Transmission Jerks when Coming to Stop

[Hoos95]

2007 2WD 336K miles with original engine and transmission.

Recently the transmission will jerk around 15-5 MPH when coming to a stop. Today, it’s gotten more severe. Any help/recommendations is appreciated.

 

[stamp11127]

How often have you serviced the transmission?

 

[Hoos95]

How often have you serviced the transmission?

Transmission has never been touched: original fluid, filter, etc.

 

[Hoos95]

I do plan on dropping the pan next weekend and replacing oil, filter, and cleaning the magnet. Is there anything else that I should replace while I have the pan dropped?

 

[stamp11127]

I'm curious as to how long you think a transmission is supposed to last without being serviced? It has been running for the last 12 years....

 

[bobmbx]

I'm curious as to how long you think a transmission is supposed to last without being serviced? It has been running for the last 12 years....

More than 336k?

 

[Hoos95]

Removed the bolt to check the fluid level and the dipstick is broken... Don’t believe it broke in the process of loosening the bolt

 

[Hoos95]

UPDATE:

Purchased a new dipstick and plug from local Ford dealer. After having the engine off for a few minutes, I started to remove the old plug and broken dipstick. As I was loosening the bolt, transmission fluid begun to seep out and I tightened it back up and waited for the fluid to cool down and contract. I was then able to get the bolt off without liquid coming out. Since the engine was off for about 15 minutes, I checked the transmission fluid level with the new dipstick and the entire dipstick was covered in liquid - up to the end of the dipstick where it makes contact and rests on the transmission case.

Since you are supposed to check the level at operating temperature and while the engine is at idle, how is it possible for the fluid level to basically overflow a few minutes after the engine is off with a transmission that has never been serviced?

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

UPDATE:

Purchased a new dipstick and plug from local Ford dealer. After having the engine off for a few minutes, I started to remove the old plug and broken dipstick. As I was loosening the bolt, transmission fluid begun to seep out and I tightened it back up and waited for the fluid to cool down and contract. I was then able to get the bolt off without liquid coming out. Since the engine was off for about 15 minutes, I checked the transmission fluid level with the new dipstick and the entire dipstick was covered in liquid - up to the end of the dipstick where it makes contact and rests on the transmission case.

Since you are supposed to check the level at operating temperature and while the engine is at idle, how is it possible for the fluid level to basically overflow a few minutes after the engine is off with a transmission that has never been serviced?

I believe that when the main transmission pump is operating (engine on), that the pan fluid level drops somewhat, due to the fluid being pumped through the transmission. When the engine is shut-off, the pan fluid level increases as the fluid flows back to the pan.

 

[JExpedition07]

I believe that when the main transmission pump is operating (engine on), that the pan fluid level drops somewhat, due to the fluid being pumped through the transmission. When the engine is shut-off, the pan fluid level increases as the fluid flows back to the pan.

You are correct, engine on fluid is being sucked up and circulated. Once it’s turned off it all settles into the pan.

 

[Hoos95]

I checked the fluid level this morning with a cold transmission/engine (going by FordTechMakuloco’s instructions for checking a cold transmission level) and the transmission fluid is still up to the end of the dipstick. Should I remove any fluid?

 

[Atman246]

No,do not remove any fluid. Do as the dipstick says and check fluid hot and at idle. You may actually have to add some. As for the clunking on downshift,my shop Ford foreman buddy did a tcm reburn and it went away on my 07. Known issue,i believe he said there's a service bulletin for it.

 

[Hoos95]

No,do not remove any fluid. Do as the dipstick says and check fluid hot and at idle. You may actually have to add some. As for the clunking on downshift,my shop Ford foreman buddy did a tcm reburn and it went away on my 07. Known issue,i believe he said there's a service bulletin for it.

You were right! Thank you

Checked the level at operating temp at idle - level is low. I’ll pick up a quart of Mercon SP today.

To save some time, does anyone know how much fluid I should add to get it into the full area?

 

[Atman246]

To be honest,that fluid looks way dirty. Drop the pan and clean,replace the filter and flush the old fluid out and replace with clean new fluid.

 

[Hoos95]

To be honest,that fluid looks way dirty. Drop the pan and clean,replace the filter and flush the old fluid out and replace with clean new fluid.

Agreed. Already planned on doing that next weekend (fluid, filter, magnet), but instead of a flush I’ll be replacing just the fluid (~7 quarts) that comes out with the pan dropped, since this fluid has hundreds of thousands of miles on it and a flush can damage the transmission.

 

[Matticus]

Agreed. Already planned on doing that next weekend (fluid, filter, magnet), but instead of a flush I’ll be replacing just the fluid (~7 quarts) that comes out with the pan dropped, since this fluid has hundreds of thousands of miles on it and a flush can damage the transmission.

