help - tranny q? for my 98 Expy

[Guest]

I have a 98 Expy 4X4 that just turned 69k miles. All of a sudden it started shifting more abruptly into 2nd gear. Not a slip - just the opposite as it will consistently shift hard and sometimes lurches forward noticeably. I am bringing into local Ford dealer next week to hook it up to the diagnostic computer - but I was hoping someone here could give me some feedback. When it started I checked the manual - and then checked the fluid level - and I thought it might be a little low but I wasn't sure if it was hot enough to check. I put in a little bit of mercon fluid through the dipstick - and no change at all. Now I think maybe I might have a little too much fluid (I only put in 1/4 of a qt at most). I have owned this truck for over 4 yrs and never had the tranny fluid changed. I had looked at the book before and I thought I had one of the E4OD transmissions that have no scheduled service interval - but now I wonder if that is not the case ? If it is a sealed transmission - why would it have a dipstick ? Do I just need a drain and fresh fluid to cure this ? Also - i have a Gibson Exhaust - K&N intake, and a jet chip. I put on the aftermarket stuff 2 + yrs ago and no problems at all. I do some light towing occasionally - 2 place snowmobile trailer - small pop-up camper etc... but nothing regular and nothing over 3000 lbs.

Can anyone tell me what might be causing this ?

Scott in New Hampshire.

 

[rwinch]

My '98 trans runs smoooth at 98K.

I have recommended a number of times that folks change their fluids (all of them) every 1 - 2 years. I have had my Exby (bought used @ 14K) since 9/01, and I have Power Flushed the tranny twice, including filter change.

The POWER FLUSH, is what you want. It forcibly removes the junk from the tranny and the associated lines, coolers, etc., instead of simply relying on a gravity drain. Also, when simply draining, there is a lot of old fluid that remains in the system, and that too is forced out, and replaced with new fluid.

I would suggest you do the same, either at the Ford dealership, or better yet, at a trusted local shop that will probably charge less.

Also, I would highly recommend going to synthetic fluids. Just a month ago, I change ALL my fluids (diffs, tranny, brake, etc.) to all synthetic ( I have always used synthetic engine oil). Yes, it did cost quite a bit, but so will another $35K vehicle!!!

We will see what it brings, but note that all the major truck lines use synthetics, both to lower cost (more miles between changes), and longer engine life.

 

[PaulC]

It sounds as if you are well overdue for a transmission fluid change. It's very possible that dirty/contaminated fluid could be the culprit. While the transmission is being serviced, I would respectfully suggest that the transfer case fluid be changed as well.