Auto Rx for Transmissions - Problems ?

[1sttruck]

I 'did an Auto Rx' this last year on both of our Taurus transmissions, one has over 200k and the other over 100k miles, and now both are down for transmission failures. I'm posting this to see if anyone has experienced anything similar as I'm still in the investigative stage.

I did the recommended dosage per the web page at the recommended mileage, and then changed to Castrol Mercon V in one car, Mobil Mercon in the other, a bit of Lubegard Red in both to minimize shudder, something that I've always had to do. At the time I had a question about why one doesn't need to flush again, like the 'cleaning phase' in engines, but received no reply. Now, a few thousand miles later, both cars are down hard, within about a month of each other . I had the pan dropped and the filter changed on one to see if that was the problem, but evidently Ford uses a screen and it didn't appear to be clogged.

Each car would start making a bit of cyclic noise, exhibit some intermittent, dramatic shudder, it would get worse and then start to have problems going into gear. Anyway, just seeing if anyone else has had similar symptoms.

 

[Marshalus]

Sounds like a typical Ford transmission to me.

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

What was the transmission maintenance history? I recall hearing that some Taurus transmissions were known to crapping out before 100,000 miles. What did the fluid look like after you ran the Auto-RX? You say a few thousand miles after, would that mean 5,000-10,000 miles after the flush that removed all the Auto-RX clean cycle?

Perhaps it cleaned up a little too much, and cleaned off crud holding some parts together. Also the transmissions could have both been on their way out and it is coincidental that they failed after using Auto-RX.

You may want to pull a sample of the fluid in there and send in a used oil analysis and have Terry Dyson analyze it for you. He could probably help you determine what caused the failure.

 

[Shelby]

I had the opposite experience. Autorx brought my 140k Ford transmission back from the abyss. I was literally getting quotes for a new transmission when I dumped a pint of ARX down there just for kicks. I can't say how long it will last but it is still running like a champ a couple thousand miles into the treatment. I haven't even T-Tec'ed it yet.

I wonder if lube guard + ARX may be an issue? I'm pretty sure ARX recommends not using additives when using their stuff. No matter what happened bummer on that luck, two transmissions at once and I'd be eating at the soup line.

 

[kgb007stb]

No luck with ford transmissions beyond the 150K mark.
Whether it is bad luck or bad craftsmanship I have no idea.

 

[1sttruck]

An update... Our 99 Taurus has an 'AX4S' transmission that was subject to a recall for a tube in the transmission that can crack, leading to failure of the planetary gears. It was never installed on our vehicle, and the recall ended in 2001. I haven't verified if this is the problem, but the symptoms seem to match.

Anyway, still digging.

 

[cowsareholy]

i have heard of a lot about the ford transmission problems. most people say they only last around 100k. i have a 92 sable 3.8l with 266k and the original transmission that still shifts like new, only thing other than regular maint we had to do was of course the head gaskets at around 150k and the power steering pump at 240k miles. the only reason im gonna be getting rid of it is because the wife has had 1 to many accidents in it.

 

[unDummy]

Its a #@$%! transmission. Numerous TSB, recalls, and aftermarket updates are available. If you opt for a rebuild, make sure all are addressed.

I find that many fail from bad electronics. Nothing like killing a transmission because of a bad electronic solenoid or speed sensor. Those components need to be tested or replaced, along with the wiring.

One of the local transmission shops here get contracted out by the dealer. There are Tauri there ALWAYS, and most under warranty.