Common 6.7 L Powerstroke Transmission Problems and Solution

Ford 6.7L Powerstroke comes with only one transmission option, which is 6R140. It’s a 6-speed automatic transmission that works great for a longer period of time.

Like other transmission, this 6.7L Powerstroke transmission also has some common problems that you might face. Stay tuned as I’ll be mentioning four of the 6.7L Powerstroke transmission problems with solutions. 

Common 6.7 L Powerstroke Transmission Problems and Solution

Common 6.7 L Powerstroke Transmission Problems

In this segment, I’ll be listing some of the most common problems of the 6.7L transmission. Without further ado, let’s get started. 

1. Overheating Transmission Issue 

Overheating is a very bad issue for any vehicle & the 6.7L Powerstroke isn’t an exception. The Torqshift transmission (6R140) of these vehicles is prone to overheating. 

If you’re not using a remanufactured 6R140 transmission, there’s a big chance of facing an overheated transmission. Symptoms of an overheated transmission are dirty or burning transmission fluid & a slipping engine. 

2. Problem With Forward & Reverse Engagement  

Even a new Ford 6.7L Powerstroke can face this gear difficulty. Why? Because the front pump of the 6R140 transmission is bad & takes a little longer time (than usual) to pick up fluid & go.

You’ll face this issue mostly with engine startup & you’ll feel as if your truck is low on fluid (which might be right or wrong). Overall, you’ll be stuck/pause for a few seconds while trying to engage the engine reverse or forward. 

3. Erratic Shifting Issue 

You may face erratic shifting issues due to several factors, including transmission pressure level, solenoid’s operation & so on. Engine won’t feel the same if you’re getting erratic shifting issues with your 6R140 transmission. 

4. Slipping Transmission Issue 

Basics of a slipping transmission – the transmission will slip from one gear to another when it happens. Moreover, you’ll notice RPMs over 3,500, which is a lot compared to normal RPMs. 

Other than that, burnt smell & difficulties in engine shifting also refer to a slipping transmission. However, you can fix this problem by following the solve part in the next segment (just like other problems mentioned above). 

How to Solve 6.7L Powerstroke Transmission Problems?

In this segment, I’ll show how to fix the four common 6.7 Powerstroke transmission problems mentioned previously. Here we go: 

Solving: Overheating Transmission Issue 

Transmission doesn’t overheat for a particular reason only & that’s why there’s no one-way fix for every 6.7L. What you can do is check & replace stuff that ‘might’ cause the transmission to overheat. 

Here are the things you can do to solve the overheating issue of the transmission: 

  • Check For Low Fluid Level & Fix it
  • Try Not To Drive In Tow/Haul Mode Unless It’s Necessary
  • Check & Replace The Radiator 
  • Check & Replace The Solenoids (You’ll have CEL if there’s any issue with the solenoids)

Solving: Problem With Reverse & Forward Engagement  

As I already mentioned, you’ll feel as if your transmission fluid level is low. However, other causes can also result in the delayed gear engagement issue. 

Here are the things you can do to solve the delayed gear engagement issue: 

  • Replace The Front Pump On Your Own or With Ford.
  • Don’t Rush While Engaging, Wait A Few Seconds Of Idle Before. 
  • Check & Replace The Solenoids
  • Check For Adaptive & Clutch Leak Issue 

Solving: Erratic Shifting Issue

This issue will suit expert technicians better. If you’re a DIY person & wants to get rid of the problem on your own, here are the things you can do:

  • Replace Discolored or Dirty Transmission Fluid
  • Check & Fix Transmission Pressure Level
  • Check & Replace Any Faulty Pump
  • Check & Fix Low Fluid Level

Solving: Slipping Transmission Issue

You can pinpoint the problem just by inspecting your truck. Instead, you’ll have to invest in work-checking-replacing to find & fix the slipping transmission. 

Here are the things you can do to fix the slipping transmission issue: 

  • Check & Replace Faulty Clutches
  • Check For Burnt or Low Transmission Fluid & Fix it
  • Check & Repair/Replace Worn Out Transmission Bands or Gears
  • Check & Repair/Replace Torque Converter 
  • Check & Replace Failed Solenoid 

How Often Does a 6.7 L Powerstroke Transmission Need To Be Replaced?

There’s no exact time frame that you should follow to replace your transmission. You’ll have to fix/replace your transmission whenever it comes up with one or several problems. 

However, you should replace the transmission fluid & transmission filter once every 150,000miles. By replacing the fluid & filter alone can save your bucks on big repairs in the future. 

Can I drive a 6.7 L Powerstroke With a Transmission Problem?

You shouldn’t drive a 6.7L Powerstroke with a transmission problem. If a transmission is slightly faulty, ignoring it is like digging the grave of that transmission deeper & deeper. Avoid thousands of repair/replacement fees by not driving a 6.7L Powerstroke with a transmission problem. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What Happens When The Transmission Fluid Overheats?

Overheated transmission fluid can cause many problems to your vehicle. For instance, it can cause – cracked gears or transmission bands, failed bearings, delayed clutch & inoperable solenoids. 

Is Delayed Engagement Bad?

Delayed engagement is not a critical issue at the primary stage. However, if you keep ignoring this problem, you may end up with bigger issues that may cost you hundreds to thousands to replace or repair. 

What Are The Symptoms Of A Transmission Slipping?

Firstly, your driving experience won’t be the same if you’re facing transmission slipping. Other than that, you’ll notice symptoms like – active CEL, burnt smell, reverse gear don’t engage & so on. 

Conclusions

I hope this article was helpful enough to know some of the common problems with 6.7L transmission, aka 6R140. Now you know what to expect from your new/old ford 6.7L after a certain time. 

You can try solving the problems (mentioned above) on your own if you’re experienced enough. Otherwise, it will be best if you leave them to the expert technician & they will handle them properly. 

Similar Posts