shudder hesitation while in overdrive

[hughson]

I have an 01 SCREW 2WD, 4.6, 82K, tranny requires Mercon V, can't remember what version tranny. I notice a shudder at steady throttle around 40 MPH, or going up a hill at light throttle, or when starting from a stop. When I turn the O/D switch off, these symptoms go away. All fluid changes have been done via flush. I changed the fluid at 36K miles, changed the fluid and filter at 65K miles. Truck currently has 82K miles and the shuddering just started about a week ago (less than 500 miles ago) and has gotten steadily worse. I have searched this forum for tranny shuddering in overdrive, but none seem to have the same circumstances that I have. Anyone have a cure? TIA,

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[projectSHO89]

It's either torque converter shudder or a light-load misfire.

If indications are that it's the TC, I'd flush the tranny then add a bottle of Lubeguard's Shudder Fix.

If you have a well-capable scanner (the cheaper ones can't do this), look at your misfire count PIDS to see if you're starting to accumulate misfires on one or more cylinders. You can have a certain number before the CEL will be turned on.

Steve

[Ryan L]

You are one of many to experience this phenomena known as torque converter shudder. As soon as I felt my shudder at 40mph, I took it in for a full service flush with Mercon V. It actually make things worse and it started to shudder all throughout the power band in any gear within a week or two. The Dr. Tranny junk everyone said to add just makes everything feel mushy and may mask the feeling of shudder for a short period of time. From what I've read, it's actually the torque converter that is locking/unlocking. Since I have so many miles on the transmission, I feel like getting the TC replaced without rebuilding the clutches is a waste of time. I am in the process of looking for fully rebuilt transmissions, but I will continue to drive it in the meantime.