Vehicles with powerful engines call for heavy-duty and capable transmissions. When the Ford 4R100 transmission made its debut for the 1999 model year, it was one of the most innovative and powerful transmissions available.
What are some of the most common Ford 4R100 transmission problems reported by owners?
Unfortunately, the 4R100 transmission has not been without its issues. Some of the most commonly reported and documented problems are related to:
- Transmission slipping
- Transmission shifting in and out of gear
- Transmission not shifting properly
If you’re thinking about buying a pre-owned Ford equipped with the 4R100 transmission (such as a 2001 Ford F-250 or a 2002 Ford Expedition), you’ll want to be aware of these common issues before you buy. We’ve outlined them in detail for you below.
More about Ford’s 4R100 Transmission
Ford’s 4R100 transmission made its debut for the 1999 model year, replacing the existing E4OD transmission with substantial upgrades. This heavy-duty transmission features an innovative torque converter for easier shifting without the need for a clutch.
You can learn more about the differences between Ford’s E4OD and 4R100 transmissions in this helpful YouTube video.
Ford’s 4R100 transmission can be found on many larger vehicles made from 1999 through 2003, including:
- The Ford Expedition
- The Ford Excursion
- The Ford E-Series
- The Ford F-250 Super Duty
Overall, the 4R100 transmission was a success for Ford. However, it was plagued with some mechanical issues that some drivers are still dealing with today.
Common Ford 4R100 Transmission Problems
2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty: Transmission Slipping
NHTSA Complaint ID: 8020352
Slipping gears is apparently a common problem in vehicles equipped with Ford’s 4R100 transmission, and the 2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty is no exception.
In one report filed with the NHTSA in 2002, the owner of a 2001 Super Duty reports that the transmission frequently slips while driving. Upon having the vehicle inspected, the owner was told that the entire transmission needs to be replaced.
This is on-par with some Vehicle History reviews of this model, which report issues with the transmission slipping and needing to be replaced. On reviewer, Seth L., also claims that transmission issues “require a lot of time and labor to fix.”
According to one DrivingLife.net article, it seems that problems with the 4R100 transmission slipping are most often caused by a poorly aligned DTR sensor, a blown fuse, a defective solenoid, or even a wiring short.
2002 Ford Expedition: Transmission Shifting In and Out of Gear
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 10318257, 10377116
The 2002 Ford Expedition, which is also equipped with the 4R100 transmission in many models, has also seen its share of transmission problems. This includes issues with the transmission shifting erratically in and out of gear while driving.
In one NHTSA report from January of 2011, the owner of a 2002 Expedition claims that the vehicle shifted out of gear on the highway, resulting in the “overdrive” light flashing on the dashboard. The vehicle had to be driven in manual to get home safely.
This same owner also reports that upon returning home, the vehicle would not shift into reverse. Upon having the vehicle inspected at a dealer, it was discovered that the transmission needed to be completely replaced.
In a similar NHTSA report from March of 2010, the owner of a 2002 Expedition alleges that the vehicle’s “overdrive” light flashes on and off while shifting in and out of gear. This driver also claims that the issue almost caused an accident on the highway.
2003 Ford Excursion: Transmission Will Not Shift Properly
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 10363865, 10016646
Another complaint about the 4R100 transmission is that it doesn’t always shift properly. Specifically, drivers seem to have trouble getting the transmission to shift into or operate in reverse.
In one NHTSA complaint filed in April of 2003, the owner of an ’03 Excursion reported that the vehicle does not move when the transmission is in reverse. The RPMs will increase, but the vehicle itself will often not move.
Upon having this issue inspected by a dealer, a technician apparently discovered that three out of the transmission’s four calipers were defective. In other reports, this issue can also allegedly be caused by a malfunctioning IAC valve.
Check the Vehicle History Report on a Used Ford
No transmission design is perfect, and despite its innovations, Ford’s 4R100 certainly had some shortcomings. If you’re thinking about buying a used Ford with this transmission, be sure to check out its Vehicle History before you buy.
