Slipping Transmission or Ignition Problem?

[SugarHigh]

It is an 06 5.4L 4x4 with 54K on it.

It shudders a bit/seems like transmission slipping at mid range rpms. Seems to not do it in first but in higher gears. If low rpm, then fine. If mash the gas then fine. Hills make it worse. It has been going on for about a month. Sometimes it is completely fine, and sometimes not.

The engine light comes on some of the time in conjunction. The engine light will blink some of the time. It does not stay on. I have noticed that the engine seems to run rough some of the time when the light is on. I am guessing the blinking light might mean it is mis-firing.

Trans fluid was not low and looks very clean. I have had the truck for 15K, so not sure if the trans has ever been serviced. I have note replaced anything in the engine compartment.

The combination of these symptoms make me think it is the ignition cutting out, which makes it seam like slipping. What do you guys think?

How could I go about diagnosing what is wrong? Confirm ignition, then figure out the cause.

Your help is most appreciated.

 

[KWT2000]

im thinking ignition problem because a blinking CEL is warning you that the engine is miss firing bad enough to do damage to the cats

 

[97_edition]

Not to steal a thread but It would seem we have several on slipping tranny's. This tread most closely matched my problem..

Not sure what problem is but..

I just took my 97 with 110K to the garage last night. On my way home the tranny seems to be slipping or something. When going up a hill in OD, it seems like it wanted to shift down but wouldn't. I clicked off the O/D using the button and it did the same thing in Drive when I would give it gas, acting like it wanted to down shift but would make a noise like it was shifting up then down up then down. Not sure but my first thought was my transmission was going out. This is the newest vehicle I ever owned so I'm not sure what if any shift modules (electronics) could be making this happen.

In my previous experiences with slipping transmissions it would do it constantly not just mid-range RPM's. When giving it alot of gas it wouldn't slip, well acting like it wants to down shift. In my case a little gas while going would cause the problem. If I gave it alot of gas it will shift and go, no slipping. I checked the fluid and it could take maybe 1/2 a quart nothing bad. So I just took it to the garage to see if the "mechanic" had any thoughts.

I wanted to get you guy's in put as it would seem experience with these vehicles is the key to most problems.

Thank you all in advance. I will post updates with what the mechanic says.

Oh and I found out my Brush guard is Illegal here in PA. Well the bars going across the Headlights are. Luckily they are removable.

 

[JUST4FUN]

something cheap and easy to do is change the gas filter.

 

[tritonman5.4]

Not to steal a thread but It would seem we have several on slipping tranny's. This tread most closely matched my problem..

Not sure what problem is but..

I just took my 97 with 110K to the garage last night. On my way home the tranny seems to be slipping or something. When going up a hill in OD, it seems like it wanted to shift down but wouldn't. I clicked off the O/D using the button and it did the same thing in Drive when I would give it gas, acting like it wanted to down shift but would make a noise like it was shifting up then down up then down. Not sure but my first thought was my transmission was going out. This is the newest vehicle I ever owned so I'm not sure what if any shift modules (electronics) could be making this happen.

In my previous experiences with slipping transmissions it would do it constantly not just mid-range RPM's. When giving it alot of gas it wouldn't slip, well acting like it wants to down shift. In my case a little gas while going would cause the problem. If I gave it alot of gas it will shift and go, no slipping. I checked the fluid and it could take maybe 1/2 a quart nothing bad. So I just took it to the garage to see if the "mechanic" had any thoughts.

I wanted to get you guy's in put as it would seem experience with these vehicles is the key to most problems.

Thank you all in advance. I will post updates with what the mechanic says.

Oh and I found out my Brush guard is Illegal here in PA. Well the bars going across the Headlights are. Luckily they are removable.

i have a similar problem but its my shift seloniods,atleast i beleive so,my truck will shift hard into second gear at low speeds or even if im on it sometimes in 3rd gear too,so u might wonna check that out,electronic issuse im gonna go with that,but it can also be be bad pressure lines as well,as far a tranny fluid goes,to much pressure will cause the tranny to act up so will too little.
o and pa always seem to have a gay law statin that something is illegal like i got a tickect for having an air freshiner hangin from my rear view mirror lol

 

[97_edition]

Yea, i have a new fuel filter setting at my house. But I didn't think that would cause my Tranny to act weird. I only notice it when I am at crusing speed and just give it a little gas. If i smash the throttle it will shift into passing gear and go fine.

