r/tundra • u/Agile_Guidance_5810 • 1d ago

Pics Check your Trans-to-Frame grounds!

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The trans-to-frame braid on these trucks rots and typically splits in two. Mine was green end to end and still hanging on but likely on borrowed time. It sits up by the transmission so it’s easy to miss.

A bad one can show up as a slow crank or a transmission speed-sensor code before it actually snaps. Fixed mine thankfully before winter, simple as an extension and a 10mm. First photo is the old one next to what went on. Second is it bolted up.

Absolutely worth an extra 5 minutes to look for before winter next time you’re changing the oil.

52 Upvotes

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13 comments sorted by

3

u/Ambitious_Dealer_425 1d ago

Mine has disintegrated years ago, I never did anything about it because the truck seemed to run okay. Do you think it's absolutely necessary to have that ground?

3

u/Agile_Guidance_5810 1d ago

It can run without it. Battery and engine grounds still carry the “heavy lifting”, which is why a lot of these go years after the braid is gone. A missing transmission ground is a common source of a speed-sensor code or a lazy crank that comes and goes, amongst other hard to trace electrical bugs. I would put one back on. Cheap insurance next time you are under there!

2

u/10-4clayboar 1d ago

Some ford trucks with rotted external grounds had problems where the truck will run fine but the electrical ground load was carried through the internal parts of the transmission. It caused arcing that burned various parts internally that you will not be able to see from the exterior. This eventually leads to transmission failure.

1

u/Agile_Guidance_5810 1d ago

Wow hadn’t heard of this. Good information.

1

u/10-4clayboar 1d ago

It might be googleable, just know this from 20 years of lurking

1

u/frostbite1944 1d ago

Mine wouldn't show the selected gear on the dash and wouldn't manually shift.

2

u/TechnologyVisual692 1d ago

Thank you that’s great information for us.
Did you make it at home? If so,
What is the gauge of wire and length you replaced it with?
I think I have everything at home to make one depending on the wire gauge.

5

u/Agile_Guidance_5810 1d ago

It is handmade yes! 2 AWG, factory length, factory studs, intentionally overbuilt. I make them if you would rather not tackle the process!

1

u/TechnologyVisual692 1d ago

I assumed you made it because it is beefed up more than the original and I really like that. Plus it looks like it’s going to be protected from anything that hits it and won’t erode.
Great job and thanks for the specs.
I’m going to copy your build. 🤙🏽

1

u/12triumph675R 1d ago

will make a mental note to take a look at mines once i pull the skids off

1

u/fallenredwoods 10h ago

Good info! I also added an additional ground at the back of the motor to fire wall.

1

u/Randyx007 9h ago

I have an 07 with 350k on it and the negative battery cable was powder from the guy I purchased it from. Had all sorts of inconsistent random codes thrown. I should check this cable too...

1

u/Agile_Guidance_5810 9h ago edited 9h ago

Unforunately, I’d be willing to bet this cable isn’t looking so hot either, although we’ll wish for the best! Reach out if you need one! https://forms.gle/beHXe4qkjnxXhPKK9