I have a 1994 ford lightning. It has an automatic transmission every time from 1st to 2nd gear it jerks the living hell out of me only on that gear shift. sometimes its smooth but most of the times it jerks. Any suggestions ive been reading it could be a sensor but would like to hear more opinions.

 

Did this just start to happen ? Or has it always done this ?

 

I bought the truck from an older woman...it was in bad shape so ive been putting alot of tlc into it but since i got it its been doing it. A mechanic told me it was the motor mounts but it was that i would hear alot more noise. This is just a huge jerk makes you think your popping a wheelie lol

 

Mine did this until I changed the transmission fluid and screen

 

The Lightnings came with the E4OD......first thing I would recommend is to change the fluid and filter in it. Do NOT use off brand fluid in it. It will probably shift like a mechanical bull if you do (mine did). Use a reputable name brand atf in it. Make sure you drain the torque converter as well. There is a drain plug for the torque converter. Plan to buy around 16 quarts of atf. As far as brands for atf, I have had great success with Maxlife.

 

Truth be told, before doing anything, check for codes first, it could be a bad TPS or MLPS.

 

Im going to get the tps and vss checked now can you explain what a mlps is??

 

Manual Lever Position Sensor, also known as the Neutral Safety Switch. It's main purpose is to help prevent cranking the engine with the gears engaged. it prevents the vehicle from starting if the gear selector is not in park/neutral position.