1997 Ford F-250 Transmission Problem

PALEN63

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-250

Transmission problem
1997 Ford F250 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 150, 00 miles

My F250 has a 7.3 diesel engine. Recently the transmission has sometimes been reluctant to drop into overdrive and, when stopping for a light, sometimes fails to drop into neutral. Code readout is 713 (Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input). After a test drive and external computer analysis, I am told that the 4th gear pressure is low (in the 50's psi range) and that the 4th gear section is going bad, e.G. Goes in and out of 4th gear when warm and goes into lock up mode when slowing. They are saying they would have to tear down the tranny before giving me an estimate of the repair and that tear down cost of $495 would be charged to me if I refused the then recommended repair. So I have some questions:

1. No one has suggested this but shouldn't I have the transmission fluid filter replaced before doing anything else? (Fluid too?)
2. Does it seem reasonable that AAMCO isn't able to provide me with an estimate?
3. What else should I do?

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

Hello .. thanks for the donation .. much appreciated

aamco should be able to supply an estimate for a full transmission rebuild .. it is impossible to state fully which internal parts are bad untill a tear down has taken place ...they can then quote for just replacing the bad parts ! .. A trans fluid and filter change will not help with the symptoms you are describing .. also a trans fluid/filter change is not recommended at this mileage unless it has been carried out on a regular basis in the past it could do more damage than good.. !! .. you could try getting a second opinion from another trans shop !!

Hope this helps