Ford - Dealership transmission blunders

[Unleashedbeast]

Here's the back story.

Ford issued a TSB on my transmission (Tremec 3650 5 speed manual) about cold weather grinding, so I took it in and had it rebuilt by the local dealer (2450.00 bill, under warranty). The rebuilt transmission shifts much better now.

Another TSB was released (prior to the transmission being overhauled) saying do NOT fill the T3650 up to the fill hole, make sure it's 1/2" lower than the hole.

Today I changed my transmission fluid to Amsoil's Universal ATF. I removed the fill plug first, and soon as I did....fluid began gushing out and didn't stop for at least 20 seconds. *Yes, my car was perfectly level on ramps and jack stands* Guess the technician refilled my transmission on the bench instead of the car, it wasn't level when he filled it, and possibly poured in 4 quarts instead of 3.

Seriously Ford? Can you NOT read your own TSBs?

Anyway, I got 3 quarts back in and it was exactly 1/2" under the fill hole.

If you want a job done right, guess you really do have to do it for yourself.

I'm curious as to why it was suggested to not overfill up to the hole?

 

[Kestas]

In the technician's defense, there can be hundreds of TSBs for each model (though there is a lot of overlap), and it is unreasonable to expect the technician to have each one memorized. Should he refer to the TSB checklist for every job that comes in?... yes, I think he should, especailly a dealership. But do you think they have the time to do so?

Anyway, leaving it overfilled was inexcusable. This story is one of many reasons I do all my own work.

I'm guessing the change was made because of either too much fluid churning during use, or the fluid level was too hard on the seals.

 

[Bluestream]

Unfortunately, as dealers pay techs on the flat rate system, the techs don't have time to always do things right. Often comes down to feeding the family, or doing due diligence on a vehicle you may never see again, for an owner you have never met.

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Unfortunately, as dealers pay techs on the flat rate system, the techs don't have time to always do things right. Often comes down to feeding the family, or doing due diligence on a vehicle you may never see again, for an owner you have never met.


The flat rate system can lead to dishonesty on the tech's part. With flat rate, if the book (or the warranty time) calls for, say, 2 hours to do a particular job, that's what you get paid, whether it takes you 4 hours or 10 minutes. Sometimes you loose your butt when there are complications. When you do the same job repeatedly, you can get pretty efficient and shave some off the listed time by knowing what tools to grab, the best order in which to work, general familiarity and knowing what to look for. That's fair and works as an incentive. A "flat-rater" is a tech that cuts corners in a bad way to make sure he is always under the listed time. Or simply rush through without much thought or care. I've seen techs work 40 hours and get paid for 65 or 70 because they cut so many corners. In a good shop, the SM would red flag a tech like that and watch carefully. In a perfect storm situation, a good tech can get a bunch of gravy jobs and sometimes do very well once in a while. If it's a regular thing, it's likely there is some cheat'n goin' on. I don't offer as much sympathy as Bluestream did with his "poor tech trying to feed his family" thing (no insult intended, Bluestream) and see it as a character issue with the individual.

 

[mechtech2]

The under fill was a retroactive decision because of that problematic tranny.
I don't think you did any harm to the trans being overfilled - this was about shifting quality.
If you find an ATF that works well, be happy. Others use different sauces, like light Synchromesh gear oils.

 

[Unleashedbeast]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2

If you find an ATF that works well, be happy. Others use different sauces, like light Synchromesh gear oils.


Amsoil's universal ATF was recommended by their application chart so I tried it, and with great results. The shifting is smooth and not notchy as with standard Mercon V fluid. I'm curious as to how much difference was in fluid level and how much attributes to the better fluid though.