hey guys, i have a 98 f150 2wheel drive 5.4L. it has been really cold here lately around -20c. i have notice that when i put the truck into reverse it goes into gear really hard then after it has warmed up its not so bad. i checked the fluid after i drove for about 12km and it was full to the cold limit if u know what i mean. should the tranny be warm by then or is so i am down fluid and the level should be on the hot side or is it just to cold for the tranny to warm up in that short of a distance? ur feed back is appreciated.

James

 

The trans isn't going to warm up in 12 km at those temperatures. It will take A LOT longer drive than that.

It sounds like your fluid level is right. They do shift a bit harder when it's real cold, but old, worn fluid will make it worse. Changing all of the fluid, including the torque converter, will help it some, but it's always going to shift harder at very cold temps.

 

i noticed the same thing on my 97 and my fluid is maybye 10k miles old. she acts weird up here in mass were at 10-20 degrees.shifts are a little rougher.after a few miles shes back to normal.