The Shudder

[ElGuapo]

Hello, I know that there have been many discussions regarding the Expedition "shudder" and what causes it, but in reading the past threads I still need help in determining whether or not mine is related to fuel/ignition or transmission slip. Here is what happens: I will be driving normally, OD will kick in just like normal around 45mph if I'm not still accelerating. If I lightly step on the gas while in OD, the car will shutter noticably. This happens ONLY while in OD, no matter how fast, so far I get the same results anywhere from 45mph to 75mph, lightly hit the gas and it shudders. If I just cruise in OD, there is no shudder. There is no shudder in any other gear while at the same rpm range 1400-2000, depending on speed. There is no problem shifting gears whether I am driving slow or laying on it hard, and there is no issue with the engine performance either way as well, no missing, stalling, hesitation. If I hit the gas hard while in OD, it will downshift and accelerate like normal. I can talk to 2 people and one will give me a fuel/ignition issue, and the other will give me a transmision issue because both have the same symptoms. To me, it seems to be more of a transmission issue, but, with 166k, I am hesitant to change the fluid and possibly make the problem worse if it is the torque converter. Any input is greatly appreciated. 1999 EB 4x4 with 5.4. It can be assumed that the trans fluid was not changed as per the maintenance guide.

 

[Lane24]

Sounds alot like this thread... have a look here >>>> http://www.expeditionforum.com/showthread.php?t=14531 .......... His ended up being the torque converter.

 

[indcolts18288]

Sounds alot like this thread... have a look here >>>> http://www.expeditionforum.com/showthread.php?t=14531 .......... His ended up being the torque converter.

Just gettin ready to say the same thing.

 

[ElGuapo]

Thats what I was leaning towards. I guess it is a crap-shoot with the fluid change though, could make it worse or better. I guess I'll start with that and see what happens. I'd feel better about spending $100 and if it works that's great, rather than a $1500 rebuild and wondering if a fluid change was all that was needed.

 

[indcolts18288]

Thats what I was leaning towards. I guess it is a crap-shoot with the fluid change though, could make it worse or better. I guess I'll start with that and see what happens. I'd feel better about spending $100 and if it works that's great, rather than a $1500 rebuild and wondering if a fluid change was all that was needed.

I've been quoted by the Chevy dealership at $1250 parts and labor for the new torque converter. I know dealerships are higher but is $1250 terrible?

 

[ElGuapo]

I wouldn't say that dealerships are higher. Everyone has mark-ups and charges about the same for labor. Dealer shops are having to compete more and more with indie shops. Some just try to scare people into thinking that they are the only place you can take your car for service of any kind. In my other car, the trans service was $220 at the dealer vs $450 at Pep Boys, however, the dealer wants $70 for a standard oil change vs a full synthetic oil change for the same price at Midas or Pep Boys, and Jiffy Lube wants well over $100 for a full synthetic service. It all varies, and the cheaper the part, the more it costs to put it in.

 

[indcolts18288]

I wouldn't say that dealerships are higher. Everyone has mark-ups and charges about the same for labor. Dealer shops are having to compete more and more with indie shops. Some just try to scare people into thinking that they are the only place you can take your car for service of any kind. In my other car, the trans service was $220 at the dealer vs $450 at Pep Boys, however, the dealer wants $70 for a standard oil change vs a full synthetic oil change for the same price at Midas or Pep Boys, and Jiffy Lube wants well over $100 for a full synthetic service. It all varies, and the cheaper the part, the more it costs to put it in.

Gotcha