I just picked up a used 2009 F150 SCREW with a 5.4. It has 78K miles on it.


I have a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear in what seems to happen every third time or so.


I had the transmission fully flushed with Amsoil and the problem continues, however it does feel as if it shifts smoother overall since the change (pan will be dropped and filter changed out sometime soon).


Anyone have any idea what problem is?


JD

 

I don't know about people running amsoil in the new 6 speeds. I wonder if they are compatible. Your pcm might need to be flashed with the latest version. There are several tsb out about the shifting with these trucks. I have a custom tune with Mike from 5star. It has made the driveability night and day difference though. He changed the shift points and the line pressure with the tune. They are with in safe ranges.

 

Truck might have a shift kit installed if you bought it used.

Definitely not a bad thing. Wish I had one in my 2010 like my old 98 had.

 

If it's tuned and on a "race" style shift 1-2 will Be rough.

 

I don't think it has anything beyond stock. What is strange is that it doesn't happen each time, like every third time.


Can the dealer it was last serviced at tell me if they flashed it to the latest flash version?

 

Mine did it occasionally as well when I got it with 70k miles. I had the transmission "serviced" at the dealer (pan drop, filter change and refill) but that only changed out 4-5 liters of the fluid. I have since changed 14 liters by removing the cooler line, pumping out a couple of liters and refilling the pan repeatedly. Mine shifted just fine after that.
The transmission is a ZF clone and is meant to run on Mercon LV fluid. Not doubting amsoil fluids, but i would suggest a complete change with the correct fluid. Worked for me. I also now have an 87 eco/tow tune from 5 star. Completely different truck with the tune.

 

I had the dealer do a 14 quart flush. I am not worried about Amsoil. The stuff is top shelf. Im also new to this 3rd party flash thing. Where did you get it. How much is it? How do you do it? Sorry for all the questions.

 

The tune you can go the website. Just Google 5star tuning and it will bring up the page. He has prices and different tunes available. Mine was like 500 in 2012 with the Christmas sale he had.

 

My 2013 5.0L F-150 does the same thing but every other shift to higher gears is smooth.

 

I paid $435 for an SCT programmer and custom tunes from 5Star during their labor day sale. Mike was very prompt and even adjusted the first 87eco/tow tune he sent me after a couple of days as the shift points were a bit high for my driving style. Enjoying it ever since. Mine used to shift very hard once in a while from 1-2, but mostly when it was cold. Never a clunky shift with the tune in 5 months.
I'm sure you've spec'd the fluid from Amsoil, but mercon LV is a low viscosity fluid and the valves and electronics expect the fluid to be thin:

https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubrican...ERCON%20LV.pdf

The closest amsoil cross would be the "fuel efficient" version:

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=ATLQT-EA