2021 Big Bend - Transmission Hitching/Searching

[Morly]

2021 Big Bend model that I drive a lot (long work commute). It will be 4 years in September and I already have 90,000+ miles on it.

A month or two ago, it began hitching a bit when it was cold. Somewhat like it was having trouble getting into gear. Once I'd driven it for a bit, it seemed to get better and pretty much stop.

Out of concern, I figured I should let Ford take a look when I took it in for a recall. They said they would, but that the diagnostic fee was kinda high and that I should probably just let it warm up before driving and it should be OK. I went with that and then put a little gas treatment in, too, in case something just needed cleaning up.

Still had the issue, so I took it to my local (trusted!) mechanic and he said this was a common issue with Ford transmissions of this era and that I was likely going to have big issues. He could change the transmission fluid, but he said it was more than likely an issue with the torque lock (I think that's what he called it) and that there's not much you can do other than replacing the whole transmission...or trading it in (which is what he recommended, so it definitely wasn't him trying to screw me over for business or anything like that). When I drove it home, I could see the RPM needle jumping up a bit every couple of seconds even when I was maintaining my speed.

I'm kinda distraught as I really love my Bronco Sport, but I'm also worried now that it's a ticking time bomb. Anyone have any experience with this? Have they improved the transmissions on the newer Sports? Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated.

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[thomasm23]

2021 Big Bend model that I drive a lot (long work commute). It will be 4 years in September and I already have 90,000+ miles on it.

A month or two ago, it began hitching a bit when it was cold. Somewhat like it was having trouble getting into gear. Once I'd driven it for a bit, it seemed to get better and pretty much stop.

Out of concern, I figured I should let Ford take a look when I took it in for a recall. They said they would, but that the diagnostic fee was kinda high and that I should probably just let it warm up before driving and it should be OK. I went with that and then put a little gas treatment in, too, in case something just needed cleaning up.

Still had the issue, so I took it to my local (trusted!) mechanic and he said this was a common issue with Ford transmissions of this era and that I was likely going to have big issues. He could change the transmission fluid, but he said it was more than likely an issue with the torque lock (I think that's what he called it) and that there's not much you can do other than replacing the whole transmission...or trading it in (which is what he recommended, so it definitely wasn't him trying to screw me over for business or anything like that). When I drove it home, I could see the RPM needle jumping up a bit every couple of seconds even when I was maintaining my speed.

I'm kinda distraught as I really love my Bronco Sport, but I'm also worried now that it's a ticking time bomb. Anyone have any experience with this? Have they improved the transmissions on the newer Sports? Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated.

It sounds like torque converter shudder. This is an easy fix. Read my adventure below.

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/torque-converter-shudder-adventure.11649/

 

[Morly]

Wow, thank you so much, Tom, this does indeed sound nearly identical to my issue. For that price, it's worth trying! I'll report back.

I had written some questions to you, Tom, but then got through the second page of the post you referenced and saw your updates. Sounds like it's something you need to keep on top of, but it also sounds like it's working and allowing you to keep driving it!

 

[wireman]

2021 Big Bend model that I drive a lot (long work commute). It will be 4 years in September and I already have 90,000+ miles on it.

A month or two ago, it began hitching a bit when it was cold. Somewhat like it was having trouble getting into gear. Once I'd driven it for a bit, it seemed to get better and pretty much stop.

Out of concern, I figured I should let Ford take a look when I took it in for a recall. They said they would, but that the diagnostic fee was kinda high and that I should probably just let it warm up before driving and it should be OK. I went with that and then put a little gas treatment in, too, in case something just needed cleaning up.

Still had the issue, so I took it to my local (trusted!) mechanic and he said this was a common issue with Ford transmissions of this era and that I was likely going to have big issues. He could change the transmission fluid, but he said it was more than likely an issue with the torque lock (I think that's what he called it) and that there's not much you can do other than replacing the whole transmission...or trading it in (which is what he recommended, so it definitely wasn't him trying to screw me over for business or anything like that). When I drove it home, I could see the RPM needle jumping up a bit every couple of seconds even when I was maintaining my speed.

I'm kinda distraught as I really love my Bronco Sport, but I'm also worried now that it's a ticking time bomb. Anyone have any experience with this? Have they improved the transmissions on the newer Sports? Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated.

Was the transmission fluid ever changed since you have owned it? I assume you bought it new.

 

[Morly]

I did buy it new and it has not yet been changed, no. I’m not the most car-savvy owner, so I wasn’t aware that it might need that earlier than usual based on my miles. I’m definitely going to get it changed ASAP and try the fix.

 

[Morly]

Thanks again, Tom. I pulled it apart last night (getting that rubbery plug thing off of the top of the transmission was much more difficult than it needed to be, but I got it!) and added the treatment. Pretty much back to its old self and running smoothly this morning. I'm planning to have the transmission fluid changed and I'll add it again then, but this really did seem to be a tremendous help.

Actually, I did get the Lubegard Platinum Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant, as well. I see you added that when you changed your fluid and then did the Shudder Fixx a week or so later. Do you think that's the best approach? I wasn't really sure what the difference was, but they were both inexpensive, so I got both!

Thanks again!

 

[thomasm23]

Good to hear.

I would not have a transmission fluid flush done. I would do a back to back fluid drain and refill. Go ahead and add the Lubegard Platinum with the final fill.

I firmly believe that the Motorcraft ULV transmission fluid has a degradation issue.

I also have the rare Kodiak Brown. It looks great when in the sun after a wash

 

[Morly]

Yeah, I am planning the drain and refill, but I did see where you did it twice, which is probably a good idea.

Indeed! I love the Kodiak Brown, as well!

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