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Need a pic of the transmission shift arm, the dealer let Mongo R&R my trans.

Retirednavy2010

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Well, I was happy, the dealer finally replaced the CDF drum, it was only the 5th or 6th visit for the shifting.

When I got it back, driving home it had a burning smell, banging underneath, the shifter felt weird, so I thought I better have a look, holy f#ck, it was so bad, almost too much to list, covered in transmission fluid, dripping everywhere, only the easy bolts were tight, some 5 turns loose, bolt heads rounded and torx bolts chewed, muffler and mount just hanging, all of the loom and line clips mangled and hanging, heat shield folded, it goes on, basically anything touched is ugly.

Most of all, the shifter now will pop into park from reverse and drive will pop into neutral from drive unless you pull it back hard enough to click the detent, the shift arm looks bent, but it looks like it should have SOME factory bend, but the angle looks funky, it's got too much bend, it looks like it was flattened toward the case.

I can understand having to clean up some fluid, tidy up the looms and the lines, those clips are one time use unless you are careful removing them, but this is bonkers.

This is where it gets difficult, I worked at this dealer for 14 years over 20 years ago, the advisor is a buddy, for like 34 years, we laugh and joke every time the truck comes in, I actually hired him way back then. I have had bitchy customers in my face before, so I never get bitchy, solves nothing, but I'm fairly smokin pissed at this point, he said this tech was really good when I picked it up.

I call him, joking as we usually do, I go off, pissed off kind of joking, asking what F#cking gorilla worked on my truck? he tells me... :oops: the used car tech helps as a apprentice sometimes, he wants to learn how to be a line tech, I had to laugh, what else could I do, we all had to start somewhere. The first engine I stuck in a van, (1982) I cracked the front pump in the trans.

He was so sorry, he wouldn't stop apologizing, he wants it back right away, but I sorted everything out except the shifter, I can see it's bent, the question is was it bent from being hit or rolled over on, or was it the classic... lowering the trans and it slows down... oops forgot to unhook the linkage and you are about to rip out the shift linkage.

So if anyone has the ability to take a pic of the shift arm, that would be great, if it's a simple fix, I would prefer to do it, if he has stretched the cable or something like that I will have to take it back.

Thanks in advance, sorry about the long rambling post.

This looks bent, some factory, some gorilla
IMG_7077.JPEG


This can't be right, then again, maybe it is? something is wrong and unless there is a adjustment somewhere, I have to find the problem
IMG_7081.JPEG


Every hard bolt was loose, but the easy ones were gunned down like a 5 ton truck lug nut.
IMG_7079.JPEG


This being loose on the drive home, rotated the whole exhaust because he left the clamp at the cat loose, the pic is after I rotated it.
IMG_7076.JPEG
5th or 6th visit for shifting? There is a lemon law in California,
  • California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
    Provides information on consumer rights and oversees consumer protection programs. You can call the DCA at (800) 952-5210 for more information about the state-certified arbitration program.













  • Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS)
    Provides information about California's Lemon Law and can be reached at (530) 759-9440.







  • Consumer Action
    Provides consumer advice and referrals and can be reached at (415) 777-9635.







  • California Attorney General's Office
    Enforces consumer protection laws and can be contacted directly by consumers to file complaints.







  • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
    Provides consumer advocacy, business accreditation, and dispute resolution services.







  • Private Lemon Law Attorneys
    Specialize in Lemon law cases and can offer legal advice, representation, and advocacy.







California's Lemon Law allows consumers to get their vehicle replaced or repurchased if the manufacturer is unable to fix a serious warranty defect after multiple attempts. The average lemon law settlement in California is between $40,000 and $50,000, but can range from $5,000 to $100,000.


Well, I was happy, the dealer finally replaced the CDF drum, it was only the 5th or 6th visit for the shifting.

When I got it back, driving home it had a burning smell, banging underneath, the shifter felt weird, so I thought I better have a look, holy f#ck, it was so bad, almost too much to list, covered in transmission fluid, dripping everywhere, only the easy bolts were tight, some 5 turns loose, bolt heads rounded and torx bolts chewed, muffler and mount just hanging, all of the loom and line clips mangled and hanging, heat shield folded, it goes on, basically anything touched is ugly.

Most of all, the shifter now will pop into park from reverse and drive will pop into neutral from drive unless you pull it back hard enough to click the detent, the shift arm looks bent, but it looks like it should have SOME factory bend, but the angle looks funky, it's got too much bend, it looks like it was flattened toward the case.

