2013+ PTU?

[ecoboostsho]

Would one of you in the know about the 2013+ cars enlighten me on the PTU changes?  I know they only added the cooler to the 2013+ Performance Package models, but do all the 2013+ models at least have a drain on the  PTU now? Or is that only the PPs?

I may be looking at trading my 2011 - the PTU has been puking fluid all over the garage floor every time I go for an extended "run" on the highway.  That can't be good.  I know about the TSB but all that does is add the extended hose in place of the vent cap and the PTU has to come off the car anyway.  I'm at 75K so it might be time for a new-used car...

 

[SHOnUup]

Quick question for ya, have you checked your trans fluid lately?

Rich

 

[ecoboostsho]

I haven't actually looked at it myself recently.  Well I had it changed about 10K miles ago and have been religiously swapping it. 

That said I assume you are referring to the fact that the seals can fail and trans fluid can get pumped in to the PTU?  I was worried about that but every time I do a PTU fluid swap (which is often) I can only get out about 5 ounces and only get 5 ounces back in.  I'm pretty sure it is sludged up and taking up the fluid volume.  I thought about running a flush through it with Kerosene or actual ATF just to see if I can get some crud out.  The fluid that comes out of the PTU vent looks and smells like gear oil but I don't know how to tell if it is contaminated with ATF?  I also make sure the car is level when I put it back in so I'm not over filling...

 

[SHOdded]

Only the PPs and PIs get the cooling/temp gauge for the PTUs in the 2013+ lineup.

It does seem the PTU is VERY sludgy.  You could call around and look for places with a Differential Flush Machine, such as BG shops or Wynn shops.  They can get it done right in one shot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi01ZeTj2dI

You could also try this procedure that AutoRX has up on their site:

Differential Cleaning Instructions

Auto-Rx® Plus is your solution for cleaning differentials, and it works as you drive to liquefy the contamination residue and build-up.

To get the most out of your cleaning experience, we recommend the following easy, step-by-step method:

STEP 1 Into the differential oil reservoir, add 2 ounces of Auto-Rx® Plus per quart of differential fluid.
STEP 2 Drive 1,000 miles and then drain.
STEP 3 Refill according to vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. This unit uses heavy gear oil.

The chemical formulation of Auto-Rx® Plus is the same for engines, transmissions, motorcycles, and diesels. The only difference is in the individual applications.

 

[SHOnUup]

Yup, that's what I was getting at. Figured you were on top of that.

I'm guessing an analysis of the gear oil would be the only sure fire way to prove trans fluid was mixing.

Makes me think about sending a camera inside the PTU next change.

Rich

 

[SHOdded]

Boroscope time!

 

[ecoboostsho]

Only the PPs and PIs get the cooling/temp gauge for the PTUs in the 2013+ lineup.

It does seem the PTU is VERY sludgy.  You could call around and look for places with a Differential Flush Machine, such as BG shops or Wynn shops.  They can get it done right in one shot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi01ZeTj2dI

You could also try this procedure that AutoRX has up on their site:

Differential Cleaning Instructions

Auto-Rx® Plus is your solution for cleaning differentials, and it works as you drive to liquefy the contamination residue and build-up.

To get the most out of your cleaning experience, we recommend the following easy, step-by-step method:

STEP 1 Into the differential oil reservoir, add 2 ounces of Auto-Rx® Plus per quart of differential fluid.
STEP 2 Drive 1,000 miles and then drain.
STEP 3 Refill according to vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. This unit uses heavy gear oil.

The chemical formulation of Auto-Rx® Plus is the same for engines, transmissions, motorcycles, and diesels. The only difference is in the individual applications.

Thank you for this! I do know only the PPs have the temp and cooling package but I guess my question is do the 2013+ non PP cars have a separate drain plug down low in addition to a fill plug?

 

[SHOnUup]

I could be wrong, but I thought the 13+ have the downpipe in the way of the fill/drain plug. And it's not low to just drain. Maybe one of these 13+ guys can enlighten us.

Rich

 

[glock-coma]

Yup, that's what I was getting at. Figured you were on top of that.

I'm guessing an analysis of the gear oil would be the only sure fire way to prove trans fluid was mixing.

Makes me think about sending a camera inside the PTU next change.

Rich

Good thinking with the camera. I will be doing a PTU fluid change soon and have access to a very high quality inspection camera with a built in led light. I'll try and get a video.

 

[SHOnUup]

Yup, that's what I was getting at. Figured you were on top of that.

I'm guessing an analysis of the gear oil would be the only sure fire way to prove trans fluid was mixing.

Makes me think about sending a camera inside the PTU next change.

Rich

Good thinking with the camera. I will be doing a PTU fluid change soon and have access to a very high quality inspection camera with a built in led light. I'll try and get a video.

Awesome, I'm a bit excited to see this...popcorn at the ready!

Rich

 

[ecoboostsho]

Okay after talking with my local dealer and telling the car is out of warranty anyway AND saying they could put "customer requested" (or whatever) on the invoice they agreed to FINALLY do the BG differential flush on Monday morning.  I am going to give that a shot and see how it goes!

 

[SHOdded]

Good luck, man!  It'd be really sad to part ways with your nice SHO over this PTU fluid problem ...

 

[66 Galaxie]

I could be wrong, but I thought the 13+ have the downpipe in the way of the fill/drain plug. And it's not low to just drain. Maybe one of these 13+ guys can enlighten us.

Rich

My '14 Flex ecoboost has both drain and fill plugs. I would hope it was a standard update for all new PTU including Taurus, SHO, Explorer, Edge, etc