1994 F150 XLT Flareside Mark3 edition

I am driving normally on the road and i reach a speed when the gear changes and I feel a vibration. I'm pretty sure its not a rough road. This doesnt happen a whole lot but I'm just wondering, is it a problem?

 

Yes, it's a problem. The good news is it's easy and relatively cheap to fix. The problem is worn out transmission fluid.

Get the transmission fluid changed. Make sure to change the fluid in the pan and the torque converter. A flush machine works real well. Many dealers and quick lube shops have these machines.

 

When I get an oil change, can they change the transmission fluid?

 

Many quick oil change places have a machine that replaces the old fluid with new fluid. They do a good job of changing all the transmission fluid. It's usually under $100.

 

I hate to be negative but if the fluid change doesn't fix the problem your most likely feeling what is called "torque converter shudder". The dealers say it shows up in about 1 of 10 vehicles. I had it happen with my 96. Only fix is to replace the converter.

They claim it's because most folks don't change the fluid at the recommended 30k interval. For severe service 20K.

Hope I didn't ruin your day.

 

most of the time simply changing your fluid gets rid of torque converter shudder...

 

how much does the torque converter cost?

 

The flush got rid of the shudder I had in my 96. It gave no trouble after that.

BE

 

My shudder showed up soon after I started towing #5500. I never abused it while towing but I got on it many time before I started towing (Superchip). I've changed fluid twice, once myself. Still shudders. I am still under warrenty, I wonder if I keep driving like that will my tranny fail. Will the dealer do anything about it? I isn't that bad, just aroung 50MPH.

BTW I only have 19,000 Mi. on her.

 

*thread bump*

 

I'm running near 80k miles. I've had the truck since 77k (two months) and I think the tranny fluid hasnt been changed yet. I'll get it flushed and filled and see what happens. Thanks

 

just in case....



how much does a torque converter cost?

 

i didn't know there was such a thing as a minor tranny problem !!!there all expensive !

 

If you do it yourself you should be able to get it done for about $500. At a dealear it's closer to $1,000. I would get one from Ford. I replaced the TC in my 96' with one from NAPA(cheaper) and pulled it back out in a week because it had a constant vibration(out of balance). Put in an OEM and was good to go. It might have been a fluke with the NAPA(nothing against them, they paid me a little labor) but I wasn't in the mood to R&R it a third time.

Good Luck!