Symptom Chart: PTU
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Service Information for information regarding Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| The PTU makes noise | Tire inflation pressure Tire and wheel size |
VERIFY all tires and wheels are the same size and brand and the inflation pressures are correct. |
| Fluid level | FILL with the correct type and amount of lubricant. Refer to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Draining and Filling . | |
| Internal components | OPERATE the vehicle in all gears. If there is noise in the transmission while in NEUTRAL, or in some gears and not in others, REMOVE and REPAIR the transmission. Automatic Transmission 6F50/6F55 , Symptom Chart: Automatic Transmission. If there is noise in all gears, CONFIRM with chassis ears the noise is coming from the PTU. INSTALL a new PTU as necessary. Refer to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) . | |
| Leaking fluid from the PTU vent | PTU overfilled | VERIFY fluid level. Refer to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Draining and Filling . |
| PTU overfilled and transmission fluid is low. | INSTALL new compression seal, intermediate shaft seal, deflector, and alignment washer. Refer to Input Shaft Seal , and Intermediate Shaft Seal and Deflector . DRAIN and REFILL the PTU. Refer to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Draining and Filling . | |
| Leaking automatic transmission fluid (Red fluid) | Damaged or worn PTU intermediate shaft seal | INSTALL a new intermediate shaft seal, deflector, and alignment washer. Refer to Intermediate Shaft Seal and Deflector . |
| Damaged or worn PTU compression seal | INSTALL a new compression seal, intermediate shaft seal, deflector, and alignment washer. Refer to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) , and Intermediate Shaft Seal and Deflector . | |
| Leaking gear lubricant from the seals (Brown fluid) | Damaged cover seal | INSTALL a new PTU cover seal. Refer to, Cover Seal . |
| Damaged pinion seal and/or pinion flange seal mating surface | INSTALL a new pinion seal and pinion flange as needed. Refer to Output Shaft Seal . | |
| The jiggle cap vent on top of the PTU is plugged | Pressurize PTU thru the fill plug to verify. Refer to, Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Draining and Filling . | |
| Vehicle has no or inadequate torque at rear wheels | Rear axle | Rear Drive Axle/Differential , Overview. |
| PTU mechanical failure | INSTALL a new PTU. Refer to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) . | |
| Vehicle binds in a turn or resists turning/pulsates or shudders in a straight line | Wheels/tires | Wheels and Tires . |
| Brake system | Brake System General Information , Symptom Chart: Brake System. | |
| Wheel bearings | Suspension System General Information , Symptom Chart: Suspension System. | |
| Halfshafts | Driveline System General Information , Symptom Chart: NVH. | |
| Wheel speed sensor(s) | Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control , Symptom Chart: Vehicle Dynamic Systems. | |
| ABS module | Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control , Symptom Chart: Vehicle Dynamic Systems. |