'04 transmission overheating

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Orlun - 13 Jun 2005 20:06 GMT

I just got a 1 year old Explorer with V8 and towing package and 10k miles.
I used it to tow a single axle enclosed utility trailer over the weekend.
When I was on my way home pulling an empty trailer but bucking a wind, I
noticed white smoke. I immediately slowed down and the smoke stopped and
since I was only a few miles from home and had OP, I drove it home. I
determined that I was blowing transmission fluid out the vent hole as my
tranny is covered with oil. . My fluid is red and doesn't smell funny and
the level seems ok and it shifts like normal. Did I hurt the tranny?
Its under full warrenty and I explained to the dealer that I would be using
it to tow occassionally and they assured me it would be fine. Should I
have them check everything out?

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Mark - 14 Jun 2005 12:33 GMT

>I just got a 1 year old Explorer with V8 and towing package and 10k miles.
>I used it to tow a single axle enclosed utility trailer over the weekend.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>it to tow occassionally and they assured me it would be fine. Should I
>have them check everything out?

If you think, in any way, it is normal for the vehicle to smoke and leak
fluid while towing an empty trailer, then no - don't bother taking it to
the dealer for the free warranty work.

*sigh*

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Orlun - 14 Jun 2005 14:09 GMT

> If you think, in any way, it is normal for the vehicle to smoke and leak
> fluid while towing an empty trailer, then no - don't bother taking it to
> the dealer for the free warranty work.
>
> *sigh*

I already made the appointment for tomorrow. I guess what I meant was it
hard driving or a defective transmission. I have a mechanic buddy who told
me that bucking a wind with an enclosed trailer at speed is about the
hardest you can work a vehicle. I'm wondering if I have a problem or if I
could have this happen again in a similar situation.

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ross - 14 Jun 2005 21:00 GMT

>> If you think, in any way, it is normal for the vehicle to smoke and leak
>> fluid while towing an empty trailer, then no - don't bother taking it to
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>hardest you can work a vehicle. I'm wondering if I have a problem or if I
>could have this happen again in a similar situation.

I have a 99 V8. I pulled a heavily loaded 5 x 12 U Haul from San Diego to
Denver. There is a 3, 500 foot climb coming out of San Diego (El Cajon pass)
, then down into Phoenix. Climb up to Flagstaff at 6,000 feet, then across
to Albuquerque over a 10,000 foot pass. Albuquerque is in a valley - climb
up across northern New Mexico over a 10,000 foot pass down into Trinidad Colo
and along the front range of Colo into Denver.

I don't like making long trips at 50mph, I held 60 most of the way -
including uphills. Trailer was over 4,500 lbs loaded (1,800 lbs empty).

I don't think you've really driven your Explorer hard yet. Probably just a
coincidence you had a problem with a trailer attached.

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