Transmission is advertised as "sealed for life"

[LocGhost]

My transmission started really hard shifting between gears and acting like it's slipping. I'll be driving and the RPM's will go from normal to 3000 without any acceleration unless I let off the gas and shift it into low to get it to go into a gear to keep driving. I have read a couple other forums that says change the fluid and filter but everyone I have actually talked to says when that is done they usually go out. The car has 104,000 miles. Would the software update I have read about actually fix this issue or is it something more extreme? Getting my car to a shop or dealer is difficult for my schedule so I am trying to figure out what I actually need to have fixed before I make arrangements to get the car to where it needs to go. Any help would be great at this point. Right now, it's just sitting in the driveway because I don't want to make it any worse than it is.

 

[bbf2530]

My transmission started really hard shifting between gears and acting like it's slipping. I'll be driving and the RPM's will go from normal to 3000 without any acceleration unless I let off the gas and shift it into low to get it to go into a gear to keep driving. I have read a couple other forums that says change the fluid and filter but everyone I have actually talked to says when that is done they usually go out. The car has 104,000 miles. Would the software update I have read about actually fix this issue or is it something more extreme? Getting my car to a shop or dealer is difficult for my schedule so I am trying to figure out what I actually need to have fixed before I make arrangements to get the car to where it needs to go. Any help would be great at this point. Right now, it's just sitting in the driveway because I don't want to make it any worse than it is.

Hi LocGhost. The Lincoln/Ford factory recommended transmission fluid change interval (for “Normal” Service) for the 2007 MKZ is 150,000 miles. I would not advise anyone follow that recommendation if they wish to keep their vehicle long term.

For reference, I changed the fluid in my 2007 MKZ at 75,000 miles. I just recently changed the transmission fluid in my 2018 MKZ at 30,000 miles.

It is difficult to blind Internet diagnose whether there is damage to your transmission. And I understand it may be difficult for you to get your vehicle in for service. However, my opinion/recommendation is that you change the transmission fluid in yours soon.

My advice would be to find a shop that uses a transmission fluid exchange machine.
Or…do it yourself using the drain/fill/drive, drain/fill/drive, drain/fill/drive method.

I’m sure others will also jump in to help, so keep us updated and good luck.

 

[driller]

I'm a firm believer no fluid change will fix a mechanical problem. The only possible exception is fresh fluid and/or an additive such as Lucas Oil Transmission Fix has been known to cure torque converter shudder.

You are doing the correct thing by not driving it at this point as it would be likely to only make things worse.

 

[LocGhost]

I talked to the dealership and she argued with me about changing the fluid and filter. She said Ford don't recommend any of that. She said it could be brought in and diagnosed and that's $150/hr and usually takes 2 hours. I'm trying to find a reputable shop to maybe diagnose it for a little less than a minimum of $300. Can someone tell me if I get an OBD-II scanner if I could do this myself?

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[driller]

You can have OBD2 codes read at most local auto parts stores.

Our local dealer will waive diagnostic fees from any repair costs if requested. It's their way of not performing free diagnostics and then you taking the vehicle elsewhere for repairs.

You could make an inquiry at a reputable local transmission shop. Their rates may be lower but I would expect a similar response.

 

[Action]

I talked to the dealership and she argued with me about changing the fluid and filter. She said Ford don't recommend any of that. She said it could be brought in and diagnosed and that's $150/hr and usually takes 2 hours. I'm trying to find a reputable shop to maybe diagnose it for a little less than a minimum of $300. Can someone tell me if I get an OBD-II scanner if I could do this myself?

YES

And as stated above, many fast moving parts stores will do that for free. Bring paper and pen to write down the code.

If the check engine light is not on there will be no code.

It is possible the fluid level is low and just needs to be topped off. Has anyone looked under the vehicle for a leak?
There doesn't need to be a leak to be low.

Action

 

[LocGhost]

YES

And as stated above, many fast moving parts stores will do that for free. Bring paper and pen to write down the code.

If the check engine light is not on there will be no code.

It is possible the fluid level is low and just needs to be topped off. Has anyone looked under the vehicle for a leak?
There doesn't need to be a leak to be low.

Action

There isn't any leaks anywhere. I think the main issue is I have only put 4200 miles on that car in 4 years. It hasn't been checked if it is low, because it has to be put in gear for that and didn't know if I would do more damage. No, the check engine light isn't on and that's why I was wondering about codes. I didn't know if the transmission send their own codes.

 

[Action]

The check engine light comes on because there are codes.
Codes are generated by the PCM. And the PCM turns on the CEL light
It is called PCM (Powertrain Control Module) because it manages the Powertrain. Not just the engine.
The CEL name is left over or the light has been renamed. Not sure.

The transmission is the TF 80 an AISIN design
The transmission fluid level is not measured or sensed with a sensor.
Fluid level check would be the first step in any transmission diagnosis.
Most of the time it is not easy and is done through a fill port. There may or may not be a short dip stick.

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels - Transmission fluid - Maintenance and Specifications - Lincoln MKZ Owners Manual - Lincoln MKZ - LinHelps.com

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[batchman]

OBD codes (and therefore CEL) come only from emissions issues or related diagnostics, and that is all a parts-store or generic DIY scanner will give you. Other codes and other modules are accessible with proper scanners, as found at Ford (proprietary) and most capable independent mechanics (Snap-On and others).

Hope that helps,
- Jeff

 

[LocGhost]

The check engine light comes on because there are codes.
Codes are generated by the PCM. And the PCM turns on the CEL light
It is called PCM (Powertrain Control Module) because it manages the Powertrain. Not just the engine.
The CEL name is left over or the light has been renamed. Not sure.

The transmission is the TF 80 an AISIN design
The transmission fluid level is not measured or sensed with a sensor.
Fluid level check would be the first step in any transmission diagnosis.
Most of the time it is not easy and is done through a fill port. There may or may not be a short dip stick.

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels - Transmission fluid - Maintenance and Specifications - Lincoln MKZ Owners Manual - Lincoln MKZ - LinHelps.com

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Thank you for all that information. I have fixed the issue. Yes, the fluid was low (3 quarts to be exact). One of my issues was trying to find the dipstick. I had to get into the owners manual to find it because it wasn't like I have seen before (oil cap type or red top), it was a small black rubber top by the firewall. I read the transmission holds 7 quarts and there was nothing at all on the dipstick. I filled it to the 2nd notch and went for a drive and didn't have one issue. It quit shifting hard and smooth shifting through all gears. 0-60 in 6 seconds without hesitation or hard shifting. Thanks to everyone for the help and advice.

 

[Action]

Why was the fluid low?
The fluid level might be low because of a leak.

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