Official Tremec 3650 Issues Thread
- Thread starter Twisted
- Start date
Last spring 2nd gear in my 3650 took a dump on me. I was about 1500miles past my warrenty, so I was out of luck. I called a few ford dealers on repairing it. They all told me the same thing, it would be cheaper to replace the whole tranny and buy a new one from them for 3k and that they didn't have the tech's to be able to repair them anyways. One dealer said that they could repair it but it would be around $2400-$2600. I then called D&D Performance to see if they had a rebuild kit for the 3650, They said that there are no kits out there and that ford still holds the license for the 3650. I then called Tremec to findout if they had anything and was told the samething that D&D told me and that if I wanted to buy parts for the tranny I would have to go to ford. I then call ford back and asked if they had a rebuild kit for the 3650 and was told no. They told me I would have to supply a lists of parts that I wanted and that some of the parts are not for sale to customers. At this point I stopped trying to get it fixed and was set on spending alot of cash to do a TKO swap, but a member came thru for me and sold me his 3650 with 14k miles on it for $800, I was very happy about that. Ford should recall these trannys and fix them all. Also they should just release the license so that we can get aftermarket companys to make parts and repair these trannys.
Mossberg
Active Member
Has anyone tried to call your local news station's "problem solvers" team to get them to do a story on this? With all the bad publicity ford got on the explorers and crown vic police cars, the tv stations might do a story about this tranny problem. We all know that ford hates bad publicity. If the news gets out, ford knows that this might cost them potential buyers (when they find out that the same tranny is used in the 05 stangs). They cannot afford to lose more market share. Maybe this will get them to fix this problem just to keep it relatively quiet before they get more bad press. Maybe this is just wishful thinking?
By the way... (rant on)
I hate it when people just accept what ford tells you. By no means should this be normal. There are $9,000 Kias that don't have this "normal" shifting problem. Why does my $26,000 GT have this problem? And putting in a new tko or 6 speed at the owner's expense shouldn't be the solution. The tranny that the car came with should work from the factory or ford should fix it, period. What good is having a warranty, when something on the car is not working as it should, and we just go buy a new part out of pocket to fix it? That is bull*****. FORD IS ENTITLED TO FIX THIS UNDER WARRANTY! They should even fix this if your warranty ran out, just as long as you reported the problem while still under warranty.
(rant off)
So everyone.....
CALL YOUR NEWS STATIONS AND NEWSPAPERS, LET'S SPREAD THE WORD!!!
FORD WILL HEAR US DAMMIT!
By the way... (rant on)
I hate it when people just accept what ford tells you. By no means should this be normal. There are $9,000 Kias that don't have this "normal" shifting problem. Why does my $26,000 GT have this problem? And putting in a new tko or 6 speed at the owner's expense shouldn't be the solution. The tranny that the car came with should work from the factory or ford should fix it, period. What good is having a warranty, when something on the car is not working as it should, and we just go buy a new part out of pocket to fix it? That is bull*****. FORD IS ENTITLED TO FIX THIS UNDER WARRANTY! They should even fix this if your warranty ran out, just as long as you reported the problem while still under warranty.
(rant off)
So everyone.....
CALL YOUR NEWS STATIONS AND NEWSPAPERS, LET'S SPREAD THE WORD!!!
FORD WILL HEAR US DAMMIT!
I just sent an email to CNN similar to post #609. http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form1.html?39
I also sent the same email to the editor at msnbc.com [email protected]
and abcnews.com http://www.abcnews.go.com/service/Help/abcmail_news.html
I also sent the same email to the editor at msnbc.com [email protected]
and abcnews.com http://www.abcnews.go.com/service/Help/abcmail_news.html
Well after my discussions with Ford Customer Care this morning on the phone i was advised to speak to my service manager at my local dealership. The lady on the phone and the service manager have never heard of a one-two grind or any 3650 problems so they say. So my car sits at the ford house probably for no reason. The tech drove it, said it is normal hesitation that will clear when the car is brought to normal operating temperatures. My question to you guys is how the hell will they attempt to fix something that appears to be "normal" to them? I have filed a BBB complaint, written a letter, e-mailed ford, called ford, called service manager, took my vehicle in again. Remind you, that when I first had the car they did a fluid change. I only see one recourse...legal recourse. Perhaps someone over at www.blueovalnews.com would love this story. They (local dealership) didnt seem to thrilled about me pointing out this site with everyones 3650 problems.
hey all new here I was refered here by someone from so cal horsepower I asked about the 1st to 2nd problem, which i have (12k on a 2003 gt )seams numerous guys there also have same prob, same response from dealers..anyways I know this can't be good for the tranny..may I suggest you guys try and get the mods of other boards to have their guys also post so you can get a massive list........I get the feeling that fords thinking on this maybe to get you past warranty so we foot the bill 
Sorry, but 3650 is crap...
