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61

General Discussion / Re: Smart tv upgrade

« Last post by wideglide on October 06, 2026, 10:57:24 am »

My PC has rear speakers in the bed area but they are connected to the in dash radio. Never really understood why since you really dont hear much from them when driving, unless it for someone resting in the bed while the other is driving. The home theater has its own rear speakers mounted near the fridge and the closet opposite the fridge.

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« Last post by Taildragger on October 06, 2026, 10:08:38 am »

Interesting anecdote recalling an incident that contradicts recommendations listed.
There is an old adage telling “there is an exception to every rule”.  Obviously, it applies to more than just politics. 
I stand corrected. 

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« Last post by Taildragger on October 06, 2026, 09:49:58 am »

Very interesting anecdote. 
“There is an exception to every rule” is an adage that applies to more than just politics - obviously  I
I stand corrected

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« Last post by Ron Dittmer on October 06, 2026, 09:36:10 am »

Problem Defined!

As suggested, I found an AUTOZONE parts retailer where they ran diagnostics tests on my FORD E350.  Upon my request,  using their "FIX FINDER" to list trouble codes, they were able to determine the Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor was the culprit causing the Idiot Light to illuminate.

The Technician at the counter was kind enough to explain.  Simply put, the connection between the accelerator pedal and fuel flow is electrical.  Not mechanical linkage.  Switch A and Switch B share an acceptable range of voltage. 

As he pointed out, the error also causes Cruise Control to disengage.  A very knowledgeable individual, with a lengthening line of customers building, I refrained from asking additional questions.  One being: what prompted the Idiot Light to disengage?  About a half dozen engine off/on cycles??

Generally speaking, a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is fast and affordable to get replaced.  It is located on the throttle body, an easy project, even for a shade tree mechanic.

I would get it replaced ASAP.  Today it's a light on the dash board.  Tomorrow you might have strange drivability and/or lower gas mileage.

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« Last post by Ron Dittmer on October 06, 2026, 09:22:42 am »

The general rule is that it is excellent to change the transmission fluid per the recommended intervals.

BUT...

If the vehicle has been neglected in this regard for 100,000 miles (a very crude number), contaminants build up throughout the transmission in the form of physical globs.  When servicing the transmission under this condition, the fresh fluid introduces fresh detergents that break-free the globs having them traveling throughout the transmission reeking havoc that shows up as transmission problems.

I have first-hand experience with this.
A number of decades ago, our son bought an old car in his college years.  Not knowing any better back then, we changed the transmission fluid and filter.  Soon thereafter, the transmission didn't work right.  It quickly got so bad that we had to scrap the car.

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General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« Last post by Taildragger on October 06, 2026, 12:53:38 am »

The transmission became the focus of my frustrations because the OwnersManual isn’t reliable. If you followed my screed, you note the actual problem was electrical. 

I have heard about the engineering changes to the V10. The transmission has a good record.   Changing the transmission fluid is consistent with good maintenance protocols. Installing the correct, factory recommended ATF with a new pan gasket and proper  bolt torque should never be a bad idea

ATF can get burnt, dirty, contaminated.  I would never hesitate to follow recommendations on maintenance issues.  Getting stranded because of otherwise preventable maintenance issues doesn’t appeal to my wife.

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General Discussion / Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement

« Last post by LRUCH on October 05, 2026, 11:52:48 pm »

You are quite welcome. I have learned a lot from this forum and try to contribute whenever I have something worthy.


Feel free to reach out and ask questions when you work on your fridge cabinet/baffles/insulation/fan/etc. It was a big effort, but I am quite pleased with how mine turned out.


Larry

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General Discussion / Re: 12 Volt fridge replacement

« Last post by Funseekers on October 05, 2026, 11:46:20 pm »

I want to thank EVERYONE who took the time to reply…and to Larry specifically, I will try those recommended steps to insure food safety.  Not surprised that my questions will ALWAYS receive well thought out responses fromyou guys.

69

General Discussion / Re: Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Level

« Last post by heisthl on October 05, 2026, 07:26:24 pm »

at 100.000 miles I took the rv to a Ford dealer because i wanted the plugs changed and had read horror stories about stripped threads. Lucky I did though because one cylinder had anti-freeze in it so they replaced the head gasket. I wanted the transmission serviced but they said to leave it as is because in their experience replacing the fluid could cause leaks and slippage.

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General Discussion / Re: Smart tv upgrade

« Last post by Taildragger on October 05, 2026, 07:19:04 pm »

Looking at your pictures showing the TV installation, i am reminded of rear speakers being in an earlier Phoenix Cruiser.  Our current model doesn't include the feature.  We miss them.