torque converter locking and unlocking on highway
 

When im on the interstate going to work doing 65 and let off the gas to 45-50 then accelerate slowly it starts to stutter. Feels like it can make up its mind to lock and unlock. if i stomp on it it goes fine. only happens when i slowly accelerate. asked the local tranny shop and he said it the TC relearning its self. well its getting worse. it gets really bad afterwork on the way home when it hot outside. anything i can do? any advise please!

Sounds like TC shudder to me. When was the last time you changed the fluid? Old fluid can cause the shudder because its lost its friction modifiers.

Could also be the solenoid that controls TC lock/unlock. That solenoid is an easy fix too, its right under the pan on the valve body.

I would guess its either one of those, but if its not then your TC is prob on it's way out.

- Scruffy

I did the fluid about 10k miles ago. can you tell me more about the solenoid?

The solenoid is called the TCC (Torque Converter Clutch) solenoid. It's there to lock and unlock the TC. Like I said if this is your prob, its right on the valve body when u take off the pan. So its easy enough to swap out.

http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/...valve_body.jpg

The TCC is the dark round object above the pink paint. When you take off the pan its easy enough to locate really.

I would take it to another tranny shop for more opinions though, instead of just throwing parts at it. Maybe they can confirm what problem you're having through tranny codes. Swapping the TCC is easy enough, but you would need a new one and new fluid.

- Erik

ok cool. Thanks alot man! :beers:

Wait. My truck had a similiar problem with my gryphon was a simple fix for Bill call him he will fix you up.

Wait. My truck had a similiar problem with my gryphon was a simple fix for Bill call him he will fix you up.

Yeah. It could be something in the programming as well. The solenoid controlling the TC unlocks is controlled by the PCM. So it makes sense it could be a problem with your gryphon.

You should look into that first.

It could also be a low grade misfire - how many miles on the spark plugs and cops? Do you wash your engine?

x2 on the possible misfire. The situation you discribed sounds just about right for the early stages of a bad coil.

Will do! i was thinking maybe i could be something with that but why all of a sudden? i've had it for awhile now. i call him though.

I took it to the ford dealership and they said they checked everything. couldnt find anything wrong. I questions the sparks and he said they're good. i had them keep it an extra day and they still couldnt find anything wrong. she has 73k on her and no i dont wash the engine. maybe once.

73k on the original plugs is right around when you may start having low grade misfire issues.

Right around 80k is when my coils weakened enough to missfire around 50mph on a slow acceleration. After a while, engine would miss on accel. until it warmed up, but did it around 45-55 all the time.

I would return your truck to stock and try again. If it is gone it is related to the gryphon. Has happened to a few trucks.