I've done a search ad nauseum and decided to post anyway for help.

I have a 2001 Ford F150 Supercrew 2WD with a 5.4 and 191k miles. No major problems in 11 years and the trans has been serviced several times. Trans fluid looks and smells new.

It doesn't get driven very much since I bought my BMW last year, but today my son says that the truck doesn't move very well after a stop. I take it for a spin and the engine seems to rev up before the trans kicks in. It can be 2000 - 4000 rpms before it moves. At 20 MPH, it shutters a little bit. I'm thinking low fluid and add a little, but it didn't help.

Besides replacing the filter and fluid to see what happens first, is ther anything else I should be looking at?

Any other ideas?

 

Have you tried to shift it while driving like manual transmission, start from one then shift to second. I think if you drive around a few miles, and after the fluid gets warm, it should start working again and then I would recommend a fluid change.

Hope this helps

 

No, I haven't tried that, but will give it a go tomorrow. My son tried to drive it this afternoon and said it wouldn't move at all...

 

Your son would not be trying to spin the wheels would he. it sounds like the T converter is bad. this may not be just somthing to think about.

 

He might well have, but it would be useless as it won't. I've tried

I'm trying to think of a few to diagnose it without taking to the Stealership or a trans place. Maybe there is some diagnostic manual somewhere?

 

It sounds to me like your clutches are fried and its time for an overhaul. sorry. Look around get on the phone and call shops and see what they charge. Remember the actual rebuild kit is around $150. maybe another $150 max in fluid filter and shop supplies.. Everything else they charge is profit/labor.

 

I'm thinking clutches or valve body seals/gaskets as it sits outside and maybe the cold weather caused shrinkage on the seals/gaskets?

 

I've got a local guy that will do it for $400 plus parts I provide. That's with me pulling and re-installing the trans.

 

A change of fluid, filter and re-torqueing the valve body was a bust. No changes. No parts or pieces in the pan either. It works great in reverse, but slips when starting and shudders at about 20 mph.

Pan and all had a slightly dark residue in it. Cleaned off with brake cleaner easily.

Fuses seem ok.

It's got to be worn/slipping clutches or an internal leak that allows pressure to bleed off.

Now I'll need to have it towed to a trans shop or the dealer for diagnoses.

 

thats a good deal but be careful.. Some of those guys will only replace the one part thats broken. My brother in law does transmissions in his gerage. Used to work for AAMCO and he makes more working on the side out of his garage. He charges $500 plus parts for a full rebuild. He replaces every part that comes with the kit.

 

I'm thinking it's a day job and asking if I can help or watch if I go that route.