Transmission, hard shift

[Robert Smith]

On my way from northern Nevada to southern. Cruising at 70+ when I approach an RV. I slow to check things out up ahead and then hit the gas pedal hard to pass. My transmission mad a loud knock. It sounded like I hit a rock or something so I backed off and didn’t pass. I was waiting for a malfunction that never came. It happened once more later but not as sever. Made to Vegas with no issues.

Does anybody know if these ‘08 tranny’s are prone to hard shifts at high torque? I’m a little over on a transmission fluid change maybe that’s it?

Thank for your help.


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[762mm]

A buddy of mine had the exact same thing happen to his somewhat neglected and high mileage 2004 Expedition a few years ago (loud bang while trying to pass a Sunday driver on freeway).

He ended up spending $2k+ to have it serviced. According to the trans shop, he blew a gear or something and it needed a rebuild kit installed in order to fix. The only good news is that you will finally get that fresh fluid in there when they rebuild the gears.

Keeping fluid fresh (pan drop or fluid extract every 50k miles) is always a good idea, before stuff like that happens...

 

[JExpedition07]

Did it throw a code? If so I’d get it read and maybe depending on mileage do a fluid change.

 

[Scott Carden]

It may not throw a code but if you hook it up to a good computer, it will have logged the incident. Probably time for a filter and fluid change and reset the shift parameters. It will go into learn mode as it was new.

 

[TobyU]

If it all seems ok now I would bet it was just the trans mount and or motor mounts and crossmember flexing a bit under hard kick down and extra torque and twist.

 

[Robert Smith]

Thanks everyone. I’m looking into a fluid change while I’m in Vegas. I have my fingers crossed!


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[Robert Smith]

I know I should have done it before and I feel really bad about it. I just hope better late than never holds true. BTW, no codes!


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[762mm]

Good luck. Tell the shop to put a new fluid filter in there too, while they're at it. Mine was pretty dark when I changed it a few weeks ago... it actually looked like it was almost clogged.

I say this because it's possible to change the fluid but not the filter, since the metal gasket is reusable on these transmissions. On most other vehicles you'd need a new gasket, which typically comes with a new filter in a kit.

 

[Robert Smith]

Thanks 762MM. I will do exactly that. I did not know about it.


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[Robert Smith]

Follow up!

I had my transmission serviced recently. I made sure they replaced the filter and all of the fluid (as recommended in this forum) and I could tell on the first test drive that it is better. It is smoother and more responsive.

Thanks for all the suggestions!


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[jeff kushner]

These stories usually don't turn out so well Robert, you are fortunate!! Go and enjoy....thanks for posting follow-up!


jeff