I am having a problem with my trans shuttering, 97 ext cab 5.4 4X4 w/ towing pkg, 88K mi. The problem came at first with a rough idle. I replaced 3 OX sens, fuel filter, plugs. Still no better. I serviced the trans with mercon when the idle moved to a shutter while driving. everything seemed OK for 3-4 days then back again. On advice from a dealer I again serviced with Mercon V, including torque converter. Both changes I blew the cooling lines out. This only lasted 3 days and it is now getting worse. The check engine light comes on and then goes out when I change fluid, then comes back on again. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Ed

 

Has anyone had problems like this. Please let me know.

------------------
1997 F150 4X4 Lariat
5.4L Auto OffRoad
Towing Package
Gibson 3" cat back

 

First thing is to read what code is stored in the PCM. That will be a big clue as to what's wrong. Since the Check Engine light came on, there is a code stored. It will remain in the memory for 40 warm up cycles.

Mark

 

Mark
How do you read the code without taking it to the dealer, I was told that there are no aftermarket readers available??

Thanks.
Ed

[This message has been edited by ed's4X4 (edited 09-12-2000).]

 

There are aftermarket readers available, but they cost several hundred dollars for a basic one. A good one can cost a grand!

Many independant shops can probably read the codes for you cheaper than a dealer.

Mark

 

ed
I had this a couple years or more ago. It was still under warrenty & the dealer flushed & changed the trans fluid with mercon5. The mechanic said ford insisted on a complete flush--no chance of mercon3 mixing in. It's been great the last 25k. See the engine section for a recent post on code scanners

------------------
97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

 

Just took my 4x4 '97 SB ext. cab in for the same thing. It is under warranty as I negotiated a 5 yr extended warranty as part of my 5.4 piston slap replacement engine. I only have 3000 on the new engine and 41K on the truck. They are supposed to call me tommorrow to let me know what the fix is. I am seriously starting to loose faith in Ford and all there claims and comments. Duckman

 

Thanks guy's for the replys. Please let me know what you find out Duckman. I will try to get things straight this weekend.

Ed

------------------
1997 F150 4X4 Lariat
5.4L Auto OffRoad
Towing Package
Gibson 3" cat back

 

Duckman,
How'd you negotiate an extended warantee ?

------------------
'99 EB Expy 4x4, 5.4L, 3.73LS w/tow pkg, Ox White, 4WAS Air Suspended
Stock except for: Auxiliary Battery, Re-located CD Player

 

The motor had piston slap and the dealer decided to replace it with an engine built to the new spec "(it is not brand new) but built to the new spec"-a direct quote from FORD. I had only wanted assurance that the original engine would last and they insisted on replacment. I wasn't thrilled and said if they were going to replace it that it should have the same warranty as a new engine (36K) or 3 yrs. They countered with a 5 yr (75K) drivetrain warranty that started from the date I bought the original truck. I am still talking to them about it and trying to get an additional year on the 5 making the warranty on the new engine at least 3 years.
About the tranny, got it back today and they said they replaced a solenoid which corrected the problem. Drove home fine, stopped to get gas, started up and check engine light came on just like before and when I got to my driveway the tranny shuttered as before. Needless to say I jumped on the phone to the service manager and expressed my sentiments in not so many words about the so called repair !! Taking it back tommorrow and getting a rental, will post again when I get it back!

 

Duckman
Please keep me informed.

Ed

 

My truck just starting doing the same thing (i think). It will be idleing fin at a light and then get really rough, like its missing and then when i start to give it gas to go, it kinds shudders a little. I runs fine besides that though. I have had to problems with it when I was driving. It started after I was driving through alot of water, like up to my doors. Is there anyway water could have gotten in the trans and is makeing it idle rough? Or are there two different problems, or is it just the engine is missing and when i start to go, it is missing a little and makeing the truck shudder? Any one know?

------------------
99 black f150 4x2 ext. cab sport w/4.6 V8. external mods. include:
3" body lift, 3.5" fabtech lift, airaid FIPK, JBA headers, Superchip headlight/taillight covers, wiper schroud, shadeblade, ventshade, bug deflector, bed liner, tonno cover, and Flowmaster Amarican Thunder cat-back system.
internal mods. include:
Pioneer indash cdplayer, 2 8" MTX subs, 400 watt amp, remote start, and aftermarket alarm
<a href="biglongaddress.com/morestuff/yetmorestuff/pagename.html">shortdescriptiveword or words</a>



[This message has been edited by christrucker (edited 09-16-2000).]

 

Ford dealer called today and said the torque converter is definitly locking up. They are replacing the tranny but the same as engine - "not new but remanufactured to the latest specs" - am not happy and am going to see Ford rep later this week to see about a buy back ! ! I think Ford is the best truck around and I just got a 1st year lemon. Will keep you posted. Duckman

 

Got my truck back today - turns out they didn't replace the tranny, just the torque converter - the Ford Rep said no to buy back and no to additional 1 year on extended warranty - the service manager was very unsympathetic and didn't offer an explanation as to why they wouldn't buy back or even offer an decent trade in price - I'm not sure what my next step will be but I have lost a lot of faith in Ford lately!! Am going to explore other avenues. Will keep you posted!

 

Duckman,
I am still haveing the same problems but I have noticed that it only happens in OD. I have to take a little trip tis weekend and next week I will be getting ready to replace the Torque Converter, but let me know it you have nay more problems. I am getting the same feeling about Ford as you are. This is my first try at a ford. I know that I got a USED truck but it still have less than 100K on it. I think these OFF-ROAD equipped trucks should be able to hold up to alot longer. Plus with all of the other things in the news about fords design problems, it might not be a bad idea to look around. Let me know how that thing runs this next week.

Ed

------------------
1997 F150 4X4 Lariat
5.4L Auto OffRoad
Towing Package
Gibson 3" cat back