Warning lights that activate on a Ford F-150 can be worrying, especially if the trans fault light illuminates. But what does this warning indicator mean for the truck? We researched this concern for your convenience, and here’s what we found.
An illuminated trans fault light typically means the Ford F-150 encountered an error with its transmission system. This issue may come from different sources, such as transmission slips and unknown noises.
Keep reading as we talk about the potential suspects to the trans fault warning light to turn on in greater detail. We’ll also tackle some possible solutions to deactivate this light from the truck’s dashboard while fixing the source of the problem.
What Does The Trans Fault Light Mean On My Ford F-150?
The illumination of the trans fault light on your Ford F-150 often means that the truck has a transmission problem. Take note that the specific cause of the trans fault light turning on often requires some troubleshooting.
What Causes Trans Fault?
A trans fault in a vehicle, particularly in a Ford F-150, can originate from different sources. Some of the possible reasons for this warning light to activate are:
Transmission Slips
A transmission slip occurs when the vehicle changes transmission settings with little to no human interaction. For example, you set your F-150’s transmission to the second gear. But the setting slips into first gear after a while, even if you don’t press the clutch pedal or move the gear shifter.
Transmission slips typically appear because of normal wear and tear. But these instances may also occur if certain components, such as solenoid packs and transmission bands, become bad or broken.
Transmission Failure
Generally, transmission failure means when the vehicle refuses to change gears, regardless of the changes made to the gear shifter. Aside from the refusal to switch gear settings, other symptoms that may indicate that your F-150 encountered a transmission failure are:
- Clutch drags
- Transmission fluid leak
- Persistent check engine light
- Unknown burning smell
- Reduced overall vehicle performance
Take note that a Ford F-150’s transmission failure may come from different sources:
- Faulty transmission solenoid
- Worn clutch pedal
- Bad torque converter
- Absence or lack of transmission fluid
Unknown Noises
Grinding, whirring, and whining sounds are potential pieces of evidence that your Ford F-150’s transmission needs immediate attention. The racket may come from some mechanical parts grinding or certain components encountering malfunctions because of additional strain.
You might also need an automotive diagnostic tool to identify the specific error code encountered by your F-150. Use this tool if you’re having difficulties finding the main source of the truck’s transmission fault. Then, you can consult the truck’s manufacturer to find out what the error code means.
Check out this car OBD2 scanner code reader on Amazon.
You might also wonder if your truck has a transmission cooler. Check out our post highlighting that subject matter to know the answer.
How Do You Fix A Transmission Fault On A Ford F-150?
Take note that the exact process needed to fix a transmission fault on a Ford F-150 often depends on the source of the issue. That means that the first step to solving this main problem is to search your truck for the reason why it’s showing you the warning light.
Once found, you can apply the appropriate techniques based on your findings. Moving forward, here are some possible solutions based on certain origins of the trans fault warning light:
Replace Transmission Solenoid
The transmission solenoid functions by controlling the fluid flow within the transmission system. If this assembly wears out, replacing it is often a better solution than applying temporary repairs.
So keep reading this section to learn the general steps to replace your Ford F-150’s transmission solenoid:
What You’ll Need
- Transmission fluid
- Drain pan
- Socket wrench set
- Gasket and fuel cover
- Replacement transmission solenoid
Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off the Ford F-150’s engine and engage its parking brake.
- Chock the wheels to prevent the truck from rolling.
- Go underneath the chassis and place the drain pan underneath the transmission fluid reservoir.
- Remove the drain plug and allow the leftover transmission fluid to escape.
- Remove the fluid pan gasket to expose the transmission solenoid.
- Disconnect the wires attached to the solenoid.
- Unscrew the bolts securing the transmission solenoid.
- Install the new transmission solenoid in the same location as the worn unit.
- Attach the wires to the new solenoid and secure its connection.
- Refill the F-150’s transmission fluid.
- Turn on the engine and check if the trans fault light persists.
Check out this replacement transmission interlock solenoid on Amazon.
Also, read our post on how to fix the powertrain fault in Ford Ranger if you’re looking for a solution to this specific problem.
You can also watch this video if you need help with refilling the transmission fluid for your Ford F-150:
Change The Clutch Slave Cylinder
The clutch slave cylinder is an assembly often found in manual transmission systems, including select Ford F-150 models. The slave cylinder is typically the endpoint of the fluid that comes from the main transmission fluid reservoir.
However, a crack, gap, or hole in the clutch slave cylinder could cause the transmission fluid to leak. If so, this issue can lead to the stubborn trans fault warning light.
Replacing the clutch slave cylinder can be an ideal choice to experience long-term results. However, this process usually requires sufficient automotive know-how and skill.
So it might be best to let industry professionals handle this job if you believe you’re not confident in completing this project without making costly mistakes.
Nonetheless, here's a quick run-through of the steps to replace the clutch slave cylinder on a Ford F-150. Check out the following procedure so you can gain insights on how to complete this replacement job:
What You’ll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Screwdriver
- Clutch disconnect tool
- Replacement clutch slave cylinder
Step-by-Step Guide
- Disengage the Ford F-150’s engine and engage its parking brake.
- Raise the front of the truck with the floor jack and chock the rear wheels.
- Place jack stands under the chassis to secure the vehicle if the floor jack fails.
- Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery wire and set it aside temporarily.
- Unscrew the floorboard secured to the shifter boot. Lift the floorboard afterward, which should expose the shifter nut.
- Use the socket wrench to unscrew the shifter nut. Place the shifter nut in a safe yet obvious place afterward.
- Remove the shifter or gear shift lever.
- Place a drain pan underneath the transmission fluid reservoir.
- Remove the drain plug and allow the fluid to escape into the drain pan.
- Disconnect the starter solenoid wires and remove the starter bolts. Then, pull out the starter carefully.
- Unscrew the rear differential bolts and remove the drive shaft.
- Unscrew the dust shield and upper transmission belt housing bolts.
- Remove the remaining bolts except the two bolts securing the transmission assembly at the bottom.
- Use the clutch disconnect tool to detach the line connected to the slave cylinder.
- Remove the bolts and nuts securing the old slave cylinder.
- Install the new clutch slave cylinder to the same mounting position.
- Go through the previous steps in reverse as you reinstall the parts you removed.
- Lower the vehicle and turn on the engine to check if the trans fault light is still illuminated.
Check out this replacement Ford F-150 clutch slave cylinder
You can also watch this video to see a visual guide to this procedure:
Can You Drive A Ford F-150 With The Transmission Light On?
It’s not safe to drive a Ford F-150 or any vehicle if it shows a persistent transmission warning or engine warning light. If you’re driving and this light turns on suddenly, find a safe spot to park and troubleshoot the truck.
Otherwise, request a towing service to pick up your F-150 for professionals to take a look and repair it.
Final Thoughts
A persistent trans fault warning light on a Ford F-150 is typically not a good sign. It’s best not to continue driving the vehicle until you can fix the problem from its source.
Allowing the vehicle to run while it has transmission problems could put you and nearby individuals at risk of experiencing accidents and injuries.
