I have a 2001 Screw 4x4 with 33,000 miles. I recently noticed when the weather is cold the transmission is slipping when first starting out. When the truck is warm I have no problems. Anybody else out there notice this.

 

Bigredscrew,

Don't worry. The Torque Converter will not lock up until the fluid reaches a certain temp. If you let the truck warm up first for about 5 minutes or so it, should be ok. I let mine warm up until the frost is gone from my winshield and there's no problem, but if I try to take right off, it will not act correctly until the fluid ids warm enough.

I notice you have 33k on your odometer. Has the fluid been changed yet? That will help as well.

John

 

bigredscrew,

Are you refering to a delayed 1-2 shift, where the transmission sort hangs between gears for a moment???

 

AjRagno,

There is no delay in shifting between gears. Only when I first put it into drive when it is cold.

 

having same trouble with trans in 98 navigator have not been able to get dealer to figure out whats wrong yet let me know if you find out whats up with yours thanks.....

 

I have a '99 F150 with 40K miles. The trans just started slipping on me a couple of weeks ago. Same symptoms, when cold it will momentarily disengage while in drive when starting out from a stop. It doesn't slip under throttle, nor do I notice any slip between gears. It quits as soon as it warms up.

I have had the fluid level checked, but not changed. By the way, I live in Portland, OR, so cold is only about 40 - 45 F at night. Not that cold!

I am trying to schedule a session with the dealer but wanted to know if anyone else was having this problem?

Thanks.

 

The transmission is designed to not lock the torque converter when it's cold. When it is really cold it shifts later, too. Both of these are to help the engine and transmission warm up faster. The dealer can't change it.

 

Well ,
My father retired a year ago as Ford A/T mech. (was at it for 40+ years) and he told me if I start to get a slipping problem on my 4r70w or the 4r100 changing the ATF almost always fixes the problem . I never asked about it but he made a point to tell me that . Based on his experience and the fact the info was unsolicited . I would say the problem is fairly common . He also said make sure if it requires Mercon V that use it because there are places that think it's OK to use plain Mercon ATF.

I hope this helps.

 

Fluid and filter change around $60. That includes draining the fluid from the converter.