I can understand having to clean up some fluid, tidy up the looms and the lines, those clips are one time use unless you are careful removing them, but this is bonkers.

This is where it gets difficult, I worked at this dealer for 14 years over 20 years ago, the advisor is a buddy, for like 34 years, we laugh and joke every time the truck comes in, I actually hired him way back then. I have had bitchy customers in my face before, so I never get bitchy, solves nothing, but I'm fairly smokin pissed at this point, he said this tech was really good when I picked it up.

I call him, joking as we usually do, I go off, pissed off kind of joking, asking what F#cking gorilla worked on my truck? he tells me... :oops: the used car tech helps as a apprentice sometimes, he wants to learn how to be a line tech, I had to laugh, what else could I do, we all had to start somewhere. The first engine I stuck in a van, (1982) I cracked the front pump in the trans.

He was so sorry, he wouldn't stop apologizing, he wants it back right away, but I sorted everything out except the shifter, I can see it's bent, the question is was it bent from being hit or rolled over on, or was it the classic... lowering the trans and it slows down... oops forgot to unhook the linkage and you are about to rip out the shift linkage.

So if anyone has the ability to take a pic of the shift arm, that would be great, if it's a simple fix, I would prefer to do it, if he has stretched the cable or something like that I will have to take it back.

Thanks in advance, sorry about the long rambling post.

This looks bent, some factory, some gorilla
IMG_7077.JPEG


This can't be right, then again, maybe it is? something is wrong and unless there is a adjustment somewhere, I have to find the problem
IMG_7081.JPEG


Every hard bolt was loose, but the easy ones were gunned down like a 5 ton truck lug nut.
IMG_7079.JPEG


This being loose on the drive home, rotated the whole exhaust because he left the clamp at the cat loose, the pic is after I rotated it.
IMG_7076.JPEG
The 5th or 6th time back for shifting issues. Enough is enough. There are several lawsuits by the NTSC and private lawsuits for this wonderful transmission. There is lots of ammo for lemon law recalls. Here is who you can contact.
  • California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
    Provides information on consumer rights and oversees consumer protection programs. You can call the DCA at (800) 952-5210 for more information about the state-certified arbitration program.
    Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS)
    Provides information about California's Lemon Law and can be reached at (530) 759-9440.
    Consumer Action
    Provides consumer advice and referrals and can be reached at (415) 777-9635.
    California Attorney General's Office
    Enforces consumer protection laws and can be contacted directly by consumers to file complaints.

    Private Lemon Law Attorneys
    Specialize in Lemon law cases and can offer legal advice, representation, and advocacy.


    California's Lemon Law allows consumers to get their vehicle replaced or repurchased if the manufacturer is unable to fix a serious warranty defect after multiple attempts. The average lemon law settlement in California is between $40,000 and $50,000, but can range from $5,000 to $100,000.

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Jason B

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No way I'd try to remedy that myself after a supposed rebuild. I'd drive like a bat out of hell until it blows up or catches fire, then have them do it all over again. Who knows if any internal damage has occurred with failures coming at a later time.
 
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Fitzmotor

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5th or 6th visit for shifting? There is a lemon law in California.

I have had a Ford bought back before, but no, I like this truck, it's just a stupid situation. If I got it bought back, I would have to find a low mileage 21-23' Ranger, I don't care for the 6G Ranger looks.

I found out there is a adjustment on the shift cable, so if I can dial it in, great, if not I will have to take it back.
 

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Well, I was happy, the dealer finally replaced the CDF drum, it was only the 5th or 6th visit for the shifting.

When I got it back, driving home it had a burning smell, banging underneath, the shifter felt weird, so I thought I better have a look, holy f#ck, it was so bad, almost too much to list, covered in transmission fluid, dripping everywhere, only the easy bolts were tight, some 5 turns loose, bolt heads rounded and torx bolts chewed, muffler and mount just hanging, all of the loom and line clips mangled and hanging, heat shield folded, it goes on, basically anything touched is ugly.

Most of all, the shifter now will pop into park from reverse and drive will pop into neutral from drive unless you pull it back hard enough to click the detent, the shift arm looks bent, but it looks like it should have SOME factory bend, but the angle looks funky, it's got too much bend, it looks like it was flattened toward the case.

I can understand having to clean up some fluid, tidy up the looms and the lines, those clips are one time use unless you are careful removing them, but this is bonkers.

