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Can I put off trans rebuild?


be$
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I've noticed my 2010 XLT was always overworked at highway speeds (especially when climbing) after purchasing it 2nd hand in 2017.

 

Purchased at 100k. Knew the history but thought I could just deal with a weaker engine. But it started getting caught in low gear/high RPM on high speed climbs. Got trans fluid flushed completely and new fluid right before a surf trip (to Baja of all places)  where it reallly started being a problem. Would inevitably fail to shift on highway climbs and get stuck in high rev scenario. Then, after levling out or going downhill, it'd fail to downshift and stay at super high rpm. Weirdly enough it'd correct itself after turning car off/on, only for it to happen again. Lots of roadside stops. That trip was much more nerve-wracking than I wanted.

 

Anyways...was tripping an error code p0741 (tongue converter clutch circuit). From my readings, it sounds like it could be a solenoid. I guess the question is: do I try to pick and choose transmission repairs at this point or do I find a mechanic I trust and have them perform a rebuild? And if rebuilding a trans on 2010, what's an acceptable price? I'm in SoCal and have access to trustworthy mechanic (willing to take chances rather than spend $$$ at dealer).

 

Thanks...and if anyone has experience with p0741 error, please speak up.

 

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19 hours ago, be$ said:

I guess the question is: do I try to pick and choose transmission repairs at this point or do I find a mechanic I trust and have them perform a rebuild?

 

That depends on how much you hate to walk!  No way I would have ever tried taking any vehicle in the condition you describe to Mexico . . . . but it sounds like you (barely) got away with it.  You can get it fixed now, or . . . . do you feel lucky?  By all means, keep a comfy pair of shoes in the van!!

 

Don

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Remanufactured at the factory, with a warranty, is almost always better than a rebuild kit.  

 

Worst case scenario is a mechanic who wants you to pay him to rebuild the transmission, he's not that good, and you get overcharged.  Let's assume that your mechanic is good, but he does not build these transmissions every day. It may be that why I he has installed rebuild kits in plenty of cars, he's never rebuilt your transmission.  And if he's not a transmission specialist, then reconsider.

 

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Well this van was bought used via CL, so there's no warranty so speak of.

 

Anyone have experience with a rebuild price? I'm thinking remanufactured at the factory (without a warranty) is pretty much out of my budget.

 

Also open to any mechanics in SoCal/Los Angeles area if you have any recommendations...

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You are in LA.  You should be able to find at least a dozen good shops right in your neighborhood.  The real problem with LA, is that there are so many shops, you don't know who to choose from.  I would look for a shop which specializes in Ford.  They will be more experienced with Ford vehicles, probably have computers for Ford cars, and be better informed about things like service bulletins, recalls, anc common problems.  So they may see all kinds of different Ford models with the same transmission, with the same issue, and be able to address it efficiently.  As opposed to a really good mechanic, who works on all sorts of cars.  A wide breadth of knowledge from Toyota to Maybach; but lacking in depth of knowledge for Ford.  When in doubt, Galpin Ford.  

 

Whatever you do, do not buy a used transmission.  If anyone has to really explain to you why.......start taking the bus.  Not for your benefit, but I'll lend my opinion on used transmissions.  Would you like to buy my used wiper blades or used motor oil?  Any used transmission from a junk yard or sold on eBay will not come with a warranty. You have no way of testing the transmission, other than installing it to see if it works.  Some people will claim that it was working.  Sure, so was yours when you bought it. Know that any and every transmission will not last forever.  It makes no sense to spend time and money to install a used transmission, only to have no reasonable expectation of the transmission even working after you install it.  Worst case scenario, you install a used transmission, it's just as bad or worst than your transmission, and you can't get your money back or recover your own time lost.  Best case scenario is that the used transmission works, only you have no warranty, and it could work today and fail tomorrow.

 

A quick look online, and you will find a lot of options.  You may be able to correct the transmission with just solenoids and a valve body kit.  

image.png.736cdaa605d387f7e53a1a877a258b4a.pngimage.thumb.png.0e63c4a6618502413e30e26c0d4aaf46.pngimage.thumb.png.272ff3a909547dcf17fb1085f953cc95.pngimage.thumb.png.ce1d81a13486d85cbbf132c33ab9cd48.png

 

 

 

 

I have no idea what budget you have in mind.  I also have no idea what you paid for this van.  Only you can factor what is economically reasonable for you.  

 

My 1st basis for comparison is cost of repair vs replacement.  A transmission, new, remanufactured, or rebuilt + installation will most likely be equal to or more than the value of the 2010 with high mileage.  If the total cost is from $1K for buying the kits and doing it myself, to upwards of $3K for a shop installation, what kind of car can I buy for $3K?  Do I spend $30Kon a new car, to solve a $3K problem.  Assuming that for $3K, I get a warranty, and I can expect at least a few more years, will anything else go wrong?  Will I need engine work?  Is the body rusted?  Is the roof leaking?  

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Here is a link to some prices and a rebuild company      https://www.transmissionrepaircostguide.com/4f27e/.

The transmission in your TC is a 4F27E Transmission

 

Transmission Street Smart Transmission Autozone Advance Auto Parts Dealer Retail
4F27E 1440 1630 1749 2637

 

 

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thanks all - this is what I was looking for! Think my plan will be to find mechanic who's willing to accept a remanufactured transmission. 

