depami

2001 SCab 5.4 4X4 has been shifting from 3 to 4 at 2-2.5 K instead of the normal 1.5-2 K. Seems to have started after dip stick tube was replaced. Appears to be worse when cold. Shifts are smooth and and 1.5 K cruise is 57 MPH as usual. Truck has 175 K miles.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Denny

gDMJoe

.
Doesn't happen when the transmission warms-up right?

What's the mileage?

When was the last time that the transmission filter and fluid were changed?

The OBVIOUS ... Is the transmission fluid low?
.

byte

Did you add any fluid? So many different flavours of ATF now its mind boggling which to use... I noticed the same in my Duramax after adding one liter of ATF...

depami

175,000 miles. Fluid and filter changed just shy of two years ago. Fluid not low. Mercon fluid used. Not as bad after warm but still not quite right.

gDMJoe

How many miles since "two years ago"? May be (?) time for another change.

The "normal condition" schedule is 150,000 miles (IMO that seems a bit high for the 4R70W).

You could do a pan-drop and filter tear-apart to see if there are particles/chunks/etc. and/or the pan magnet is REAL fuzzy. *Rebuild time.

May need to have it diagnosed at a transmission shop.

FYI -FoMoCo changed the recommended transmission fluid to MerconV from MerconIII and don't mix 'em.
.

byte

http://www.fordparts.com/products/ch...ionfluids.aspx


I see 3 flavours of Mercon listed...


Not for use in applications where MERCON® SP, MERCON® LV, Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid, Motorcraft® Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid, FNR5 Automatic Transmission Fluid or Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended

depami

1st mechanic says internal seals are starting to leak and that's why it's worse when cold. Could last a long time or could go soon but eventually will need rebuild or replacement.

Anyone know of a "reconditioning additive" that may buy me some time?

wolfy53

How did you check your fluid level? First thing I would do is a service.

I know some people don't like the flush but I do. I flush all fluid then drop the pan and change the filter. When you just drop the pan you get about 25% of the fluid out.

depami

Two more mechanics hooked up analyzers and test drove. They both said it's fine but after 12 years and 175,000 miles of driving it I know better.

I was telling my brother that it seems to have started after the dipstick tube was replace and he suggested that maybe the tube is not properly seated, thus causing the stick to give incorrect readings.

I added another half pint and sure enough, it shifts better.

I'd like to add more but it already shows "over full". Granted, the stick reading is likely incorrect.

So, my questions are:

Does anyone have measurements to verify proper installation of transmission dip stick tube?

and

How "over full" can it be before there is a problem?

Thanks,

Denny