help me

[smakles1]

Ok....here's my problem. I have a 1997 F150 2WD. It has approximately 58,000 miles on it. Lately when I come to a stop the engine begins to sputter and groan. If I immediately shift into either neutral or park it picks up the slack and idles correctly. If I leave it in gear....whether reverse or drive, it will eventually stall out. I have been given varying ideas to what it might be such as transmission sensors and such, but before I start spending money I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. I still love my truck though. THANKS

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[adrianspeeder]

Howdy and welcome!

Could be lots of things, but first need to know the engine before we can help.

Adrianspeeder

[smakles1]

The engine is a v6 4.2 liter. It is an automatic transmission. I hope that helps.
Thanks

[smakles1]

anybody there?

[casey_1]

Those are the symptoms of the torque converter clutch dragging.

Here are some of the potential causes, listed in order of most likely to least likely, as ranked by me:

Low trans fluid
Wrong internal filter
Loose internal filter
Sticking torque converter clutch solenoid
Sticking valve in the valve body
Worn pump
Sticking lockup clutch plate in the torque converter
Wiring issue

[smakles1]

Thanks. That helps a lot. That definitely gives me a place to start.