I haven't heard back from my mechanic, and I have been at work since 7:30 am and won't get off until 10 pm. So I keep checking my phone.

Oh and PA laws suck! A speeding ticket or so ago, on my ticket the officer wrote obstruction hanging from rear view mirror...

ON the bright side they passed a law allowing us motorcycle riders to drive with accessory/engine lights on at night. Only condition is that no red or blue lights facing forward... Dang ha ha.

 

[tritonman5.4]

Yea, i have a new fuel filter setting at my house. But I didn't think that would cause my Tranny to act weird. I only notice it when I am at crusing speed and just give it a little gas. If i smash the throttle it will shift into passing gear and go fine.

I haven't heard back from my mechanic, and I have been at work since 7:30 am and won't get off until 10 pm. So I keep checking my phone.

Oh and PA laws suck! A speeding ticket or so ago, on my ticket the officer wrote obstruction hanging from rear view mirror...

ON the bright side they passed a law allowing us motorcycle riders to drive with accessory/engine lights on at night. Only condition is that no red or blue lights facing forward... Dang ha ha.

lol i wish u the best luck with your truck bro

 

[97_edition]

Not to steal a thread but It would seem we have several on slipping tranny's. This tread most closely matched my problem..

Not sure what problem is but..

I just took my 97 with 110K to the garage last night. On my way home the tranny seems to be slipping or something. When going up a hill in OD, it seems like it wanted to shift down but wouldn't. I clicked off the O/D using the button and it did the same thing in Drive when I would give it gas, acting like it wanted to down shift but would make a noise like it was shifting up then down up then down. Not sure but my first thought was my transmission was going out. This is the newest vehicle I ever owned so I'm not sure what if any shift modules (electronics) could be making this happen.

In my previous experiences with slipping transmissions it would do it constantly not just mid-range RPM's. When giving it alot of gas it wouldn't slip, well acting like it wants to down shift. In my case a little gas while going would cause the problem. If I gave it alot of gas it will shift and go, no slipping. I checked the fluid and it could take maybe 1/2 a quart nothing bad. So I just took it to the garage to see if the "mechanic" had any thoughts.

I wanted to get you guy's in put as it would seem experience with these vehicles is the key to most problems.

Thank you all in advance. I will post updates with what the mechanic says.

Oh and I found out my Brush guard is Illegal here in PA. Well the bars going across the Headlights are. Luckily they are removable.

I just heard from my mechanic, He is recommending that the transmission needs serviced. Probably never done and it has 110k on it. He says the noise he is hearing is slight shutter in the transmission from not getting enough fluid to shift correctly. He is going to flush the transmission & etc with his machine that completely transfers all old tranny fluid w/additive (additive is added to trany then heated buy running several miles) and replaces it with new fluid.

Also told me the slight noise I was hearing in the front of the vehicle is the Hub bearings starting to go bad. Apparently they are about $200 each. I told him I have seen them on eBay for under $100. His experience has been that most of the cheaper eBay parts don't last but several months and they only warranty them for 90 days and the pain you have to go through to claim the defective part under their warranty (shipping, re-stocking, etc.). Anyone have experience with buying hubs w/bearings? Good or bad vendors?

 

[DarrinBC]

To the OP, yours sounds like a low grade misfire. I would look at the plugs and coil packs.

To the guy with the 97, I would think that this one is more related to an electrical issue too from what you described. The MLPS (neutral safety switch) comes to mind first and the TPS (throttle position sensor) comes up second. I don't see how fluid issues would be causing what you described. But, stranger things have happened and, of course, I might be misreading what you are trying to describe.

Darrin

 

[seeker]

Sugarhigh

Had the same thing happening on my 02 5.4. Took months and i was convinced the trans was shuttering. Finally a cel come on. I almost ran over several vehicles to get to an auto parts store to get read the code. Coil on number 1 was gone. Replaced it a year ago and never had the problem
come back. Hope you can isolate the problem. Try having someone read the codes if you can.