I've heard Ford engineers in online forums discussing the problems with the 3650 transmission, so it's a known problem. I say, get a performance automatic or a built-up manual aftermarket, and keep cruisin'. There will never be an OEM transmission that can top either of these aftermarket choices. This is the route I'm going to take, which will handle all the engine mods I care to throw at it, unlike the OEM transmissions. These transmissions will last the life of the car if you don't screw them up. I may try to get ford to eat the cost of repairing my transmission (still warranty covered) but we'll see.
And regarding Honda's, my boss has an S2000 which I drove back from a theater one night for his wife. It shifts with completely ZERO effort or hitching, unlike the 3650. The Honda clutch pedal was almost too light, and had all of two inches travel. I've driven Isuzu's, a Miata, an S2000 and my stang. The stang is the worst standard transmission of them all.
And don't tell me about clutch travel in the '02 stang. It is almost 7 inches.
Sure, the clutch doesn't fully engage/disengage but for about 2 inches, but the problem is that if the clutch is depressed at ALL, you are taking pressure off the clutch. Sorry damned design. I'd kill for a transmssion/shifter like the Honda has, and it's a shame to Ford that they don't wake up about this.
I've heard Ford engineers in online forums discussing the problems with the 3650 transmission, so it's a known problem. I say, get a performance automatic or a built-up manual aftermarket, and keep cruisin'. There will never be an OEM transmission that can top either of these aftermarket choices. This is the route I'm going to take, which will handle all the engine mods I care to throw at it, unlike the OEM transmissions. These transmissions will last the life of the car if you don't screw them up. I may try to get ford to eat the cost of repairing my transmission (still warranty covered) but we'll see.
And regarding Honda's, my boss has an S2000 which I drove back from a theater one night for his wife. It shifts with completely ZERO effort or hitching, unlike the 3650. The Honda clutch pedal was almost too light, and had all of two inches travel. I've driven Isuzu's, a Miata, an S2000 and my stang. The stang is the worst standard transmission of them all.
And don't tell me about clutch travel in the '02 stang. It is almost 7 inches.
Sure, the clutch doesn't fully engage/disengage but for about 2 inches, but the problem is that if the clutch is depressed at ALL, you are taking pressure off the clutch. Sorry damned design. I'd kill for a transmssion/shifter like the Honda has, and it's a shame to Ford that they don't wake up about this.
WOW...squeaky wheel does get the grease so it seems. I received a call from Ford Customer Care today (I've been in contact with them and the dealership for a week now via e-mails, phone calls, and faxes) and my car is going in for a so called "fix". There is so much mis-information going around with them, seems like the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. 
Originally I was told there wasn't a problem with the 3650 and my tranny was "normal" now they are indicating otherwise but are not admitting guilt. As others have said, the first line people at Ford Customer Care are probably reading off a script or are unaware, I went up to the operations manager level on their line and so far it seems like this will be resolved. 
Unfortunately my car will be sitting with them for 2-3 business days but at least they are eating the cost of the rental. If it works (cross your fingers) I'll let you guys know. Its going in on 1/31. How will I know if the entire transmission itself was replaced or if the innards were? I was thinking about marking an "X" or something on it to see if its still there when I get it back.
JP
Originally I was told there wasn't a problem with the 3650 and my tranny was "normal" now they are indicating otherwise but are not admitting guilt. As others have said, the first line people at Ford Customer Care are probably reading off a script or are unaware, I went up to the operations manager level on their line and so far it seems like this will be resolved. Unfortunately my car will be sitting with them for 2-3 business days but at least they are eating the cost of the rental. If it works (cross your fingers) I'll let you guys know. Its going in on 1/31. How will I know if the entire transmission itself was replaced or if the innards were? I was thinking about marking an "X" or something on it to see if its still there when I get it back.
JP
ZorranderGT
Founding Member
jprez22 said:
DO THIS.
Also... I think they put the returned 3650's in the damned Mach 1. There's some 9200 of them in existance and every one I know of has an unhappy owner due to the fact that they sometimes won't go into 1st or 2nd when it is cold. I have had this problem since it got colder here and it's driving me nuts. I wish there was a way to pay the difference for an 03 6 speed and get them to put that in instead.
Just chiming in
Well i didnt even know i had a 3650 in my 03GT til i read this thread, but yes it only 311 miles on it and in the cold morning i have the 1-2 gear grind. My t-5 in my 93 with 90,000 on it shifts so much better than this hunk of junk..but oh well that dont suprise me. Hopefully someone figures this problem out.
Joe
Well i didnt even know i had a 3650 in my 03GT til i read this thread, but yes it only 311 miles on it and in the cold morning i have the 1-2 gear grind. My t-5 in my 93 with 90,000 on it shifts so much better than this hunk of junk..but oh well that dont suprise me. Hopefully someone figures this problem out.
