Instead of the transmission section, I posted here 'cause this section gets more hits. When I'm going up an incline and the truck shifts out of overdrive, there is a shudder. It's like driving over a few rumble strips in the road. It lasts for about a second and doesn't do it all the time. With overdrive off, the truck runs fine. Is this fixable, or is this the beginning of the end for the transmission? Any ideas?

 

IF the tranny maintenance is up to snuff ( fluid & filter changes), and you never stressed the fluid & clutches by overheating (towing without monitoring tranny temps), then perhaps see if a TSB exists for a reflash to address this symptom.

Another option - again, as long as the tranny is healthy - custom tuning. See siggy.

I will also assume the correct MerconV fluid is in use - or it's shudder city, lol.

MGD

 

I'll look into the possibility of a TSB. I never towed with it, but the previous owner did. But that was over 45,000 miles ago. I will change out the fluid and filter this week, that is overdue.
MGD, thanks for the heads up on the TSB, I never thought of that.

 

I had the same problem soon after I purchased
my used 85K mile 97 F-150.

I will tell you what to do as it worked for me.
You can do this in a tuxedo but I would recommend
jeans.

The problem is the friction modifiers in the
trans fluids has worn out.

Purchase 5 quarts of Valvolene Max Life dex/merc
ATF and 7 feet of 3/8 tygon tubing.

Warm engine
shut off engine.
Stick tubing down trans dipstick.
Suck on hose till fluid starts to flow.(don't swallow)
Siphon into 5 quart container.
Measure and install same amount of new fluid.
replace dipstick.

Do this once every 6 months (or year) to increase
volume of new fluid.

I haven't felt "rumble strips" in 3 years 40,000 miles.
unless I was driving on the center line rumbles.

 

While that would work, a full replecement with an exchange machine ( with NO flushing chemicals - just a straight exchange), and a pan drop with filter change is much preferred. It's still a new truck and deserves better than a partial.

I'd also use Ford's Mercon V fluid, Mobil1 MerconV or Amsoil if you have deeper pockets.

MGD

 

What are the recommended intervals for transmission fluid and filter changes? Why NO flushing chemicals?

 

On my 97 it is 30,000 under normal and 15,000 if you tow.
that is really short, so Ford must really have a problem
with the friction modifiers breaking down.

As for getting the expensive and often fu%$#ed up high
schooler running a machine that is forcing fluid through
high pressure fittings. I feel the occasional 5 quart
transplant with new friction modifiers is less impact on
things like oil pan leaks, high pressure pipe leaks and
just over all kids touching my Ford.

I believe the max life is made to take care of this problem.

Also I am noticing that the 5 quarts I am taking out every
6 to 9 months looks like new.

My first attempt to fix the problem was to take it to ford for
a flush. Yeah, they just dropped the pan, changed the filter,
and replaced 5 quarts of Max life $110.

Also the filter is only a catastrophic filter to catch parts if the
trans blows up. No need to change ever.

 

Well, looks like I got lucky. I had a straight transmission fluid exchange done, along with dropping the pan and replacing the filter. And no flushing chemicals. Everything seems to be back to normal. No shudder. Thanks to corvetteguy and MGD fan for their input. I was very concerned, thinking that my lack of maintenance would cost me, BIG time. Live and learn............

 

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but I just started to get this problem this weekend. Shifting out of overdrive, (light on the pedal) causes a significant shudder from the tranny.

Chisum - did you ever have this problem again? I'm hoping all I need is a filter/fluid change.

 

I too have the same problem...

Took my truck to the dealer two weeks ago as the warranty was almost expired on the remanufactured transmission that was installed 3 years ago (6/23/2008).

They did a TSB on the valve body that involved replacing a check ball?
Didn't fix!

They found a snap ring that was broken into several pieces and replaced it.

Transmission now shifts into overdrive at about 50 mph, but still has the same problem, just higher speed. Truck is currently back at the dealer.

Regards!

 

Thanks for the update kc!

Let me know how this works out for you. I changed my fluid (partial) yesterday and added a bottle of friction modifier, and the issue pretty much disappeared. It happened only once, and very minor compared to before the change. I think I'll do a complete flush with Mercon V if a few thousand if it continues or gets worse.

 

Well got the call from the dealer last night...Unable to Duplicate customer Complaint. I am going up in a little bit to take a drive with their trany guy. Only problem...its 30+ degrees cooler today than it was over the weekend. It was in the 90's over the weekend when this started back up.

BTW, they put 10 qts of Mercron 5 in two weeks ago.

 

Any word on the cause?

 

What friction modifier did you add???

 

Motorcraft from the Ford dealer