Pinpoint Test C: Transmission Overheating

• Bent or crushed transmission fluid heat exchanger tubes (if equipped) 
  • For vehicles equipped with a 3.0L Diesel engine, inspect the transmission fluid heat exchanger tubes for kinks, damage, and leaks. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heat Exchanger Tubes - 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel .
  • For all vehicles, inspect the transmission fluid heat exchanger coolant hoses for kinks, damage, and leaks. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Cooling - Component Location .

• Damaged transmission fluid heat exchanger 
  • Inspect the transmission fluid heat exchanger for damage and leaks. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heat Exchanger . REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heat Exchanger - 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel .

• Excessive vehicle or towing loads, severe vehicle use 
  • Refer to the Owner's Literature for more information on vehicle load, GVW and trailer towing.

• Incorrect transmission fluid level 
  • Check the transmission fluid level. ADJUST the transmission fluid level as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Fluid Level Check .

• Transmission fluid condition 
  • Collect a transmission fluid sample and inspect it for debris or contamination. REFER to: Preliminary Inspection .

• Engine overheating 
  • Check the engine cooling system for proper operation.
  • For vehicles equipped with a 2.7L Ecoboost engine, REFER to: Engine Cooling .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 3.0L Diesel engine, REFER to: Engine Cooling .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec - V6 engine, REFER to: Engine Cooling .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, REFER to: Engine Cooling .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 5.0L 32V TiVCT engine, REFER to: Engine Cooling .

• Transmission cooling system clogged or restricted 
  • Carry out the Transmission Fluid Cooler Backflushing and Cleaning procedure. If transmission fluid cooling system flow is low after backflushing, INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Transmission Fluid Cooler - Backflushing and Cleaning - Vehicles With: Transmission Fluid Heat Exchanger .

• Transmission fluid heater coolant control valve malfunctioning 
  • INSTALL a new transmission fluid heater coolant control valve.
  • For vehicles equipped with a 2.7L Ecoboost engine, REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 3.0L Diesel engine, REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Duratec - V6 engine, REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve .
  • For vehicles equipped with a 5.0L 32V TiVCT engine, REFER to: Transmission Fluid Heater Coolant Control Valve .

• Internal transmission concerns 
  • Resolve any transmission performance diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or symptoms, especially those related to the TCC or clutch applications. REFER to: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 2.7L EcoBoost (238kW/324PS) . REFER to: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel . REFER to: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 3.3L Duratec-V6 . REFER to: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 3.5L EcoBoost (BM) . REFER to: DTC Chart and Pinpoint Tests - 5.0L 32V Ti-VCT . REFER to: Diagnosis By Symptom .
  • Inspect the internal transmission components for wear or damage. Check all clutches and bearings for signs of overheating. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Transmission .

Possible Sources 

• Damaged or restricted transmission fluid heat exchanger tubes
• Damaged or restricted transmission fluid heat exchanger
• Incorrect transmission fluid level or condition
• Transmission fluid heater coolant control valve
• Internal transmission components

Diagnostic steps are not provided for this symptom or DTC. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods