another transmission shudder post

[DMANFROMNOWHERE]

I've read multiple posts about the transmission shudder but am still confused on what to do. Under load when trying to pick up speed at 2nd or 3rd gear my car starts to shudder. I'm sure its the transmission but im not sure what to do.

I did the first transmission fluid change using Mercon V at around 110k miles (little yellow lollipop thing was still in the transmission pan so I'm sure it was the first time its been done) and have been changing it since at every engine oil change to dilute the average life of the transmission fluid down to around 50k now. I still have the problem. it seemed to be better at every fluid change and when I put that little "shudder stop" bottle. but the problem never went away and it is just as bad again.

I brought it to a local transmission shop who works on all the cities crown vic police cars and they were trying to charge me ~1800-2400 for a complete rebuild after a free "diagnosis". However, I am skeptical. whenever I have changed the fluid, I found no metal chunks or anything, only a little metal dust that was collected by the transmission pans magnet but not enough to be concerning.

From what Ive read, it should be either a fluid problem or a torque converter problem but I am lost and unsure what to do. any advise would be appreciated, even if its that i need to add more fluid or something, idk.

[DMANFROMNOWHERE]

I forgot to add, when I accelerate enough for the transmission drops a gear it works just fine. like it wants to be driven hard but I dont want to have to drop a gear every time i want to speed up a bit.

[88LTDCV351]

I remember when I had what everyone was describing as a shudder but then I changed my COPS and Spark Plugs and shudder never occurred again. Make sure to check the easy things first.

[DMANFROMNOWHERE]

I never thought about that, it wouldn't hurt to change the spark plugs since I don't know when they were last changed either.

[boom boom]

I've got an '03 CV that has done this since new. Very faint in the early odometer, always light throttle, on an slight uphill, and around lockup. Over the years, many fluid changes, and 160,000 miles it has gotten worse. Been through the transmission once in that time as well- I'm convinced its the torque converter which is coincidentally the only thing that hasn't been touched.

[blazen71]

I never thought about that, it wouldn't hurt to change the spark plugs since I don't know when they were last changed either.And change the coils. You can get a Motorcraft set for about $250.

[Turbov6Bryan]

Diagnose the coils with eBay specials $34.50 for all 8, if that fixes it, couple years down the road buy the gt500 ones

[Grimrepairman]

Definitely check plugs/ coils or just replace them all. It's not uncommon for a slight misfire to feel like transmission slippage.
Try a cold start with minimal warmup time and start out with the shifter in 2nd gear. If there is a misfire it will be much more noticeable at a lower rpm with increased engine load and may appear to go away as rpm increases.
It's not impossible but unlikely that the transmission slips in 2nd and 3rd, especially with minimal debris in the pan. If the torque converter clutches were causing the shudder it would be in 3rd and 4th gear, should be no lockup in 2nd unless it can be changed in the tune.

[johnjamis]

Try Lubegard 19610 Instant Shudder Fixx, 2 oz. on ebay $6.

[NickT02LS]

I just bought the GT500 Motorcraft ones from blueovalindustries on ebay, was like 223 shipped

[MyBlackBeasts]

Get your GT500 cops from Tommy (Sparta Performance). Support our vendors.

http://spartaperformance.com/svt-4v-ignition-coil-set/

[justbob]

Get your GT500 cops from Tommy (Sparta Performance). Support our vendors.

http://spartaperformance.com/svt-4v-ignition-coil-set/

At 22% more? Blueoval is making money as well. Just sayin.




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[MyBlackBeasts]

FordRacing wants $315 for them (https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-12029-4V), Tommy's at $299.
When I was ordering, Amazon was higher than Ford Racing.
Given Ford wants $60 a pop for OEM and the problem with counterfeit Motorcraft COPS is SOOO bad it means I won't buy from a non-Ford affiliated seller, I thought $25 for a GT500 COP straight from a Ford dealer was pretty darn good. :)
Paying all that $$$ from Amazon or eBay or an unknown seller only to find there are a crappy Chinese knock-off = too pissed...

[DMANFROMNOWHERE]

Ill go ahead and replace the COPs and spark plugs, but I'm sure its a transmission issue due to the fact that adding Instant shudder fixx little tube solved my problem for about a week until it came back. and I could be wrong about what gear the shudder was happening. its around 40-60 mph, i hear everyone saying gear 3-4 which is probably correct since I haven't really counted what gear its in at the point of the shudder.

If all I have to do is flush my system, how do I go about doing it? I know a complete flush is not recommended since it might cause the torque converter to slip. I talked to another transmission shop which said they add aft conditioner for this exact reason.

[TORINO]

When did you last do an oil and filter change on the transmission ? Do that and see what is in the pan as far as clutch material. If new filter and the 4+ quarts make it better do another oil only change in a few thousand miles. If pan is full of goop/clunks start saving for a trans rebuild. A small amount of sediment in bottom of pan is normal, pan gasket is reusable.

[DMANFROMNOWHERE]

When did you last do an oil and filter change on the transmission ? Do that and see what is in the pan as far as clutch material. If new filter and the 4+ quarts make it better do another oil only change in a few thousand miles. If pan is full of goop/clunks start saving for a trans rebuild. A small amount of sediment in bottom of pan is normal, pan gasket is reusable.

last change was about 1k-2k miles ago, filter probably 4k-6k ago... oil seemed fine as far as no clumps or goop which is why I question the transmission shops suggestion of rebuilding it.

[justbob]

last change was about 1k-2k miles ago, filter probably 4k-6k ago... oil seemed fine as far as no clumps or goop which is why I question the transmission shops suggestion of rebuilding it.

They ALWAYS suggest a full rebuild! They told me that my trans and converter were shot on my F150 almost four years ago and zero change. I only drive it 3-4000 miles a year but still, shot? Odd how I’ve gotten probably fifteen thousand miles more out of it and still have the exact same symptoms of low power at cruising 45 and slight shutter.. She pulled a heavy trailer more than a few times and definitely romped on in the snow playing, er driving responsibly.


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[TJCOX]

Try some Motorcraft Friction Modifier! Helped mine.