4r100 slow into first when cold...

[htdbajr]

My 2000 expedition transmission has started to show its age (170K miles). On colder mornings, if I have not given the engine sufficient time to warm up, it takes a while for it to "catch" once I initially shift into Drive. Once it "catches" I have no problems. Sometimes there is a high-pitched whine for a few seconds from the tranny area when I first crank it up as well. No slipping at any gear either. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[htdbajr]

Anyone have any ideas or experience to share?

 

[KWT2000]

how long has it been since you have done a tranny filter change and fluid exchange??? i think ford service said to flush every 30k and filter change every 60k... it is amazing what a dirty filter and dirty burnt fluid will cause these electronic transmissions todo

 

[htdbajr]

how long has it been since you have done a tranny filter change and fluid exchange??? i think ford service said to flush every 30k and filter change every 60k... it is amazing what a dirty filter and dirty burnt fluid will cause these electronic transmissions todo

I have the tranny flushed every year (about 20K miles). The dealer does it, I don't know if they change out the filter or not at that time. I will ask tomorrow.

 

[Stoned06]

Just a thought, but it sounds as if some of the passages in the valve body might be gunked up a bit, and the thicker oil when cold has a hard time flowing through. Once warm, it will have no issues as it is thinnner. OR your filter is clogged.

 

[KWT2000]

Just a thought, but it sounds as if some of the passages in the valve body might be gunked up a bit, and the thicker oil when cold has a hard time flowing through. Once warm, it will have no issues as it is thinnner. OR your filter is clogged.

thats a good thought. if its not the filter sea foam makes a transmission product that ive seen good luck with.. run that for a few thousand miles and change the filter and fluid

 

[htdbajr]

Apparently they don't change the filter on a flush and it hasn't been changed in a while. I will change it and then see if it helps. Thanks All!

 

[thePUNISHER]

possibly may be developing a slight leak in the forward clutch circuit......just be sure fluid levels are ok etc. changing the filter most likely will noit help here......

 

[htdbajr]

possibly may be developing a slight leak in the forward clutch circuit......just be sure fluid levels are ok etc. changing the filter most likely will noit help here......

Will it be ok to continue towing with said leak? It doesn't seem to be a problem when everything is warmed up. Is the forward clutch circuit part of the valve body? Please excuse my ignorance here.

 

[thePUNISHER]

if its not severe...this is one of those things that i would live with until it got bad enough to make you worried.

the forward clutch circuit is part of the main control....but i doubt the problem lies here. theres probably a small leak in the center support area if i had to guess.....