My 1998 F150 has an automatic transmission that delays shifting from 2nd to 3rd only when the weather is cold and the transmission is cold. Once it warms up it seems to shift fine. I never notice this problem in the summer. Any clues?

 

My '97 4R70W 2-3 shift point is moved uprange when cold. Instead of 1500 RPM at 30 MPH in 3rd, its 2000 in 2nd. Have to go faster, then ease off gas for an instant to get it to upshift to 3rd so I can run quieter at 30. When it warms up a bit, returns to normal. Remembered reading in books (Ford) somewhere about upshifts being delayed by computer when trans temp sensor is cold. Have observed E4OD trans doing the same thing. If yours returns to normal when trans warms up, is probably OK.

 

I agree with Granpa
2-3 shifts are delayed when cold. Our dealer ran diagnostics on my trans 4r70w and advises its programming. One interesting observation is that if the truck's block heater has been plugged the shift is not delayed so far. I dont know why this would be purposely programmed in enless it for cold emissions numbers. I guess I'll just have to live with it.
Regards Dave



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97 F150 4x4 Ext Cab Long Box 4.6L Auto XLT Oxford White/Gold

 

My 1997 2WD had a hard shift from 2 to 3rd gear. They replaced the 2-3 accumalator piston. It would do this generally when first starting out and then after the initial shift oit would be fine unless I turned the engine off and started again. See technical bulletins