Transmission screams.

[Lou & Dianne]

Recently traveling from Yuma to San Diego going over the mountain pass on I-8, the transmission sounded like an alarm was going off.

Ford said let the transmission do the work. We did just that but it was running away with itself. The tach was up around 5 grand.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[Lou & Dianne]

Recently traveling from Yuma to San Diego going over the mountain pass on I-8, the transmission sounded like an alarm was going off.

Ford said let the transmission do the work. We did just that but it was running away with itself. The tach was up around 5 grand.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[NeilV]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Lou & Dianne:
Recently traveling from Yuma to San Diego going over the mountain pass on I-8, the transmission sounded like an alarm was going off.

Ford said let the transmission do the work. We did just that but it was running away with itself. The tach was up around 5 grand.

Has anyone else experienced this? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lou,

You were going up a steep grade with the engine running close to its safe limits. When the grade is that steep turn off the overdrive, pull into the far right lane and slow down so the engine is turning at around 3000 rpm. Then let the transmission do its job.

Your engine and transmission should then run cooler and last longer.

The only prize you will get for beating everyone else to the top is an expensive repair bill.

[ISLAPP]

I am moving this post to the Ford chassis forum for more exposure.
I will say however, that Neil is correct in trying to keep the rpm's below 4000. I find on most hills that 3500 is good and for really big hills, it might get to 4000. You dont need to run it at 5000 and see how fast you get to the top.
Mike

[Richard S.]

I live about 60 miles from that I8 grade and go up and down about 10 times a year, never have found why everyone is in such a hurry to get to the top. I am on my third ford chassis motorhome. this grade is about 12 miles in length, gear down feather off the gas pedel to reduce RPM's and it will take you about 20 MIN. to reach the top.

[BounderDan]

Lou, from your post I'm not sure if you were going up or coming down. If going up, the gear/slow down seems good advice. If coming down and you are in Tow/Haul mode or on cruise control the transmission will downshift to try and limit speed increases. RPMS can climb rapidly and some brake may be needed to keep them reasonable. Danny

[lsebago]

Hi Lou,

I just did the maiden voyage in my new 2008 Damon Outlaw. This is my 4th MH. The screaming transmission is nerve racking. Going 60 mph on the highway, if the MH starts to speed up on even the slightest decline the tranny downshifts twice and brings the RPMs up to about 4500. I just can let that happen and I disengage the CC. Not only does the tranny scream, but significanlty reduces efficiency of the "downhill cost".......

Ford told me this was normal......but I don't like it.

If you find out any mods or other info. Please let us know.

[george henry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Reply </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I am sure glad that I took out the extended 7 year full warranty on my 06 THOR 362hp 5 speed V-10 .
yes it winds up but i still love the POWER of V-10

[ISLAPP]

Rod,
Welcome to irv2.
I don't have tow haul mode on mine, but if I am going down a steep hill, I downshift to 3rd from overdrive. If I pick up to much speed, I occasionally tap the brakes. If I read your post correctly, it seems like you are going down too fast and the rpm's are increasing as the tranny tries to hold you back. Use the brakes occasionally to reduce your speed.
Mike

[lsebago]

Actually no......

I'm talking about being in cruise control at 60 mph and even the slightest downhill will cause the tranny to downshift. Just an increase in 2 mph will cause the tanny to assist in braking. Jeez, I kinda liked rolling down hills a little faster - say 65 mph (saving gas). This is my 4th MH and I used to complain that they used to downshift too much on the upslope. This new one downshifts too much on the down slope........ go figure .....

[ISLAPP]

Then that sounds like something isnt set quite right. There should be some latitude before the tranny downshifts. That must be pretty annoying!!
Mike

[george henry]

Rod , get a hold of Banks Power Products product and order the Banks Transcommand transmission module and also a Banks Smartlock Transbrake.it will save you on steep downhills on your brake pads and overheating your transmission..Alot cooler.Camping World sells them and also installs it.

[peter griffin]

My two cents...

I have owned 2 ford motorhomes. The conditions described earlier such as high rpm when hitting slight inclines while on cruise control is normal.

Also, I suggest not to rev over 3500-4000 rpm. This summer I went through the skyline, blue ridge parkway and the smokey mountains in 3 days. I used tow haul sometimes, down shifting and stuck by my 3500 +/- rpm going up and down hills. It saved my brakes and transmission. I also use tow haul during city driving with quick stop and goes and prior to off/exit ramps. Works great.