All,

I recently purchased a 1994 f150 4wd with an automatic transmission

It shifts real hard 1-2

and a bit hard 2-3

What might be wrong? What would be the approach to fix it? Or do I just have to take it to a transmission shop?

What is the probability that this is a REAL EXPENSIVE problem?

If so what is the price of ignoring it?

AtDhVaAnNkCsE

George

 

Is it possible that someone put a shift kit in it? I like a hard shift, it eliminates the slippage built into thetransmission, saving wear on the clutches.

 

Can I conclude that if the hard shift is ok with me, I don't have anything to worry about?

 

Yes. They build slippage into stock transmissions because so many people do not like firm or hard shifts. I used to rebuild my mustangs with a shift kit that would chirp the tires at every shift. It was awesome when you drove off from a red light and at 25 to 30 mph, the 66 Fastback would chirp the tires. Get on it and it would lay a strip when it shifted.

 

Thanks Bluejay423000

I was afraid that something might break (I do not push it.. I drive very carefully)

I actually don't mind the jerk except that I feared that this might lead to some other failure.

 

Could be stuck shift accumulators, they make for very hard shifts and are common failures.

 

What is the significance of "stuck shift accumulators"?

Is this something that leads to further problems?

Can they be checked easily?

Would it mean a transmission rebuild?

Thank you

 

I use to have a 93 bronco w/a 5.0 and an E4OD auto trans. and I had to have that tranny rebuilt 2 times in the time that I owned it, the first thing to go was 2nd gear then 3rd. of course I did have A VERY HEAVY foot back then (young and dumb ). If I were you I would take it down to a well known tranny shop with a good reputation and have them look at it, you never know what kind of person drove it, they could have had the same foot problem as me .

 

Take it to a shop that specializes in transmission and try to extract error codes. The trans on that year will set codes but will NOT set "check engine" light. I could be what is called the neutral position lockout sensor is going bad. On that model that sensor controls pressure to the shift valves and can result in a real hard bang type shift. It is a lower dollar repair and is externally mounted. Yes heal hard shifts can screw up torque converter and break output shafts. It will show up as an error code "neutral position lockout sensor out of range". Lemmee know how you make out.