Need technical advice
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Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 42
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From: Tampa, FL
Need technical advice
I recently purchased a 1998 Lariat with a 5.4 V8 and automatic transmission (transmission code "E"). The truck has 125,000 highway miles and has not been used for any heavy hauling.
The truck drives very well but seems to make a sluggish shift from 2nd to 3rd gear, almost like there is another gear between 2nd and 3rd. There is no noticeable loss of forward drive motion. It just makes a slow and gradual shift from 2nd to 3rd .
Right after I purchased the truck, I put it in for service and inspection with my regular mechanic. I authorized them to change the transmission fluid, if necessary. The mechanic said that the transmission fluid appeared fine and that they did not feel that a fluid change was necessary at the time. They have the right equipment to do the job, a device that allows new fluid to be pumped in as the old fluid is being pumped out, but if they say it doesn't need to be changed…I don't see a need to spend unnecessary $.
The truck shifts fine from 1st to 2nd and from 3rd to overdrive. Would a transmission fluid and filter change solve this problem? Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
The truck drives very well but seems to make a sluggish shift from 2nd to 3rd gear, almost like there is another gear between 2nd and 3rd. There is no noticeable loss of forward drive motion. It just makes a slow and gradual shift from 2nd to 3rd .
Right after I purchased the truck, I put it in for service and inspection with my regular mechanic. I authorized them to change the transmission fluid, if necessary. The mechanic said that the transmission fluid appeared fine and that they did not feel that a fluid change was necessary at the time. They have the right equipment to do the job, a device that allows new fluid to be pumped in as the old fluid is being pumped out, but if they say it doesn't need to be changed…I don't see a need to spend unnecessary $.
The truck shifts fine from 1st to 2nd and from 3rd to overdrive. Would a transmission fluid and filter change solve this problem? Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 207
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From: South Jersey
None technical response
If it were me, a truck with 125,000 miles with no clear idea when the last trans service was. Yes, I would do the complete fluid change and filter replacement first and see how it is after. This would probably be what any mech. would suggest trying before looking in more serious problems. If this does not solve the problem then you might have a worn out shift accuator(sp?). High milage truck could easily have worn out parts in the valve body and/or worn out clutch plates.
My credo: try the simple and least expensive things first.
Hobbit
My credo: try the simple and least expensive things first.
Hobbit
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 22
From: SE Florida, USA
What you are feeling is the torque converter clutch locking up during the 2-3 shift. It's normal.
The converter lock makes it feel like the shift is drawn out.
Since you don't know when the transmission fluiid was last changed I'd have it changed. There is no way to tell if the fluid is worn out by looking at it. It can look fine but have lost much of it's lubricating and friction properties.
Mark
The converter lock makes it feel like the shift is drawn out.
Since you don't know when the transmission fluiid was last changed I'd have it changed. There is no way to tell if the fluid is worn out by looking at it. It can look fine but have lost much of it's lubricating and friction properties.
Mark
Thanks for your responses.