Hello,

Recently my 1997 F-150 which has a 4.6L with 90,000 miles on it has been having a transmission issue. The transmission started shuddering slightly when lightly accelerating from 45 mph so I decided to have the dealer look at it. Not surprisingly, they recommended putting in a new transmission after they "looked at the dipstick and did a test drive". This seemed like a waste of time to me so I didn't have them do anything. The dealer did say the fluid was burnt, but didn't ask when the last time it was changed. I agree that the fluid is aging but it is still red and there is no metal. Is it standard practice for a dealer to recommend replacing a transmission with this issue?

Would you recommend changing the transmission fluid and filter? I've read a few places that the mercon V can alleviate some of the shudder issues. I'm thinking it couldn't hurt anything. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

If you are going to be spending money on a new tranny, just have them flush the old one first, clean it, put a new filter on it, and fill it up. What is that going to hurt compared to a new transmission? If you are still having problems well at least you tried the cost effective alternative first. A stealerships first instinct is to always replace everything all the time. Give it a shot, the worst that could happen is that it still shudders, then go to a junkyard and get it refurbished, have them put that sucker on!
~Phil

 

Shudder under the conditions you described may be caused either by the torque converter/transmission or by a low-grade engine misfire.

It is difficult to differentiate without the proper scan tool.

Failure to properly identify the fault may lead to expensive unneeded transmission repairs when all you actually needed was a tuneup.

Steve

 

Drop the pan. Do Not Flush!
Drain torque converter (it has a drain plug).
Clean the pan and put in a new filter (gasket is stamped "reusable").
Add 12 quarts of Valvoline Merc V.

There is a very good chance that is all you need. It worked for me on my 98 (4R70W), and I had a shudder at the same speed you describe. It seems like the shift from 2nd to Drive....right?

As said above, why not try before buying a new transmission.

 

Thanks for the advice...the shudder does happen at the speed you describe and the I've actually had the mis-fire issue before which is different. The dealer scanned for codes and I used my autotap scanner as well and found no codes. You guys are right, what's the worst that could happen? I'll give it a whirl this weekend and update the post to let you know how it turns out. I'd much rather spend 3g's on a supercharger than a new tranny. I've heard "don't flush" many times so I'm not going to flush it, I'll just change the fluid as jjmiii described. Thanks again. Rob

 

Excellent advice.

Darrin

 

I agree with Steve - sounds like a Misfire @45 mph - COP's Favorite misfire point. Right after the shift into OD..

 

COPs on a 97 huh...
I don't think thats the specific issue in this particular case. LOL

Darrin

 

X2 my 97 4.6L didn't have COPs

 

Thanks again...I was really thinking that it isn't a misfire because it misses before shifting. I won't dismiss the misfire idea though. If the fluid change doesn't work, I'll have someone change the plugs and wires (seems like a P.I.T.A). FYI, the shudder happens just prior to shifting gears, not after it shifts.

 

Your hilarious Dipsh^t Coil pacs apply as well ..

What are you a freaking critic ? judging by your responses , you would think so..

 

Let's not sidetrack the thread.

Darrin

 

The way to correct someone is like BSL did

 

Thank you, and artichoke don't give in, if you're even slightly mechanically inclined you can do plugs and wires on the '97 4.6L I know I did it twice during my '97's time with me. It may take a while but it's nothing like doing the plugs on my '02, those are a PITA . anyway just look under there all you need is a few extensions and you're set. YOU CAN DO IT

 

97 5.4L 's have COP's - in fact ALL 5.4's have COP's. I 've worked on allot of 150's - there's not a market for a truck like that up here with such a small motor as the 4six, anyway, that threw me off a bit , it wasn't until 2001 that the 4six's got the upgrade to one coil per cylinder. People who purchase trucks up here need a motor that will pull it's own weight is my guess, I haven't seen a 4six in these trucks around here..

If it turns out that you need a couple coil pacs, theres an ebay store called Global Automotive where you can purchase these new @ 1/2 price..

Good Luck