I just changed my trans fluid and filter in my 01 F150 (4.6 with 61000miles). My truck started making a clicking noise between shifting which sounded like the tc locking and unlocking. Changed Fluid and filter noise went away or atleast I thought it did. It has been quiet after the fluid change until now (only about 5 days since fluid change). Took it to autozone and its not throwing out any codes. Is it a bad converter? Is this an easy job to swap out the old converter with a new one? Recomendations on a new tc if needed ( I do tow a boat often and was wondering if there is a more heavy duty tc that I can purchase). Trans shifts nice and smooth with the new fluid however the clicking noise between shifting is just down right annoying. I would like to nip it in the butt before it causes any sever damage to my drivetrain. Any recomendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Duane

 

Clicking noise between all shifts or just 3-4? Have you checked the u-joints?
Alan

 

I really didnt notice what gear it is I am hearing the noise at. Its when I am shifting a higher gear range and it occurs seconds after the trans has already shifted. Ill def check the U Joints however if it is the converter any recomendations on a new 1 (would like a more heavy duty one for towing) or should I just replace it with a new version of the one thats already in there?

Thanks,
Duane

 

I always suggest a heavy duty converter for trucks, especially if you tow. A bilet front cover, upgraded friction, thrust bearing and furnace brazed fins. Those components will make the difference.
Alan

 

Any recomendations on a quality built tc that really isnt going to brake the bank?

 

Also I forgot to mention when the engine is cold and I put it in to drive and tap the gas quick then take my foot off the RPMS jump back and fouth between 600-1000 instead of returning to a normal idle. It also feels as if the truck is going to stall. It will continue to do this until I give it more gas while in drive. It only occurs when in drive and when the truck warms up it goes away. This is why I quickly thought TC but i could be wrong.

Duane

 

Or break your truck.

Be VERY careful about who you buy from. There is a guy that is talking on here who has a terrible track record and is apparently looking to make some money from this crowd.

If you get an offer via PM, be VERY concerned and please report it to the site.

How much do you consider as the "break the bank" price point?

Darrin

 

Duane,

I don't tink this is related to your initial concern because the TCC is locked out for a time and/or temp while cold depending on your truck. If you can give me the PCM catch code I can check it to see what that point is.

What you are describing with the RPM's sounds like an idle air issue. Try disconnecting the battery for a while to see if that problem changes. If so, then it's time to start looking at the IAC.

I don't think the clicking on shifts is the converter though. The u-joint idea is a good starting point.

Darrin

 

Thanks for getting back. Im not to sure what a PCM code is. I did have a diagnostic done on the truck no codes if thats what your talking about. Ill have the U joints looked at this week Im hoping thats what it is. Also what is causing my truck to shift too soon. I replace the fluid and filter about a week ago. But it just feels like it wants to shift from 3-4 before it really should and it takes a good amount of gas to get it back out. Im confused

 

I still am going to suggest that you disconnect the batery for a while to reset the computer and see if that changes anything with the shifting. These are computer controlled transmissions and the computer can learn stuff it shouldn't.

The PCM catch code I am talking about is the identification code that can be found on a tag on the truck. The code I need is a 4 digit code.

Darrin

 

Ok had the u joints inspected by a local trusted mec. and he said they are in perfect working order. Today while going to Lowes I got on the gas while climbing a hill. Trans shifted like it should however I notice a low winding noise during the acceleration up the hill right around 2500 RPMS all the way up to 3500 RPMS. It did not go away until I backed of the throttle. After the trans shifted the annoying clank was soon to follow. (I was going about 50 mph od turned off.) Any ideas Im still leaning to a bad TC but im not 100% any ideas. I would like to pin point this and fix it before I have to go to a trans shop for a complete rebuild because something got destroyed. Its my daily driver but I havent been using it as much because of this issue. I miss my truck some 1 please help if you can.

Thanks again,
Duane

 

It is possible that the rivets on the turbine inside the converter have come loose. If this is the case they will clunk back and forth as you get on the throttle when unlocked. The turbine hub directly links the input shaft to the turbine and the lockup piston. The clunk will be most noticeable in 1st gear where the transmission cannot lock the torque converter clutch. the converter clutch is released for all shifts so the problem would exist on shifts. That is the only thought I could have on the converter and I have seen that. I have never experienced the noise to go with it however.
Alan

 

any suggestions on where to go from this point ?

 

Man, I am sure guys can keep on trying to guess. But, without the truck to diagnose then that is all that they will be doing. On top of that, this is an odd complaint. I am not sure that any of us can do you any good long distance.

Darrin