My 1999 F150 (TR=U on the doorframe) with 82K miles has 3 quirks that it's had since I bought used 3 yrs and 35K miles ago. I live in Tucson and travel in some pretty remote areas - so I've begun wondering about it. I haven't replaced the AT fluid or needed to add any, or cleaned filters, etc.

1. In cold weather (30F) first thing in the morning it won't shift from 1 to 2 for maybe a mile or two.

2. When it down shifts from 2 to 1 (could be 3 to 2?) while slowing coming to a stop sign while going up a hill, frequently I hear a metallic click - one click - like a solenoid.

3. Occasionally while shifting 2 to 3 (maybe usually on level or downhill?) it slips for maybe 1/2 second and the engine revs up a bit before it shifts. It doesn't seem to happen going uphill or under hard acceleration.

I'm afraid to go near a AT shop without knowing more.

Thanks

 

Get the fluid changed. It has a torque converter drain plug so you can do a full change without a machine. Get a filter kit, drop the pan, change the filter, drain the TC. You will need about 14 quarts of Mercon V.

 

When I first purchased my '98 last fall I had a local shop do a pan drop and filter change-used their "house brand" ATF. I knew I was going to be doing a flush with Amsoil ATF within a few thousand miles; I just didn't want to waste good ATF when I knew it was going to be flushed. Well, the truck definitely didn't like whatever the house brand was, because it did the same hesitating 1-2 shift, and all the other issues you had. Once I put the amsoil in everything cleared up. I'm sure the ATF they used was dino-a cheap one at that- so I'm sure that is why there was hesitation in the cold, because of the thickening of the fluid in the cold. Change to a good synthetic ATF and you should be fine. Good Luck.