Loss of 3rd gear

[Cyclenirvana]

Well, I was at VIR today, getting Hoosiers nice and hot, and all of sudden...third gear was gone?? 1-2, 4-6 all intact and even reverse. Needless to say, my track day ended. Talked to the GTguys (Rich) who told me he was aware of 4 GTs that had failed in a similar manner, always 3rd gear. My car is still under warranty, and it sounds like Ford will simply replace the transmission.

To make matters worse, I trailered my gal back, which I usually do...and somehow my front straps which hook into floor rings came (or bounced) loose...for some unknown reason, I kept my winch slightly loosely attached to my tow hook (I usually do not do this) which likely prevented something worse from happening...but the car suffered minor damage to the rear fascia, which will likely need to be replaced. Will possibly use the GTguys for this.
Needless to say, my day has not gone well. But all can be replaced and improved upon...considering going with the bumper delete option? Perhaps pulley and tune...trying to look at the bright side of things...maybe no more trailering! Ha. If you drive 'em things will sometimes happen...I can't keep her in the garage, knowing I might not be around tomorrow!

[shelbyelite]

I agree! Perfect excuse to go bottom less! Sorry to hear about your bad day. Things will get better.

[Empty Pockets]

Is my cave in a bad reception area, or are there others here on The 'Forum for whom news of this kinda tranny failure is "a first"?

(Clutches, yes. 'Pretty much expected. Half shaft bolts, yes - DEFINATELY expected! But, a tranny FAILURE?)

[OCPETE]

"If you drive 'em things will sometimes happen...I can't keep her in the garage, knowing I might not be around tomorrow!"

Drive it like there is no tomorrow bro..shi*t happens, as long as you are ok everything else can be replaced-fixed

[MAD IN NC]

Cycle - weather was bad here today - to COLD to be natural.

She didn't like it. Give me coordinates and look forward to meeting ya.

Weather fcst is still good for this weekend! PM me.

Sorry she was so personal.....

[STORMCAT]

I haven't heard of any 3rd gear tranny failures here either ??

[Pete S.]

No 3rd gear at VIR would make it impossible. As for FGT's and the transmissions, I am aware of one that took out the transmission and clutch assembly at a track and was replaced by the dealer under warranty; but don't know any that just lost any single gear. Denis and Rich are the Guys to fix it quick and right. What was the outside air temps at VIR while you were there?

[B O N Y]

sorry to hear about these issues. now is the time to consider going with the 3:90's

[Cyclenirvana]

Still waiting to hear from the Ford dealership. My service advisor is worried that Ford may not cover it because it was at a track event. The local dealership does all of my tech inspections, and I don't try to hide anything from them. I would assume that if it is not racing or timed events that I should be ok?
Anyone have any experience with this? What would be my course of action if warranty was denied?
Thanks in advance,
Scott

[jaxgt]

Although probably best not to mention track use in general, I don't think Ford can refuse to cover it because at a track event. I am not aware of that. Heck - these cars were made for the track.
It seems to me a 'manufacturing defect' that Ford must address.