This will be a posterity post- I was looking for something specific to my issues, only finding some spotty threads here and there.

Truck: 2002 SCrew 4.6 4X4, 4R70W Auto.
Mileage: approx. 130K

Symptoms: Began with a kickdown issue on the highway. While in OD, Went to smash the pedal to make a pass. Engine revved, no engagement into gear (3rd). Feathered it into 3rd and turned OD off, then managed to get it to kickdown into 2nd. This was consistent.

Also had a delayed response when shifted into drive- about 2 seconds. The shift was not solid, but I could run through the gears fine on acceleration. If I were slowing down to make a turn, and OD was on, the RPM gauge would show that windup but no downshift. Did not test the same scenario with OD off.

Shifting into reverse was no problem.

When coming to a stop, automatic downshifting was late, and I could hear "clicks" which "sounded to me like" some sort of gear/clutch alignment or disengaging noise. Could only hear it with windows down, was not a hard "thunk".

First though was to run some Auto RX through it for about 1K miles and have fluid changed, but noticed at idle the fluid was a little low- right at the low hashmarks. Also worth noting (though it doesn't mean much), trans fluid looked fine, smelled fine. I decided to add a little fluid and run it for a few miles to see if any improvement could be noted. There was none. I also figured there was no way I could go on like this another thousand miles. Got mountains that need visiting, and hunt seasons aren't far off.

Finally decided to drop it off with a tranny shop. I'm figuring a rebuild is in order, especially given the mileage and the fact I am not the first owner- no idea really what previous abuse it took internally. That was yesterday. In the next day or two I will report what was found, the cost, etc.

 

When you turned off the overdrive that shifted it to third, if in fact it was in fourth. It is impossible to be in fourth gear with the overdrive off. The kickdown from there was probably to second gear.

Downshift gear alignment? That's a new one on me.

In an automatic transmission all gears are engaged all the time. Gears do not go in and out of mesh. No gears are released or engaged on any shift at any time.

What happens is that bands and clutches are engaged or disengaged to get the proper gear ratio. I could write a long explanation of how this is done, but why? It's all already out there. Take a look at http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automa...ansmission.htm.

 

Was using my limited knowledge on the subject to describe what I was feeling, hearing, etc. Humor me.

And yes- my mistake, I feathered into 3rd. Will edit...

 

Got it back. No hard parts needed, "simple" rebuild, $1232 (which included a new rear seal) with a 24 month/24K mile warranty on the work.

Reverse was going, OD was nearly gone, and 4th was gone.

Was highly recommended not to use canned tunes on tranny to adjust shift points or firmness- only high quality custom tunes where all factors are carefully considered. Lesson learned? For the engine/gear/tire ratios- fine. That's just what was advised.

This from a shop owner with 30 plus years with Ford, 14 years in transmission business.

It's a new day...

 

That's a good price!

FYI, 4th and OD are two names for the same thing.

 

Thanks- Main reason I cam here is to learn more, become more self-sufficient, and where I can't tackle a job...maybe make good choices. I don't get offended by ignorance....especially my own- nothing to defend there! I think as I was getting the breakdown, my ears tried to hear the two as separate things, but...



For some reason- ignorance mostly- I thought I had a 4 speed with overdrive, as in a separate gear. So with a little effort, I'm slowly picking up...

Gets to be kinda fascinating. Almost makes me want to tear into one....almost.