I tend to agree with the "expert" opinions that I've heard/read on this subject that say "Changing or flushing your trans fluid will most definitely NOT damage your transmission. If there is a problem after the change/flush, the damage was already there, you are just bringing it to light with the new fluid"

 

[WesT]

At that mileage, especially if you towed, not servicing the tranny per specs and schedule is the main reason you have problems now.

 

[Alex Lopez]

i recently bought an 07 with similar symptoms. This TSB was on a transmission thread. i have two 08 ELs with none of these issues...

TSB 08-22-7





DRIVELINE BUMP WHILE BRAKING - BELOW 10 MPH (16 KM/H)


FORD:


2007-2008 Expedition





This article supersedes TSB 08-4-13 to update the Issue, Service Procedure and remove the production fix date.


ISSUE


<font color="Red">Some 2007-2008 Expedition vehicles may exhibit a bump feeling while braking to a stop below 10 MPH (16 Km/h). This procedure will improve the bump felt while braking to a stop.





ACTION


Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.





SERVICE PROCEDURE


CAUTION APPLYING THIS PROCEDURE TO UNITS THAT DO NOT EXHIBIT THE COASTDOWN BUMP MAY RESULT IN WORSE SHIFT QUALITY.





NOTE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE MECHATRONIC UNIT. MECHATRONIC REPAIR/REPLACEMENT IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR THIS ISSUE.





1. Install Integrated Diagnostic System/Portable Diagnostic Software(IDS/PDS) or equivalent and ID the vehicle.





2. Update the Power Control Module/Transmission Control Module (PCM/TCM) calibration using IDS release 57.8 and higher or 58.1 and higher. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2008.9 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at the website. Since the TCM cannot be independently reprogrammed, reprogram the PCM to ensure that engine and transmission calibrations are updated to the latest level simultaneously.





a. Verify that the TCM shows 8L1P-7J104-AC (8L1P-7J104-BC for 2008 vehicles built after 12/3/2007) part number after reprogramming is complete.





b. Select the following from IDS, Tool Box, Powertrain, OBD Test Modes, Mode Level 9 Vehicle info, TCM Cal Part Number.





3. Clear TCM keep alive memory (KAM) and adaptive tables.





a. Using IDS:





(1) Open Toolbox.





(2) Choose Powertrain.





(3) Choose Reset KAM.





(4) Then Choose TCM.





b. Using PDS:





(1) Choose all Tests and Calibrations.





(2) Scroll down the menu and choose reset TCM KAM.





NOTE FOR PDS, RESET TCM KAM IS NOT THE SAME AS CLEAR TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE TABLES, WHICH IS UNDER THE POWERTRAIN - TRANSMISSION MENU TREE.





NOTE UNHOOKING THE BATTERY WILL NOT CLEAR THE TCM KAM.





NOTE DO NOT CLEAR THE PCM KAM.





4. Verify that the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) PID is above 175 °F (80 °C). If it is not at 175 °F (80 °C), drive unit approximately 3 miles (5 Km) to reach temperature.





NOTE TFT MUST BE AT 175 °F (80 °C) OR ABOVE BEFORE PROCEEDING TO STEP 5.





5. Drive unit to perform adaptive shift strategy learn:





a. Accelerate from rest with light throttle to 15 MPH (24 Km/h), remove foot from accelerator pedal.





b. Brake very gently to a complete stop (allow at least six (6) seconds).





c. Repeat Steps (a-b) a total of five (5) times in the dealership parking lot or similar setting.





d. Accelerate from rest with light throttle ensuring that the 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 shifts occur at engine speeds between 1300-1800 RPM.





e. Continue to accelerate until you achieve 50 MPH (80 Km/h) or the 5-6 upshift.





f. Brake gently to a complete stop and hold foot on brake for at least 10 seconds.





g. Repeat steps (e-f) three (3) times.





<font color="Red">NOTE THE HARSH BUMP FELT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP WILL BE IMPROVED. HOWEVER, SEVERAL DAYS OF DRIVING ARE REQUIRED FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO FULLY ADAPT.





WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.





OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME





082207A 2007-2008 Expedition: 1.0 Hr.


Check DTCs, Reprogram


The PCM And TCM,


Includes Time To Clear


KAM And Perform Road


Test. Authorization Decal


Not Required (Do Not Use


With 12650D)

 

[Hoos95]

Agreed. Already planned on doing that next weekend (fluid, filter, magnet), but instead of a flush I’ll be replacing just the fluid (~7 quarts) that comes out with the pan dropped, since this fluid has hundreds of thousands of miles on it and a flush can damage the transmission.

Did the fluid and filter change this morning. Only 4 quarts came out, so I added 4 quarts of Mercon SP. Will test drive, check dipstick level, and post an update soon.

 

[Hoos95]

Took it for a ride and the shudder is significantly worse. I'm thinking the fluid level is low, so I'll get it to temperature and check the dipstick tomorrow.