Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis Transmission Problems & Cost | E4OD / 4R100 | 5R110W | 6R140

The Ford F53 / motorhome chassis was typically equipped with the 4R100/E4OD transmission, or the 5-speed 5R110W and 6-speed 6R140. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Ford F53 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Ford F53 Transmission Models

Ford F53: 4R100/E4OD Transmission
Ford F53: 6R140 Transmission
Ford F53: 5R110W Transmission

Ford F53 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Ford F53 Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Ford F-53 transmission problems?

Tow/Haul Light Flashing – A flashing Tow Haul light on the Ford F-250 Super Duty acts as sort of a warning light to let you know that something is wrong with your 5R110W transmission. It can be as simple as a failed temperature sensor, or the valve body could be cracked in half. But you won’t know unless there was a DTC stored in the computer.

Ford F53 Transmission Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs

**Please note: Some of these TSBs may not be specifically for the Ford F-53 Chassis, but the transmission problems may still apply.

TSB 02–21–1 – 4R100 Transmission – Torque converter access plug may become dislodged
1989 – 1997 Ford Super Duty – 1989 – 1998 Ford F250 – 1989 – 1998 Ford F53 Motorhome – 1989 – 2003 Ford E-Series – 1989 – 2003 Ford F150 – 1999 – 2003 Ford Super Duty – 2000 – 2003 Ford Excursion – 1998 – 2003 Lincoln Navigator – 2002 – 2003 Lincoln Blackwood
Problem – Due to extreme load and material shrinkage, the torque converter external access dust plug may fall out during severe duty use.
Solution – Install new plug (part number E9TZ-7N171-A) with a 1/4 inch bead of silicone sealant around the plug.

TSB 98-20-9 – Ticking noise on initial startup when the selector is in park or neutral – 4R100 Transmission
1998 Ford Econoline – 1998 Ford Expedition – 1998 Ford F150 – 1998 Ford F250 – 1998 Lincoln Navigator – 1999 Ford F250 HD – 1999 Ford F350 – 1999 Ford Super Duty
Problem – A ticking noise may be hard when the vehicle is first started and the shifter is in the ‘P’ or ‘N’ position. In some cases, the noise may also be heard after the vehicle has warmed up. This can be caused by the overdrive clutch steel separator plate(s) hitting against the case internal spline.
Solution – Install new OD friction plates and accumulator assembly

TSB 08-26-4 – 5R110W transmission failure in cold weather
2008 – 2009 Ford E-Series – 2008 – 2009 Ford Super Duty
Problem – Vehicles built between 5/18/2007-11/1/2008, which are driven in cold climates (i.e. 35°F and below) may experience complete transmission failure due to the lack of an in-line transmission filter, which causes a lack of lubrication to the low/reverse one way clutch.
Solution – Rebuild or install a remanufactured 5R110W transmission with an updated transmission pump and external in-line transmission filter.

TSB 11-7-10 – 2-3 shift flare with P0733 DTC and or delayed reverse engagement – 6R140 transmission
2011 Ford Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke \ 6R140 transmission
Problem – On vehicles built on or before 4/11/2011, drivers may experience a 2-3 shift flare (unusual RPM fluctuation), along with a P0733 diagnostic trouble code, and possibly a reverse gear engagement delay.
Solution – Replace the three normally high solenoids

TSB 16-0057 – P0751, P0730 and/or P2700 DTCs – 6R140 Torqshift 6 Transmission & 5R110W Torqshift 5 Transmission
2009 – 2016 Ford E-Series – 2009 – 2016 Ford Super Duty – 2009 Ford F53 Motorhome – 2011 – 2015 Ford F53 Motorhome – 2011 – 2015 Ford commercial stripped chassis
Problem – Vehicles built before 12/15/2015 may experience the P0751, P0730 and/or P2700 diagnostic trouble codes
Solution – Replace the coast clutch cylinder and coast one-way clutch mechanical diode assembly.

Common Problems with the Ford F53 Transmission

Poor performance with DTCs P0715, P0716 & P0717 – 4R100 Transmission
Problem – Poor engine performance and acceleration may be due to a sticking solenoid regulator valve
Solution – If the solenoid regulator valve cannot be repaired, the valve body will have to be replaced

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Ford F53 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Ford F53 transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Ford F53 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford F53 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Ford F53 transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford F53 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Ford F53 transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Ford F53 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Ford F53 transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford F53 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Ford F53 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Ford F53 Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford F53 Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford F53 Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Ford F53 Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!