My '97 F-150 EC 4x4 with 4.6L and automatic transmission, whether in 3rd or 4th gear, when it's under a load, acts like the TC clutch is slipping and grabbing, causing a moderate shudder. If I kick it down a gear, it doesn't happen. I would kinda assume that the tranny has a clutch to lock out the torque converter.

Any thing I can do to fix it, other than going to a dealer to have the tranny pulled?

The truck has 37,000 miles on it.


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'97 F-150 EC 4x4, 4.6L


[This message has been edited by topsy (edited 08-07-2000).]

 

Yes, the torque converter does have a "lock up" clutch, but I believe it only engages in 4th gear. So if you are feeling something in 3rd I don't think it's the converter clutch. It is more likely a transmission band slipping. Have you checked the fluid level? Since your truck has a bit if mileage on it, have you had the tranny serviced; fluid change and band adjustment?

[This message has been edited by Hawkeye (edited 08-07-2000).]

 

On my truck, the converter has always locked/unlocked in 3rd and 4th gears. The tranny has never had any service, but I checked the fluid this weekend, after driving it for awhile, and it was right on the mark.

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'97 F-150 EC 4x4, 4.6L

 

The torque converter clutch locks in third and fourth gears.

It is common to have shudder on a 3-4 shift if the transmission fluid has not been changed. It should be changed every 20,000 miles to prevent this.

A complete fluid change is needed. Either drop the pan and remove the plug in the torque converter, or have one of the places with a flushing machine change the fluid.

Mark

 

The shudder is not during the shift, it happens when in 3rd or 4th, under load, ** while ** the converter is locked.

A fluid/filter change will be performed very soon. I sure hope this "fixes" it.

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'97 F-150 EC 4x4, 4.6L