Official Tremec 3650 Issues Thread

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Don't mess around waiting for the TSB. Use the procedure outlined in your owners manual and take your case to the Dispute Resolution Board. I did and the board ordered Ford to replace my transmission.

I have a 2002 GT and this was the second replacement tranny. The first replacement tranny was worse than my original. Before I let them install the second replacement tranny I insisted that the Ford customer service representative check with the factory to ensure that the new tranny had the fixes installed.

You need to prove your case to the board so I recommend you actually attend the board meeting so they can drive your vehicle. Also, you can put an audio recorder in your car to capture the grinding sound and provide the audio tape as evidence of the problem. Also, when you file the complaint, send all information you can gather about the problem including a reference to this forum and info from the NTSB federal site about the grinding. The Dispute Board seemed very fair and willing to consider all relevant information I provided. It takes about two months to get a case through the Dispute Board but is much better than arguing with your dealer.

Once the Dispute Board rules in your favor - Ford is obligated to resolve your problem. And believe me, theey work fast and without argument.
 
wvwarrior said:
Don't mess around waiting for the TSB. Use the procedure outlined in your owners manual and take your case to the Dispute Resolution Board. I did and the board ordered Ford to replace my transmission.

I have a 2002 GT and this was the second replacement tranny. The first replacement tranny was worse than my original. Before I let them install the second replacement tranny I insisted that the Ford customer service representative check with the factory to ensure that the new tranny had the fixes installed.

You need to prove your case to the board so I recommend you actually attend the board meeting so they can drive your vehicle. Also, you can put an audio recorder in your car to capture the grinding sound and provide the audio tape as evidence of the problem. Also, when you file the complaint, send all information you can gather about the problem including a reference to this forum and info from the NTSB federal site about the grinding. The Dispute Board seemed very fair and willing to consider all relevant information I provided. It takes about two months to get a case through the Dispute Board but is much better than arguing with your dealer.

Once the Dispute Board rules in your favor - Ford is obligated to resolve your problem. And believe me, theey work fast and without argument.


even if the warranty has expired? probably not huh? :bang:
 
wvwarrior said:
Don't mess around waiting for the TSB. Use the procedure outlined in your owners manual and take your case to the Dispute Resolution Board. I did and the board ordered Ford to replace my transmission.

I have a 2002 GT and this was the second replacement tranny. The first replacement tranny was worse than my original. Before I let them install the second replacement tranny I insisted that the Ford customer service representative check with the factory to ensure that the new tranny had the fixes installed.

You need to prove your case to the board so I recommend you actually attend the board meeting so they can drive your vehicle. Also, you can put an audio recorder in your car to capture the grinding sound and provide the audio tape as evidence of the problem. Also, when you file the complaint, send all information you can gather about the problem including a reference to this forum and info from the NTSB federal site about the grinding. The Dispute Board seemed very fair and willing to consider all relevant information I provided. It takes about two months to get a case through the Dispute Board but is much better than arguing with your dealer.

Once the Dispute Board rules in your favor - Ford is obligated to resolve your problem. And believe me, theey work fast and without argument.


That sounds like a lot of work to get something fixed that should be fixed no questions asked in the fisrt place!
 
psnous said:
Call customer service 1-800-392-FORD and complain and tell them you want it fixed and heard of a TSB coming out but you're warranty is almost up and see if they'll extend the drivetrain warranty. They did on mine. I have 5 year 75,000 mile drivetrain warranty with a 50 dollar deductible after my 3/36 is up.

What exactly did you say to the service rep? They told me they have no power to extend warranties: only the service managers can do that is what he said. I need to extend it quick since I only have 2000 more miles to go.

Thanks.
 
Well I just happened to find these forums by mistake just goofing around. I am glad I did. I had a 94 mustang GT but miles were getting up there so I just bought about 3 weeks ago a 2002 GT with about 16000 miles on it. I was thinking of calling the dealer on it but now I will call him ASAP about this. I think the worst for my car is 2nd gear. I clanks all the time. At least now I know it's a problem. Thanks
 
20BlackGT02 said:
What exactly did you say to the service rep? They told me they have no power to extend warranties: only the service managers can do that is what he said. I need to extend it quick since I only have 2000 more miles to go.

Thanks.

I don't remember. It was last year sometime after my 2cnd or 3rd tranny failure and they just offered it to me. I have 7 year 75,000 warranty, after the 3/36 is up I have a 50.00 deductible for the remainder of the 7/75
 
Well, I just got my '04 GT on 6/12 and have felt that the drivetrain was kinda klunky and cheap sounding. Today, I put in a Hurst shifter and it seems worse now. Maybe it is all in my head, but I feel some kind of whine in 4th at about 3,500k and up. Plus, it just clunks all over every other gear. Very un-confidence -building tranny setup.
 
My first attempt at speed shifting this car from 2nd to 3rd with the new shifter didn't go so well. It missed third and sounded really nasty. Do I need to worry about anything since this only happened 1 time. My car has 1,300 miles on it and now my confidence in the tranny is shot to sh1t, especially after reading this whole thread.
 
EVERYONE LISTEN UP

Okay, everyone listen carefully, I think I have a solution. Actually, Lucas Oil Products has a solution. I spoke with one their chief chemists today, I asked him what he would recommend for our 3650's. As soon as I mentioned the Tremec name, he automatically knew what I was going to ask him. Anyway, he told me that Ford puts crappy fluid in the tranny from the factory, (probably something we all knew already) he said if it was 30 weight oil with a little ATF and some red dye we are lucky. I haven't had any probs with my '04 GT yet, but I want to make sure I have no problems. He suggests to everyone a change from whatever is in there to Lucas Semi-Synthetic ATF Part Number#10052.
I am sure everyone is saying, "oh yeah, of course that is what he says, he is just trying to sell more product". Maybe, but I am willing to try it out, mainly because every product Lucas sells, does what it says it will do. As a former Store Manager with Advance Auto Parts and a current Parts Specialist with a Ford dealership, I have seen this stuff amaze the crap out of me. It sells for $4.95 a quart and you can buy it online @ www.gimmelucas.com
I just ordered 4 quarts and I should have it sometime next week. If you all want to wait until I switch, you are more than welcome to do so. If you wish to speak with Dale Wilcox (Lucas Tech) you can reach him @ 1-800-342-2512
Extension #115 between 11:30-8pm EST.
He is EXTREMELY knowlegable and is more than willing to help everyone.
http://www.lucasoil.com/

Michael
 
Oh my....

Don't take this the wrong way.

Jesus F'ing Christ everyone!!!!! If it was as simple as a fluid swap (which ford has tried) then why the hell did they create the new parts? There is a design flaw with the 2nd/3rd gear/syncros and that is the only fix. Any fluid is just a band aid. I don't care if NASA has some fluid, the gears are too heavy for the small area syncros to speed up and you get the clashing or grinding.
 
Twisted said:
Don't take this the wrong way.

Jesus F'ing Christ everyone!!!!! If it was as simple as a fluid swap (which ford has tried) then why the hell did they create the new parts? There is a design flaw with the 2nd/3rd gear/syncros and that is the only fix. Any fluid is just a band aid. I don't care if NASA has some fluid, the gears are too heavy for the small area syncros to speed up and you get the clashing or grinding.

how much would a fix be? i'm out of warranty as well..
 
If you are out of warranty. See what the parts from the list on this thread will cost, then check with the dealership to get an estimate on the labor. See how high it is and decide if you want to **** the 3650 and try something else or maybe a different car.