Tag Archives: transmission problems

Ford F-150 Transmission Shifts Into Neutral While Driving

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Some 2021 Ford F-150 trucks could unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving. The unexpected loss of engine power could increase the chance of an accident.

In February 2022, an issue was brought to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) about certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI, 2.7L, and 5.0L engines, along with the 10R80 transmission. These trucks were experiencing an increase in Transmission Fluid Pressure along with a Transmission Fluid Pressure Low Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) of P0868. This DTC would falsely activate and cause the transmission to shift into a neutral state while the truck was driven. Once the false activation occurs, the vehicle will coast to a stop and the electronic shifter will attempt to engage Park. Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the electronic shifter will automatically shift into Park.

According to the engineering investigation, one of the power-train diagnostic logic software branches was turned on in error when these vehicles were produced. Under certain conditions, this diagnostic logic could inadvertently activate the pump gear failure detection logic even though the hardware is still functioning properly. When this happens, the transmission on-board diagnostics will set the DTC P0868, turn on a Wrench Light telltale, and the vehicle’s transmission will shift into a neutral state. As the vehicle slows to a speed below 2 mph/3kph, the electronic shifter will attempt to engage the Park function and will automatically shift into Park when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The transmission function can be restored by a key-off/key-on cycle.

Between October 2021 and February 2022 there have been 28 warranty claims and one Customer Contact Center report to Ford that potentially related to this concern.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the Power-train Control Module (PCM) software. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S15 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-188.

GM Lemon Law Buyback – 2017 Cadillac Escalade

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Our client was very excited when they purchased their new 2017 Cadillac Escalade.

His first visit to the Cadillac dealership was on January 22, 2018 because the passenger running boards were sticking at times.

He was back at the dealership on June 20th to have the running boards looked at again.

The next visit was on November 20th for numerous items which included the passenger side step not always operating, the driver’s side step not working at times, at idle gear there was a roughness to the vehicle like the engine was stumbling and there was a pinging coming from the engine. Other problems were when at a stop the transmission would suddenly lunge forward, when accelerating at lower gears the transmission would lunge into gear, the front brakes were making noise and the USB was not working.

The last visit to the dealership was on January 22, 2019. The complaints were that the brakes were making noise, driver’s side running board would not always work, the passenger side door panel was not secured at the top, the vehicle exhibited a rough idle in gear and you could feel the Escalade shake and the transmission, on acceleration, was jerking and jolting at low gears.

At this point our client called our office to find out if his vehicle might be a lemon. He spoke with California Lemon Law Attorney, Barry L. Edzant. Barry requested he send some documents for review. Soon there after our office was retained and a demand letter was sent to General Motors Corporation to buy back our client’s 2017 Cadillac Escalade under the California Lemon Law.

GMC agreed to repurchase the vehicle which included reimbursing our client for his down payment, all payments made, his registration, pay off the balance minus a mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law. They also paid attorney fees.

Our client was very happy with the buyback of his vehicle. If you think your vehicle might be a lemon because of repeat problems that the dealership is unable to fix or the vehicle has been out of service in the hands of an authorized dealership for 30 days or more (the 30 days do not have to be consecutive or for the same problem) please call our office at 888-395-3666 for a free consultation.

Ram 2500 & 3500 Transmission Fluid Leak From Dipstick

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 2019-2020 Ram 3500 pickups equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions, because of a problem affecting the transmissions in their trucks.

According to the defect report, these vehicles could experience a build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission strong enough to expel fluid from the dip stick tube. If the fluid comes in contact with the turbocharger or other ignition sources within the engine compartment, it could lead to a fire. Vehicle occupants may notice odd smalls, noises or transmission surging prior to a vehicle fire.

Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogramming the powertrain control module. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-043.

Is Your Cadillac Escalade A Lemon?

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The Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV engineered and manufactured by Cadillac. It was Cadillac’s first major entry into the luxury SUV market in response to competition from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Ford. Today, Cadillac makes their Escalade in an EXT, ESV and a hybrid version as well.

The 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade models have received some of the highest complaints and recalls of all the model years. Although there have been no recalls for transmission problems, complaints are common. Drivers say there is a “distinct clunking and surging when accelerating and decelerating, and the transmission becomes stuck in gear.” The 2015 Cadillac models have 167 manufacturer communications / TSB’s affecting the power train, many which recommend flushing and changing the transmission fluid. The problem is a common complaint with many 2015-2019 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC owners and is part of an ongoing class action lawsuit between vehicle owners and GM.

Drivers of certain 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade vehicles believe that shaking and vibrations are caused by the same transmission defect, but some attorneys say the symptoms are caused by a defective drive shaft. The problem has been so wide spread, it has been coined “The Chevy Shake”. A few owners say they fixed the problem by replacing the aluminum drive shaft with a custom steel drive shaft, but GM continues to replace parts with the same defective parts.

Electrical defects are common in many newer Cadillac Escalade models. Heating and air conditioning are the top, with exterior lighting and software problems following close behind. Other complaints include: thermostat gives wrong information or just doesn’t work, no control of audio, Bluetooth intermittently disconnects, complete failure of the instrument cluster, repeated electrical shorts and temporary loss of the electric power steering.

Do you think your Cadillac Escalade could be a LEMON?… Fill out the above form or call us now for a free case evaluation.

2017 Ford F-150 Transmission Shift Lever Inaccurate Indication

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Ford will be asking the owners of certain 2017 F-150 trucks equipped with ten speed transmissions to return to their dealers for a problem affecting the shift lever. According to the defect report, the pin attaching the transmission shift linkage to the transmission could come out. If this happens, the transmission will be stuck in the gear it was in when the pin came out.

Drivers may experience loose or low effort feel of the shift lever and inaccurate gear indication. When exiting the vehicle, if the transmission is not in Park, the key can be removed, but a warning chime will sound and a message will be displayed in the instrument cluster indicating that the transmission is not in “Park”. If the transmission is not in the “Park” or the “Neutral” position, the driver will not be able to restart the vehicle.

Dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part. Owners wanting more information about the recall are asked to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 17S36 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-671.

2017 Maserati Levante Transmission And Engine Problems

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Maserati has determined that certain 2017 Maserati Levante vehicles may have been manufactured with and engine software issue that could affect performance. According to the defect report, if the vehicle is being operated at speeds of approximately 2 miles per hour, the transmission could unexpectedly shift into neutral or the engine could shut down completely.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the engine control software updated. For more information, owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-816-2638. Maserati’s number for this recall is 338 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-936.

2016 Hyundai Tucson Will Not Accelerate

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Certain 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmissions could experience unexpected loss of engine power. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, during higher ambient temperatures and specific operating conditions, the transmission clutch could experience a delay in engagement. If the driver presses the accelerator pedal steadily for approximately 1.5 to 2 seconds, the vehicle will begin to accelerate normally, however, if the accelerator pedal is repeatedly cycled, the vehicle will not move. Continue reading →

Chrysler, Dodge, RAM Transmission Pump Failure

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Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) will be contacting the owners of certain Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM minivans, regarding a problem that could affect the transmissions in their vehicles. Dimensional variances in the transmission pump rotor pocket could result in seized and broken rotors. If this happens, the transmission will lose hydraulic pressure and the vehicle may lose power.

The vehicles affected include:

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