Hi! I just purchased a 2001 F150 for my daughter. It had a really bad miss and reverse was not working well when warm. I tackled the engine problems first. It had bad valve cover gaskets on both sides and leaked oil into the coil boots. Fixed and it runs great! However, the problem with reverse did not go away as I had hoped. So I did a transmission flush (Amsoil). Still not working. Changed the fluid, filter, and a couple of easy to get to solenoids. I could not get to the EPC Solenoid as the bold holding the linkage would not budge. The vehicle has 215K miles. There was a fair amount of sludge on the magnet, but the drive clutches seem fine when driving, so I'm not thinking it's the reverse clutches but I could be wrong.

When the fluid is cold it goes into reverse and backs up with no problem. However, when it warms up to normal temp, it delays going into reverse and when it does, there is a heavy bumping as the truck is backing up. I don't know much about transmissions, but it seems like a pressure issue since it works fine when cold. Also, at 215k miles, this was the first time the fluid and filter have been changed.

Should I get a rebuilt transmission, or would changing out the valve body do the trick? Any advise from transmission experts would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you found the shipping plug in the pan, it was indeed the first fluid/ filter change. At 215k on original fluid, the transmission probably is spent. I would investigate a rebuild and not waste time or money messing with the valve body because the rest is likely worn out.

 

Thanks for the reply Raski. I totally see your point about getting a rebuilt transmission. I don't have the ability to tackle that job myself nor the money. I'm a disabled vet. I'm sure a transmission shop would be willing to put me $3000 more in debt, so I'm hoping it's a $200 valve body. But I would really like to hear from more mechanics here if my hunch is right.

 

If the spirit so moves you, just kidding, there was a known problem that produced the symptoms you are describing. It involved the overdrive piston bore in the trans case wearing and allowing pressure loss for reverse.. I believe there were 2 choices to correct this. One was a pin for the OD piston that had 2 "O" rings on it and that kinda solved the problem for a while..
The other choice was a kit that contains reamers and a new bushing that you installed and that was a more permanent fix. You would need to contact a trans parts supplier like Sonnax and they might be able to help you out with this. This is not a typical whiz bang job and requires some finesse. You should be able to handle it , I think.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm trying to find a youtube video on what you're talking about. Have you seen any?