it has reached the level it needs to be.
- Get into the Ford truck and shift your gears. Listen for any thumping noise. If you hear this noise, check your transmission mounts and determine if they need to be tightened.
- Determine if your transmission is slipping. This is when the transmission gear slips from one gear to another when you are driving. This is likely the result of a bad clutch. If this is the case, you will need to install a new clutch.
- Listen for any sound of grinding gears. This problem is more serious, and is likely the result of transmission teeth that are damaged or synchronizers that are injured. These will have to be replaced, and will require the work of a professional.