Transmission replace - Sport 2021 88k miles

[Garygarrettt]

Just bought the Bronco back in December of 2023 and over a month ago I noticed that it was jolting a bit when auto shifting gears. The problem would get worse the longer I drove it. I drove like that for a week while I waited for an appointment at the dealership and during that time when shifting into reverse, I’d get the error “Gear will shift at low speeds” on the dash. Just got my car back from the dealer after three weeks of diagnostics and they’re saying it’s a full transmission replacement and quoted me $10,600. Any tips? Despite clearing all the transmission errors, the car still jolts when up or down shifting and still gets the error when shifting into reverse.

As an update, the dealer provided the below with their diagnostics:
Verified customer concern, vehicle has harsh shifts while driving and going into reverse. Checked DTCs, found P061A (Internal Control Module Torque Performance) and P073D (Unable to Engage Neutral). DRCs stored in PCM. Checked fluid level, correct. Checked fluid condition, dark and smells burnt. Reprogrammed PCM, cleared adaptive strategies, and performed strategy download. Test drove and concern still present. Harsh shifts into gears 3, 4 and 5. Suspect internal transmission concerns/worn clutch packs. Recommend replacing transmission assembly and flushing cooler and lines of debris.

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[thomasm23]

I would have someone do a transmission fluid change and then do this.

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

If you are still having issues, take it to an independent transmission shop.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Just bought the Bronco back in December of 2023 and over a month ago I noticed that it was jolting a bit when auto shifting gears. The problem would get worse the longer I drove it. I drove like that for a week while I waited for an appointment at the dealership and during that time when shifting into reverse, I’d get the error “Gear will shift at low speeds” on the dash. Just got my car back from the dealer after three weeks of diagnostics and they’re saying it’s a full transmission replacement and quoted me $10,600. Any tips? Despite clearing all the transmission errors, the car still jolts when up or down shifting and still gets the error when shifting into reverse.

Hello, I would like to look into your transmission repairs on my end. To get things started, could you please send over a message with your VIN and the name/location of the Ford dealer you have been working with?

 

[NMhunter]

There is no reason to take it to the dealer if it is out of warranty. Take it to an independent transmission shop. It will save you thousands of dollars.

 

[DirtyLuke]

Just did a trans fluid change at 40k and the tech mentioned the fluid was pitch black, that he's not surprised these are failing at 80k, and that Ford suggesting trans fluid at 150k - among other things - is ridiculous and only to meet euro environmental requirements on paper.

 

[Mark S.]

Just did a trans fluid change at 40k and the tech mentioned the fluid was pitch black, that he's not surprised these are failing at 80k, and that Ford suggesting trans fluid at 150k - among other things - is ridiculous and only to meet euro environmental requirements on paper.

• Your tech should know that fluid color is not a reliable indicator of serviceability. Many fluids are DESIGNED to hold contaminants in suspension while in service.
• As far as I know, there are no widespread reports of premature transmission failures with these vehicles. A few have been reported here, and as is often the case people tend not to pay attention to the percentages. We have no data on the number of failures compared to the number that operate trouble free.
• Ford does not recommend blindly running the transmission fluid to 150K. Your manual recommends fluid inspection every 30K and replacement on need. It recommends changing the fluid at 150K only if it hasn't already been replaced.

Too many unsubstantiated rumors and uneducated opinions on this subject...

 

[Gnomad]

Really are you still saying to not replace oils as preventive maintainence if the face of multiple reports of failures?
Oil is always cheaper than metal, folks. Follow your instincts and independent tech advise rather than the stealth Ford guy trying to keep the lid on a boiling pot of mechanical failures. If we had known about the various issues coming up with our BS we would have taken action as appropriate.
Protect your investment.

 

[Mark S.]

Really are you still saying to not replace oils as preventive maintainence if the face of multiple reports of failures?

You really shouldn't quote someone unless you do it accurately. I've repeatedly said people should follow the guidance in their owner's manual. Hint: it doesn't say you shouldn't replace unserviceable fluids.

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