 

@G B L Any chance there's a different transmission type for the 2010? I've seen differing info on different sites about different types of transmissions between 2010 and 2011. The AutoZone website stated the linked transmission does NOT fit a 2010 TC. Guessing that's just the Focus trans, correct? Seems like they're somewhat compatible but would need a good mechanic to ensure it's setup correctly. Wondering if there's something I'm missing since the site is saying it won't fit my van...

 

@Fifty150 willing to spend @3k on remanufactured trans + installation. Van looks good and runs well otherwise with 115k, and I've built out a campervan setup I enjoy. Would really be looking to get another 3-5 years out of it before I sell for what I can get for it. 

 

Does anyone have any mechanic recommendations for transmission install in/around Woodland Hills area? Gaulpin Ford is prb gonna jack up costs out of my range

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Update in case anyone is following...

 

Looking like it's gonna be best to buy reman trans and have a good transmission specialist (who's worked on Ford trans before) perform the labor. Here's where I am now:

 

Transmission      Street Smart Transmission            Autozone              Advance Auto Parts Dealer               Retail
4F27E  

      1440 (told 4F27E for Focus and others smaller cars.

                 (Can'r/won't sell to me with a TC)

           1630 (same as Street Smart.                 1749 (same.)                             2637

 

 

Long story short I'm being told not all 4F27E are the same. The mechanic said it might be different gear ratios, but he can't be sure. But multiple cust service reps I talked to asked for my VIN and then told me the options I was looking at (as linked by https://www.transmissionrepaircostguide.com/4f27e/) do not work with the Transit Connect. 

 

Only in-stock options were on AutoZone:

 

1777260034_ScreenShot2020-05-04at5_23_24PM.thumb.png.1655a39f953292a62261e903d794cd3b.png

 

 

So it's either that $1950 option, orrrrr this: https://spprecision.com/products/4f27e-transmission-sale.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r71BRDuARIsAB7i_QOyF2oz0wVFCg6lM7PAZzn_vqmGKyrjR2G7GsFm2ZrayIsEJbzi-iAaAp38EALw_wcB

 

Which seems kinda sketchy and may prob be just the same problems with other Focus-specific type transmissions.

 

ANyone have a reason why I shouldn't but the bullet and pay and extra $5-600 for the approved AutoZone reman transmission. Might come out to almost $800 total since they make you do the work as far as shipping and paying for Core return...

 

@G B L were you going out of your way to link me that website's recommendations, or do you know something about these transmissions I don't? Thanks either way...

 

 

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I used that post as general pricing information,  If  you have found a TC spec transmission it will have the correct final drive and be the best match.  If you like the TC and you are planning to get lots of service miles out of it 500-800 extra over 6 to 10 years  is almost nothing.

If the rest of the van is up to the task then the right Trans will provide the best service. 

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If you get the transmission with gear ratios for a Focus, because it cost less, it will not work. You must have the correct gear ratio.  Unfortunately, you will have to pay a little more for the correct unit.  

 

for some of us, this is a job for a shop. Not everyone has the lift, tools, training, and experience. Can you save a few dollars doing it yourself?  

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  • 3 weeks later...

Update: fuck moveras transmission.

 

I decided to bite the bullet and purchased a remanufactured transmisson from Moveras via AutoZone. There weren't a lot of choices and it was this at $2200 after shipping and taxes OR the OEM version at 1.5 that cost.

 

Had it sent to trans specialist near me. Finally delivered after issues with shipping (they had wrong tracking numbers associated). Got a call from mechanic on morning I was supposed to pick it up....bad news. Van not going into 5th, throwing errors. He also mentioned looks like they painted over parts quickly and not professionally.

 

Had to connect mechanic with support ppl at Moveras. They're now supposed to send out a new valve body, hoping that will fix issue. Nottt tooo promising. Came witrh 3 yr parts/labor warranty, but looks like there's a cap at $50/hr for labor.

 

If anyone ever is looking to invest in reman transmission, do not use Moveras. I had a horrible feeling this investment is going to haunt me and essentially cripple my van.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Well...

 

Moveras had that replacement valve body sent to their HQ and not my mechanic. They finally had it delivered to my mechanic after a full week. Still didn't fix issues, per mechanic.

 

Their only possible solution was to provide an entirely diff reman trans (to be delivered in 1-2 weeks). They'd see if they could cover the new installation cost at their dictated labor rate, but even then I'd be out the current $1700 labor/parts costs to my mechanic. So I'm saying fuck it and returning the defective product entirely to AutoZone/Moveras. 

 

Argued back and forth with both AZ/Moveras and they say all this falls under warranty, not customer service. Crazy definition of warranty, and I disagree (biigg understatement). Cherry on top - warranty is voided when I return it. Upon further inspection, warranty is capped $350 TOTAL. So suffice to say warranty is bullshit. 

 

SOOO...wish I went with mechanic's rebuild from the beginning. It's basically same cost as reman trans and install, and would have gotten it back in 3-5 days instead of being without Van since 5/17.

 

Fun times. For those looking, avoid Moveras. And be very wary of AutoZone/other warranties.

Edited by be$
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