 

[97_edition]

To the OP, yours sounds like a low grade misfire. I would look at the plugs and coil packs.

To the guy with the 97, I would think that this one is more related to an electrical issue too from what you described. The MLPS (neutral safety switch) comes to mind first and the TPS (throttle position sensor) comes up second. I don't see how fluid issues would be causing what you described. But, stranger things have happened and, of course, I might be misreading what you are trying to describe.

Darrin

Thanks for the thoughts. I am having the tranny flushed so I will see if this takes care of the shifting issue. (This needs done anyways).

Also while talking to the mechanic, with servicing the transmission he told me I will not need to replace the transmission filter. I asked him why and he explained that there is a one way valve that allows the "dirty" transmission fluid in but not out (the filter traps dirt). With the "machine" hooked up it allows for the valve to be opened, which then allows the filter to be "cleaned", all dirt is flushed out of entire transmission including the filter. Has anyone ever heard of this?

 

[Stoned06]

I also am on the missfire bandwagon for the OP's issue. My light flashed under heavy acceleration then went away when I let off. It is reversed from your issue, but it can also happen under lighter throttle.

 

[jimmyv13]

I'd say coilpack...have the dealer tech hook it up to the computer and go for a ride. Once the stumble occurs, it will show on the program which cylinder had a little hiccup indicating a bad coilpack.

I had this happen on my '04 F150 and did the tranny flush first as well at right about the same mileage as yours. The CEL would come on with a P0141, IIRC, lean bank 1. Swapped in a new coilpack and the did the plug while they were in there. Truck ran great after that...

 

[DarrinBC]

Also while talking to the mechanic, with servicing the transmission he told me I will not need to replace the transmission filter. I asked him why and he explained that there is a one way valve that allows the "dirty" transmission fluid in but not out (the filter traps dirt). With the "machine" hooked up it allows for the valve to be opened, which then allows the filter to be "cleaned", all dirt is flushed out of entire transmission including the filter. Has anyone ever heard of this?

That is BS. I can cut open a filter and post up pics if I remember.

The only valve like that is for the torque converter to prevent drainback when the engine is shut off. That valve won't do what he is saying.

Darrin

 

[thePUNISHER]

Thanks for the thoughts. I am having the tranny flushed so I will see if this takes care of the shifting issue. (This needs done anyways).

Also while talking to the mechanic, with servicing the transmission he told me I will not need to replace the transmission filter. I asked him why and he explained that there is a one way valve that allows the "dirty" transmission fluid in but not out (the filter traps dirt). With the "machine" hooked up it allows for the valve to be opened, which then allows the filter to be "cleaned", all dirt is flushed out of entire transmission including the filter. Has anyone ever heard of this?

my goodness.....

 

[jimmyv13]

Go to a dealer, it may be more expensive initally, but it's worth a little coin knowing guys know how to work on your car.

 

[97_edition]

Well I have contacted 2 of the major Ford dealerships here in PA and asked questions regarding the transmission flush and what it consisted of. Both dealerships confirmed that the transmission flush will replace all 15 some quarts of fluid and dropping the pan and replacing the filter is not needed . "The filter is cleaned by the additives run through the transmission and then replaced with all new fluid. All additives and "gunk" are removed from the system." They charged $169 for the complete system flush, labor and fluids included. They said the old way was to drop the pan and change the filter but the new machines have the ability to completely "clean" the trans. system with out the pan drop and filter change.

So I guess the mechanic is on par with the dealership. And besides he is only charging 140 for complete service.

I will let you all know when I get my truck back.

 

[thePUNISHER]

according to ford there is no service interval for the filter on most of their transmissions. it would take a whole mess to obstruct one.

 

[jimmyv13]

The tranny service needs to be done, but I highly doubt it will fix your problem. Have you run the codes?

 

[97_edition]

The tranny service needs to be done, but I highly doubt it will fix your problem. Have you run the codes?

No I haven't. I don't have the equipment to do this.

I'm not sure if the mechanic did, (I don't know if he said no codes were showing or no I haven't run the codes.) Working 13-14 hour days and only getting to talk to the mechanic while at work sucks. I will have some evenings off and the week end. I will be sure to ask more questions.

Thanks guys..