[vfrmarc]

I belong to a couple of RV forums and am in the market for a vehicle that can be towed four down behind a motorhome. The 2009, 2010 Escapes are listed by Ford as being capable of that, but in the RV forum I'm reading that trannies have been getting fried from owners that have tried.

Now I understand that Ford is addressing this issue and there is a solution/correction being made. But I am confused as to just whet the problem is? Some people are saying that the tranny ahs too much fluid, others are saying there is not enough fluid and they all say a new dip stick with the corrected marking has been issued.

My question is, just what is the problem and what is the solution? :idea:

[GaryG]

That was brought to my attention on this forum in the "Gas Saving - Simple Technique" thread. Looks like the 6 speed automatics are having the problems but the eCVT in the Escape Hybrid has a few years of being flat towed with no problems. I've been neutral coasting in my '05 FEH for almost 5 years and over one year in my '09 FEH with no problems. I've read post on the FEH forums that reported great results towing the FEH behind their RV also.

[wptski]

vfrmarc, on Oct 18 2009, 02:20 PM, said:

I belong to a couple of RV forums and am in the market for a vehicle that can be towed four down behind a motorhome. The 2009, 2010 Escapes are listed by Ford as being capable of that, but in the RV forum I'm reading that trannies have been getting fried from owners that have tried.

Now I understand that Ford is addressing this issue and there is a solution/correction being made. But I am confused as to just whet the problem is? Some people are saying that the tranny ahs too much fluid, others are saying there is not enough fluid and they all say a new dip stick with the corrected marking has been issued.

My question is, just what is the problem and what is the solution? :idea:

If your ATF level on the dipstick is in the normal zone but at the end when flat towing, they will blow the ATF out the fill tube and burn up. Ford's quick fix is to run the ATF level at the lower end of normal. The dipstick change just adds min/max lines, that's it, no other difference.

I understand changes have been made to the transmission case but you'd have to burn one up first to even get chance at getting one with a newly redesigned case.

[wptski]

GaryG, on Oct 18 2009, 02:46 PM, said:

That was brought to my attention on this forum in the "Gas Saving - Simple Technique" thread. Looks like the 6 speed automatics are having the problems but the eCVT in the Escape Hybrid has a few years of being flat towed with no problems. I've been neutral coasting in my '05 FEH for almost 5 years and over one year in my '09 FEH with no problems. I've read post on the FEH forums that reported great results towing the FEH behind their RV also.

I doubt if you neutral coast for hundreds of miles straight, right? There's no comparision there.

[vfrmarc]

wptski, on Oct 18 2009, 08:05 PM, said:

I doubt if you neutral coast for hundreds of miles straight, right? There's no comparision there.

That's right my last four tows (previous car on a tow dolly) were 1000 mi, 1000 mi back, 500 mi, 500 mi back and a repeat of the same this year. Many Class A RVers spend the night at Walmarts on long trips so no need to unhook the car and drive so the vehicle could see no actual driving other than the daily routine of starting and following the manufacturers pre-tow procedure.

[PatFromPagosa]

vfrmarc, on Oct 18 2009, 02:20 PM, said:

I belong to a couple of RV forums and am in the market for a vehicle that can be towed four down behind a motorhome. The 2009, 2010 Escapes are listed by Ford as being capable of that, but in the RV forum I'm reading that trannies have been getting fried from owners that have tried.

My question is, just what is the problem and what is the solution? :idea:

It has been a month since you posted, and you've probably already found your answers, so I'll be brief. From other forums, and some more expert people registered there, I've gathered that the drive axles are spinning the 6F35 transmission internal parts, and that generates heat. The fluid in the 6F35 does not circulate to the ATF cooler while in neutral, so the heat builds up. Meanwhile, the gears are stirring the ATF into a foam. Eventually, I guess either the fluid oxidizes or it grossly overheats and decomposes (former chemist). Either way, the fluid and foam and possibly decompsition gases are blown out of the transmission filler tube. It happened to me. The mechs found what looks roughly like a cross between a cigar butt and a sponge inside (1/2" dia x 3/4" long). I suspect it is hardened foam. They replaced the cooler and adjusted the fluid level to the bottom of the mark (Ford's "fix" in lieu of reengineering). It seems to run well, but I am worried it will happen again when I tow over Thanksgiving. What a choice: sell and buy a Honda CRV, tow the Escape until it blows again and look into Lemon Laws, or go without a tow car. It is otherwise a good SUV, and I really hoped for better from Ford.

This is the URL for a summary of reports on various forums up to a few weeks ago.

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-348195

Good Luck
Pat From Pagosa