F150 - Recall (2011 - 2012) Transmission Issue

[Mustang65]

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 202,000 pickup trucks, SUVs and cars in North America because the automatic transmissions can suddenly downshift to first gear.

The company also said Wednesday that it’s recalling more than 81,000 Explorer SUVs to fix a rear suspension problem.

The transmission recall covers the 2011 and 2012 F-150 and the 2012 Expedition, Mustang and Lincoln Navigator. Ford says a software problem in a speed sensor can force the vehicles into a downshift. The problem has caused three crashes but no injuries.

Dealers will inspect the sensors. If they find no trouble codes, they’ll update software. If trouble codes are present they’ll replace the part that houses the speed sensor.

The Explorer recall covers SUVs and Police Interceptor models in the U.S., Canada and Mexico from 2014 and 2015. Ford says the suspension links could fracture due to poor welds.

The company says in a statement that the problem has caused one crash and an injury.

Dealers will replace the left and right rear suspension toe links and align the rear suspension at no cost to owners.

[Crabman]

That would be bad going 70 MPH!

[TWP723]

TO: All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Dealers
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD - Advance Notice - Safety Recall 16S19
Certain 2011-2012 Model Year F-150 and 2012 Model Year Expedition, Navigator and
Mustang Vehicles Equipped with a 6R80 Transmission
Powertrain Control Module Reprogramming
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Vehicle Model Year Assembly Plant Build Dates
F-150 2011-2012
Dearborn August 19, 2011 through March 9, 2012
Kansas City August 19, 2011 through February 15, 2012
Expedition
2012
Kentucky
August 19, 2011 through December 19, 2011
Navigator August 19, 2011 through December 17, 2011
Mustang Flat Rock August 19, 2011 through February 21, 2012
Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS and FSA VIN Lists.
REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL
In some of the affected vehicles, an intermittent Output Shaft Speed Sensor (OSS) failure may result
in an unintended downshift into first gear. Depending on vehicle speed at the time of the downshift,
an abrupt wheel speed reduction may occur which could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up until
the vehicle speed slows. This condition could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of
a crash.
SERVICE ACTION
DO NOT DEMONSTRATE OR DELIVER any of the affected vehicles involved in this safety recall.
A complete Dealer Bulletin will be provided to dealers early 3rd quarter 2016, when it is anticipated
that Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software and repair instructions will be available to support this
safety recall.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Owners of record will be notified via first-class mail after repair instructions and parts ordering
information have been provided to dealers.

[micron]

Well I have a 2013 F-150. Should I feel good that its not included or worried that maybe it should have been?

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by micron

Well I have a 2013 F-150. Should I feel good that its not included or worried that maybe it should have been?

Feel GREAT!!!!! 2013 F150 is not included

Don

[Flapper]

Hmmm...mine was built 2 months after the end date of the recall.. No worries, right?

[Robbbyr]

After I saw this thread I logged into my account on the Ford Owner Site and there was a message that my 2014 Explorer Sport (EcoBoost Explorer) is recalled for the rear toe links. I sure hope they have the parts, towing it on a 5,000 mile trip to the southwest end of next month!

Thanks for the early notice, no telling how long it will take to get the letter from Ford. Going to my dealer tomorrow to get to the head of the line!

[Mustang65]

Just called the FORD service center and they looked up the advance notice and they said we need to wait until FORD sends them the guidelines for testing and fixing the problem...

The advance notice shows 3rd QTR 2016, not happy about towing 8K with this hanging over my head.

Don

[TWP723]

Originally Posted by Flapper

Hmmm...mine was built 2 months after the end date of the recall.. No worries, right?

You're good.

[TWP723]

The OSS sensor sends a signal to the PCM which in turn sends a signal to the ECU (valve body) in the transmission to downshift. I believe the only vehicles affected are those with the 6R80 transmission and not those with the 4R70W trans. The OSS sensor is internal to the valve body on the 6R80 and not sold as a separate part. The valve body retails for about $730. This is probably the reason Ford is trying to determine the best way to approach the problem without having to replace the ECU.