I just got my 05 FX4 a few weeks ago, but I'm noticing more and more that the transmission seems to be unable to make up its mind when downshifting for some reasons. I read in a few threads on here that this is somewhat of a common problem, but I wanted to see if mine had the same issues.

If driving along and need to just shift out of overdrive to get up a hill or maybe get around someone, no problem. But if I need to give it any more gas or downshift further, it seems to be unable to decide what to do for a second or two and then shifts. Almost a hesitation by the transmission or computer to tell it what to do??? Coudl this have something to do w/ the electronic throttle? I am new to this truck and trucks in general, but I'm hoping this is the problem that most people are having that can be solved with a programmer.

Thanks in advance

 

can be solved with programmer, my understanding is that with stock tune it shifts to 3rd then 2nd to avoid whats known as a 4-2 drop which isn't good for any auto trans as clutches are more likely to slip and get damaged, with tune trans shift pressure is increased allowing quicker down shifting from 4-3-2.

 

i vote no for the programmer, with the shift points stiffened, it will just slam into gear when you floor it to pass on the highway

 

Ok so what do you suggest being done to solve the problem? This should not be something that a vehicle does from the factory. It can't make up its mind on what to do for at least 1-3 seconds. That's not what a transmission should be doing.

 

Push the pedal down more, it'll down shift...

 

A programmer does help, my Edge does at least. The shifts may be stiffer, but that actually reduces wear on the clutches and I prefer a hard shift to a long/lazy one. Everyone has their own opinion though.

 

I have a problem w/ mine too... 08 FX4 SCREW... when I'm slowing down, and I get to around 25MPH, I can feel the transmission shift hard sometimes. I have noticed that sometimes when "trying" to accelerate quickly, my truck just sits there a couple seconds, which is very concerning when I have another vehicle flying up behind me.

 

Not to stir the pot... but I need to give a valid point...

If you don't like how an automatic transmission shifts, you should get a manual transmission.

Its silly to buy a tuner to adjust an automatic transmissions' already junked shift points.

That's exactly why I stick to stick shift. No tuner necessary. If I want long, smooth shifts, I can do it. If I want to give whip lash for shifts, I can do it.

It's awesome how well I can shift when I want to... way smoother than a CVT even from a start. Or how I can give someone whiplash in every single gear. It's awesome.

 

How are you giving your passengers whiplash, when you never rev the engine over 2500 RPM with your 6 cyl.???? Doesn't a "whiplash" shift with a manual put undue stress on your drivetrain? I would think this type of driving would be more detrimental than simply running the engine up past 2500 RPM. Sometimes you don't make a lot of sense, and you contradict yourself.

Unfortunately, I was compared to you for one of my posts, so I have to redeem myself, and distance myself from you.

 

Reset the PCM.

 

I have 3 vehicles that are stick and been driving stick for all my life.

That statement was coming from past experiences with other vehicles.

The F150 doesn't need to go past 2500 rpms and it's a waste of gas for me to be doing that.

That will work, but it will then adapt to your driving style again... so if you are hard on the gas, it will adapt to that driving style. But it's still not that great.

 

It's better than nothing.

The OP bought a used truck. The PCM learned someone else's driving style. He needs to set his own standards.

 

Custom tuning will solve all of this.

 

100% agree!

 

I agree custom tuning will fix it, but for now he can reset the pcm for better shifts. For all the OP knows an old grandpa driving fool drove the truck before he bought it.