This is where it gets difficult, I worked at this dealer for 14 years over 20 years ago, the advisor is a buddy, for like 34 years, we laugh and joke every time the truck comes in, I actually hired him way back then. I have had bitchy customers in my face before, so I never get bitchy, solves nothing, but I'm fairly smokin pissed at this point, he said this tech was really good when I picked it up.

I call him, joking as we usually do, I go off, pissed off kind of joking, asking what F#cking gorilla worked on my truck? he tells me... :oops: the used car tech helps as a apprentice sometimes, he wants to learn how to be a line tech, I had to laugh, what else could I do, we all had to start somewhere. The first engine I stuck in a van, (1982) I cracked the front pump in the trans.

He was so sorry, he wouldn't stop apologizing, he wants it back right away, but I sorted everything out except the shifter, I can see it's bent, the question is was it bent from being hit or rolled over on, or was it the classic... lowering the trans and it slows down... oops forgot to unhook the linkage and you are about to rip out the shift linkage.

So if anyone has the ability to take a pic of the shift arm, that would be great, if it's a simple fix, I would prefer to do it, if he has stretched the cable or something like that I will have to take it back.

Thanks in advance, sorry about the long rambling post.

This looks bent, some factory, some gorilla
IMG_7077.JPEG


This can't be right, then again, maybe it is? something is wrong and unless there is a adjustment somewhere, I have to find the problem
IMG_7081.JPEG


Every hard bolt was loose, but the easy ones were gunned down like a 5 ton truck lug nut.
IMG_7079.JPEG


This being loose on the drive home, rotated the whole exhaust because he left the clamp at the cat loose, the pic is after I rotated it.
IMG_7076.JPEG
What did they say about having a transmission dipstick? The advisor is a friend of yours does he see an issue having one in.
 


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Fitzmotor

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The tech last time, not this time, said the effort to R&R it was worth being able to fill and check from above.
I did not talk to the tech this time.
 

airline tech

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In case you need this - Shift Cable Adjustment - there does not appear to be any nut adjuster - it appears to be a (self-Adj) possibly locking tab on a slotted rod. (IDK)
 

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Fitzmotor

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In case you need this - Shift Cable Adjustment - there does not appear to be any nut adjuster - it appears to be a (self-Adj) possibly locking tab on a slotted rod. (IDK)
Yes, it's a clip type adjuster, look easy enough, I will wrestle with it tomorrow.

Thanks for the info?
 

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What did they say about having a transmission dipstick? The advisor is a friend of yours does he see an issue having one in.
When I had the fluid flushed and they over-filled it and it shifted like crap, my dealer made no mention of the Fitzstick. When they made it right, I could easily see it was no longer over-filled. Not sure what the hell happened there!
 
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Stevedbvik1

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Just curious if they would try to avoid warranty claims
They replaced my transmission in my 2022 and they swapped the Fitzstick from my old transmission without questioning anything. And they had done a valve body replacement with the Fitzstick prior to replacing the transmission without any issues
 
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Just curious if they would try to avoid warranty claims
If the dipstick was inaccurate I could see Ford having an issue, so far the dealers have had positive feedback or zero feedback as far as I have heard, the transmission guy at the local dealer was good with it as it made the job much easier.
 

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If the dipstick was inaccurate I could see Ford having an issue, so far the dealers have had positive feedback or zero feedback as far as I have heard, the transmission guy at the local dealer was good with it as it made the job much easier.
It certainly makes life easier having one in place that's for sure. Once again you are to be commended for the quality job you have done with this.
 

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The MBS dipstick was one of two key things that made it possible to bring my transmission back from craziness to simple funkiness. It is now not doing anything unexpected, but I still think Ford screwed up with the low speed low torque shift patterns.

I honestly thought my Ranger experience was over and had planned to unload the Ranger this last summer.

But I have driven the truck more in the last 4 months than I have in the previous 2 years. It took me that long to sort the issues out and correct them. The solution was found primarily by two members of this community.

A virtual "Hat Tip" to ctechbob and Fitzmotor. Thank you both!


ctechbob for turning me on to LubeGard Platinum when I changed the transmission fluid at 18K miles. Then again at 21K, and I planning on doing it again at 25K miles in the next week to 10 days. Each change has made the transmission calmer. I have only noticed 2 minor aberrations in the last 2500 miles. Prior to this work I could not get out of the neighborhood without multiple serious malfunctions.

Fitzmotor for developing and marketing the MBS dipstick.
He made it possible for me to easily and accurately change the fluid in 30 minutes. The truck still needs to be perfectly level to get it right, but it is now easily doable by a near 70 year old man!
 
 








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