Transmission failure, truck has 112000 miles and the tranny would not shift to 3rd gear, the fluid and filter has been change 5 times more than recommended by manufacturer, I also had aamco install a larger transmission cooler. What happened to the tranny is the c clamp that locks the main drive in the transmission came off, and destroyed the od drum and gears I have always kept my vehicles well maintained and at a cost of $1,900.56 I feel that ford should re imburse me for this , the truck has never hauled any heavy loads or pulling a trailer with anything heavier than a riding lawnmower. I have a 1970 ford truck that is a better truck than my 1997. I could only imagine what would happen to a new truck if driven like the commercials they produce. I have always been a ford man but they are changing my mind quickly. This truck has never been abused. It's absurd that a possibly $5.00 part could cause me almost 2 grand. I am about to buy a new truck and I will be shopping around and looking at consumer reports to make a decision.
1997 Ford F-150: complete transmission failure
11 of the 2,746 complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 0%
- recalls
- 2
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
Recall 97v147000 concerning automatic transmission failure. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN although it experienced the same problem as those vehicles that were recalled. The gears would pop and make the vehicle jump.*ak
Recall 97v147000,transmission failed to shift out of park after vehicle was started. This was due to ta defect in the transmission shift cable. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak
Automatic transmission failure of overdrive. Overdrive will go out all at once, loosing speed and becoming a hazard in middle of road.
While in stop and go traffic all 4 truck wheels suddenly locked up which caused the truck to come to an abrupt stop. The dealership is currently servicing the truck to locate the cause of the failure. *nlm the dealer replaced the transmission with a remanufactured one.
Transmission failed to shift into reverse after vehicle was serviced. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further details.
Consumer noticed a 1/2 inch crack on the outside door of the driver & passenger side. Metal was shearing. Delear said that it was out of warranty & they had to have permission from ford. *ak also the transmission failed.
Total transmission failure while in operation, vehicle left inoperative. Dealer notified, and informed that repairs would be at consumer's cost.
Automatic transmission failed.
Recall #97v147000; after the vehicle was brought in for recall service for the transmission shift cable . At approximatly 5 miles after leaving the dealership transmission blew, no prior problem with transmission except for recall. Dealer is charging for repairs.
When switching from 1st to 2nd gear, transmission gets stuck, and takes awhile to kick into gear. Dealer replaced the transmission. Problem still exists.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Rear axle noise repair
- Axle whine howl
- A driveline clunk or bump when starting from a stop
- General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
- General power train control module (PCM) programming procedures
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Brake shift interlock
- Some vehicles may exhibit water in the transfer case, this could cause low range 4X4 lamp to illuminate,...
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. The vehicle operator would then not be able to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position even though the gear shift selector would indicate "park."
- Risk
- The condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. Unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake was not set.
- Remedy
- Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
Recall number 97V171000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The transmission bracket end fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly resulting in operator inability to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position.
- Risk
- This condition can result in unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake is not set.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new transmission shift control cable.
Recall number 97V147000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford F-150 transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1997 Ford F-150?
11 of 2,746 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 (0%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford F-150?
There are 2 recalls and 65 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford F-150
Fire or smoke 210Tire blowout 127Engine failure 121Adaptive cruise 118Knocking 81Overheating 71Ball joint 69Wipers 62No deployment 60ABS 53Brake failure 51Fuel leak 51Power steering loss 36Stalling 32Check engine light 31Grinding brakes 21Misfire 20Sudden acceleration 18Water leak 18Door locks 17Won't start 17Pulling 16Hesitation 14Won't shift 14Headlights 13Fuel smell 12Seat belt 12Airbag light 11Harsh shifting 11Coil spring 10Jerking 10Steering noise 10Steering lock-up 9Loss of power 8Premature wear 8Rollaway 5
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