Joe
Mustang225
Founding Member
- Jul 23, 2000
- 424
- 5
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Got the call from Ford today and the new tranny is in and working fine (so they say).
Anyway I told them that I'll pick it up in a few days when the snows clears. I figure I might as well hold onto the loaner a few more days since it's snowing.
I'll report my findings as soon as I can.
Anyway I told them that I'll pick it up in a few days when the snows clears. I figure I might as well hold onto the loaner a few more days since it's snowing.
I'll report my findings as soon as I can.
Here is a good new thread from Mach1Registry.com. Looks like the letters "TSB" are finally coming out of Tremecs mouth. Tremec also lists out the part numbers that will be involved in the trans work.
I will beleive it when I see it, but I understand why these things could take a lot of time to come to market. Hugh cost to Ford so they must try every option possible before the TSB. Maybe they just gave in. Rightfully so, I guess.
http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11765
GiddyUp!
I will beleive it when I see it, but I understand why these things could take a lot of time to come to market. Hugh cost to Ford so they must try every option possible before the TSB. Maybe they just gave in. Rightfully so, I guess.
http://www.mach1registry.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11765
GiddyUp!
Don't get your hopes up. I emailed them too November 20th. They said the same thing. "Visit your Ford Dealer soon... bla bla bla" I did and they didn't know anything about the problem and won't fix it.
Ford ought to change their commercials to "If you're thinking about buying a Ford lately, think again."
I wish now that I would have got an automatic and then I wouldn't have had this problem.
Ford ought to change their commercials to "If you're thinking about buying a Ford lately, think again."
I wish now that I would have got an automatic and then I wouldn't have had this problem.
FWIW, I looked up the Tremec part numbers listed elsewhere in this thread, and on the Mach1 Registry thread linked above, in my 2002 Factory Service Manual. Here's what I found...
The 3R3Z 7124BA (1st & 2nd Synchro) is the synchronizer assembly. It appears the same assembly is used for 3rd/4th, 5th, and Reverse gears. Why is this the only one that's bad, given the design is identical on all 4? Could this assembly be getting damaged from another defective part?
The 3R3Z 7102AA (2nd gear) is exactly that.
The 3R3Z 7107AA (Blocker unit) is the sychro blocking ring. Again, it appears that it's the same part used on the other gears as well. I find it odd that this part was included, as this ring is part of the 7124 assembly listed above. Why ship two of the same part? Note the BA vs AA suffix.
The 3R3Z 7230AB (Shift block) is the 3rd/4th gear shift block. A fix for those with 3rd gear problems maybe?
The 3R3Z 7124BA (1st & 2nd Synchro) is the synchronizer assembly. It appears the same assembly is used for 3rd/4th, 5th, and Reverse gears. Why is this the only one that's bad, given the design is identical on all 4? Could this assembly be getting damaged from another defective part?
The 3R3Z 7102AA (2nd gear) is exactly that.
The 3R3Z 7107AA (Blocker unit) is the sychro blocking ring. Again, it appears that it's the same part used on the other gears as well. I find it odd that this part was included, as this ring is part of the 7124 assembly listed above. Why ship two of the same part? Note the BA vs AA suffix.
The 3R3Z 7230AB (Shift block) is the 3rd/4th gear shift block. A fix for those with 3rd gear problems maybe?
Correction: I was confused by the exploded view of the transmission in the service manual - The 7107 blocking ring is NOT part of the 7124 assembly. The assembly consists of a spring, hub, insert, and sleeve.
Also, having looked at what's involved in actually implementing this repair/fix, the complexity of it, and the nuances involved, I would NEVER let anyone at MY dealership even ATTEMPT to perform this fix. This is a major overhaul of the transmission, consisting of several critical disassembly/assembly steps...all opportunities to cause some other damage while rushing to finish the job in the allotted time.
Also, having looked at what's involved in actually implementing this repair/fix, the complexity of it, and the nuances involved, I would NEVER let anyone at MY dealership even ATTEMPT to perform this fix. This is a major overhaul of the transmission, consisting of several critical disassembly/assembly steps...all opportunities to cause some other damage while rushing to finish the job in the allotted time.
what about the guys who are over their warranty? i had my 02 at the dealer 3 times for problems. one was an IAC no big deal. the second was cluncking noise from the drive train and the trans made a grinding noise when setting still in neutral. the third time same problem. both times i was told "we couldn't get it to repeat your problem". then i showed them the noise, "they are subpose to make that noise when they are broke in". now my warranty is up and the 1-2 clunck is getting worst. i change the fluid and it helped a little, but i think this thing is on its way down the road. if ford doesn't do anything to fix this problem, i will never buy a ford product again. i love ford, but i use to be a chevy fan. HHHHMMMMM
