Powertrain

Diagnosis and Testing - Power Transfer Unit

4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

Inspection and Verification

  1. Verify the customer concern.
  2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart


  • Power Transfer Unit
  • Axle Shafts and CV Joints
  • Driveshaft and Universal Joints
  • Wheel and Tire Size
  • Tire Size and Type Matching
  • Tire Pressure
  1. If an obvious cause for the observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  2. If the cause is not visually apparent, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.

Symptom Chart

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

In most cases, the PCM sets a DTC to aid in diagnosis. Refer to the DTC. Before using the Symptom Chart, the Condition column lists the vehicle condition. The Possible Sources column lists the specific vehicle components that may cause the condition. The Action column lists the actions to perform to determine the cause of the condition. Each action lists components that may cause the system fault and the individual components of that system. Components are listed in disassembly order. Use the component list and the required actions to focus on the disassembly checks for the root cause of the concern.

Symptom Possible Sources Action
  • PTU Bearing Noise in Disconnected Mode
  • Fluid Level
  • PTU Input Shaft Bearings
  • FILL with the correct type and quantity of lubricant.
  • REMOVE the PTU, DISASSEMBLE, and INSPECT the input shaft bearings.
  • PTU Bearing Noise in Connected Mode, with or without RDU activation.
  • Fluid Level
  • PTU Ring Gear Shaft Bearings
  • PTU Gear / Output Shaft Bearings
  • FILL with the correct type and quantity of lubricant.
  • REMOVE the PTU, DISASSEMBLE, and INSPECT the input shaft bearings.
  • Ratcheting or clicking noise in connect or disconnect modes.
  • PTU input shaft dog clutch teeth worn or damaged
  • PTU dog clutch teeth worn or damaged
  • REMOVE the PTU, DISASSEMBLE, and INSPECT the input shaft bearings.
  • No torque at the rear drive shaft / Drive shaft does not rotate in connected mode
  • Shift fork worn or broken
  • Input shaft spline coupling sleeve worn or damaged
  • Dog clutch worn or damaged
  • Ring and pinion gear teeth worn or broken
  • REMOVE and INSPECT the PTU drive motor.
  • REMOVE the PTU and INSPECT the coupling sleeve, dog clutch, and gears.
  • Right-side transmission fluid leak
  • Power transfer unit intermediate shaft seal
  • INSTALL a new intermediate shaft.
  • Left-side transmission fluid leak
  • Right transmission differential seal and PTU to transmission compression seal
  • INSTALL new seals.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft Seal, RH (307-01A Automatic Transmission - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission - 8F35/8F40, Removal and Installation).
  • Right-side transmission fluid leak
  • Power transfer unit input shaft seal, right side, and intermediate shaft bearing to PTU seal ring
  • INSTALL new seals.
  • Left-side transmission fluid leak
  • Power transfer unit input shaft seal, left side, and PTU to transmission compression seal
  • INSTALL new seals.
  • Transmission fluid leak from seals
  • Power transfer unit vent plugged (located at the top of the power transfer unit)
  • Damaged seals
  • INSTALL a new power transfer unit vent
  • REPLACE the leaking seal. Refer to the removal and installation procedures in this section.
  • Automatic transmission fluid leak into the PTU, or PTU lubricant leaked into the transmission
  • Input Shaft Connecting Sleeve with O-Ring
  • INSTALL new seals.

Inspect the seal mating surface journal each time a seal is replaced. The mating part/journal must be replaced if any of the following conditions exist: Radial wear groove that can be felt when a fingernail is run across the area where the seal lip travels. Scratches, pits, abrasions, nicks, or other damage to the shaft under or adjacent to the seal lip. Discoloration or baked-on oil on the shaft where the seal lip travels. Shaft corrosion under or adjacent to the seal lip. Sharp edges or burrs on the shaft leading into the chamfer. NEVER use sandpaper to dress journals; replace the part.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.