PatFromPagosa

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