Towing and Transmission

Asked by Jodi1974 Dec 26, 2016 at 05:01 PM about the 2002 Ford Escape XLT FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought a 2002 Ford Escape specifically to tow my
belongings across the country. The day before I left,
I got an oil change and had all my fluids topped off.
When I left, after I stopped for gas, it started jerking
and the O/D light started flashing. I pulled over to
check it out. It would no longer drive after that.
Apparently my transmission fluid was "bone dry"
and the whole thing had to be replaced.

I am towing a 5x8 trailer and the only things in it are
a motor scooter (not more than 200 pounds) and
some boxes of clothing, but the mechanic told me
that all the extra weight caused the seals to melt
and all the transmission fluid leaked out.

I am only about 1/5 of the way through my trip.
What do I do to keep this from happening again
once the transmission is replaced?

2 Answers
35,335

lrodri911 answered 7 years ago

The trailer is only about 400lbs plus the load of 200lbs should not be enough to overload the vehicle. I don't see why or what you can do to prevent it, it might've been ready to give up but I don't think it was overloaded

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Towing and Transmission 2 Answers

    I bought a 2002 Ford Escape specifically to tow my belongings across the country. The day before I left, I got an oil change and had all my fluids topped off. When I left, after I stopped for gas, ...

    2002 Ford Escape XLT FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Anyone lost their transmission flat towing? 4 Answers

    4cyl. FWD followed manual to the letter and lost the trans. Ford made good on it but it still loses fluid through the vent while towing??????

    2010 Ford Escape Limited FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • flat towing 1 Answer

    Can you flat tow a 2008 Ford Escape with transmission in neutral and engine running?

    2008 Ford Escape XLT V6 FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Transmission 2 Answers

    Can a 2005 Ford Escape transmission go into a 2002 ford escape

    2002 Ford Escape XLT AWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Are Ford Explorer and Ford Escape transmission interchangeable 1 Answer

    Are Ford Explorers and Ford Escape Transmissions interchangeable

    2004 Ford Escape XLT AWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Ford Escape Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Bratts
    Reputation
    4,470
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,000
  • #3
    KenF
    Reputation
    3,750
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Explorer
86 Great Deals out of 2,065 listings starting at $2,999
Used Toyota RAV4
108 Great Deals out of 2,083 listings starting at $3,888
Used Honda CR-V
103 Great Deals out of 3,896 listings starting at $1,795
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Focus
23 Great Deals out of 487 listings starting at $2,250
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.