Symptom Chart: Transaxle - Transmission Cooling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Diagnostics in this service information assumes a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC METHODS for information about these practices.

SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION - TRANSAXLE - TRANSMISSION COOLING

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
Transaxle overheating	Clogged transmission fluid cooler or transmission fluid cooler tubes	INSPECT the transmission fluid cooler, transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid thermal bypass valve for damage or plugging. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.5L TI-VCT or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.5L GTDI or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 2.0L GTDI or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.7L TI-VCT WITH AUXILIARY TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER .
	Bent or crushed transmission fluid cooler tubes	INSPECT the transmission fluid cooler, transmission fluid cooler tubes and transmission fluid thermal bypass valve for damage or plugging. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.5L TI-VCT or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.5L GTDI or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 2.0L GTDI or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.7L TI-VCT WITH AUXILIARY TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER .
	Transmission fluid thermal bypass valve stuck closed	For the 3.5L Ti-VCT REPLACE the thermal bypass valve. Refer to THERMAL BYPASS VALVE - 3.5L TI-VCT, 3.7L TI-VCT . For the 3.5L GTDI REPLACE the thermal bypass valve. Refer to THERMAL BYPASS VALVE - 3.5L GTDI . For the 2.0L GTDI REPLACE the transmission fluid cooler tubes and the thermal bypass valve as an assembly. Refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 2.0L GTDI .
	System leaks	Check the transmission fluid cooler tubes and fittings between the transmission and the transmission fluid cooler. If a leak cannot be stopped by tightening the transmission fluid cooler tube nut, install new parts. When Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid is found leaking between the case and the transmission fluid cooler line fitting, check for missing or damaged O-ring, then tighten the fitting to specification.
	Are there transaxle DTCs	REFER to PINPOINT TEST M .
Vibration - a high frequency (20-80 Hz) that is felt through the seat or gear shifter and changes with engine speed.	Transmission fluid cooler tubes grounded	INSPECT the transmission fluid cooler tubes for damage or grounding. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.5L TI-VCT or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.5L GTDI or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 2.0L GTDI or TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER TUBES - 3.7L TI-VCT WITH AUXILIARY TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER .