Truck Transmission Question -- Overheat

[J.B.]

Hoping to get some some feedback from your experiences.

Truck is 2010 F-150 V8

Was traveling back from a hunt yesterday and was towing trailer w/ UTV (which I've done 100s of times). Had a very high headwind and truck in "tow/haul mode"

I noticed it was fighting to tow harder than usual (higher RPM) due to headwind and I was trying to maintain 75 mph speed limit.

All of a sudden "wrench" light came on and truck shut itself off. Pulled over and idled and assessed it. Tranny temp was pegged out. Had some fluid that had splashed undercarriage near transmission. Once the truck was idling the temp came right back down to normal temp. I was going to have it towed in, but I drove to next town and temps were fine. Ended up making it home fine.....and transmission never had another issue but I kept speed around 60-65.

Did I have a boil-over? Is there anything precautionary I should do like change fluid or take into shop?

Right now it is running and shifting smoothly like normal. You feedback is greatly appreciated!

[Joe H]

I would change fluid and check for leaks. How many miles since last change or flush. Also you can't always drive 75 just because it is the speed limit.

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[Walker]

Most transmission cool thru the radiator. When the engine heats up, the transmission heats up. Unless you've replaced it before, you have a 22 year old radiator. ID put a new one in and service your transmission.

[Tyrex750]

Tranny temp was too high, had that happen one time where it shot fluid out. I didnt do anything but let it cool down and kept on driving. Never had any issues after that happened

[WItoTX]

I would change fluid and check for leaks. How many miles since last change or flush. Also you can't always drive 75 just because it is the speed limit.

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So go faster?

[Charles]

Is "tow/haul mode" even necessary with that light of a load?

[twistedmidnite]

I'd do a pan drop filter change on it and call it good.

[Scubasteveo]

If you are over 110,000 miles or so and haven't changed the fluid before, don't drop the pan and change it. The new fluid will wash all the dirt and grime out that is helping hold all the stuff together inside it. Then your tranny will fully go out.

Personally I would check the fluid level, and if low take it to a reputable transmission shop to get their opinion.

[Walker]

If you are over 110,000 miles or so and haven't changed the fluid before, don't drop the pan and change it. The new fluid will wash all the dirt and grime out that is helping hold all the stuff together inside it. Then your tranny will fully go out.

Personally I would check the fluid level, and if low take it to a reputable transmission shop to get their opinion.

Old thinking.

[twistedmidnite]

Old thinking.

Yep, changed mine at 178,000 when I got the truck. It was well past overdue. Filter change and top off and I'm at 206,000 now no problems....knock on wood of course

[J.B.]

Old thinking.

Yep, changed mine at 178,000 when I got the truck. It was well past overdue. Filter change and top off and I'm at 206,000 now no problems....knock on wood of course

Yea, that isn't the case. I did have the pan dropped for a tranny service back in December and they refilled with fluid and there have been no leaks.

[twistedmidnite]

Yea, that isn't the case. I did have the pan dropped for a tranny service back in December and they refilled with fluid and there have been no leaks.

Well if that's the case I'd start with the cooler/radiator. Dirty maybe? It shouldn't overheat, especially pulling that light of a load. Can you see thru the radiator?

[Walker]

I'd for sure have the cooling system checked. What's going to happen when the weather gets HOT.

[gfulton]

Jack up the radiator cap and run a new truck underneath it.