Transmission Did Strange Thing Today

[ctrcbob]

Transmission acted strange for a while today. When I would start off from a light, normal throttle, (OD OFF) went 1st, 2nd 3rd, but then it would linger in 3rd with no lock-up until about 40mph, then it would drop back into 2nd. While I'm trying to figure out what is wrong, it went back to 3rd and locked up as it should. Did this a few times, stoplight to stoplight. Then I tried it with OD On, and it would do the same thing, except after 3rd, 2nd, 3rd, lock-up, it would go into 4th.

Then I remembered that just before all this happened, I was in 3rd, (OD Off and I had manually pulled shift lever down into 2nd and after I passed, put lever back into Drive (but OD was off).

Well, just when I was starting to get worried, I pulled over, put car in Park and shut off the ignition for 30 seconds. Started car and drove off, and transmission was back to normal. (whew :bows: )

[torinodan]

Are you still stock? Mine does the same but it's because of the tune. When I turn my chip off everything is fine. Line pressure isn't the same at those speeds. Only does it with normal throttle with the chip so I stoped driveing normaly.:burnout:

[SergntMac]

That sounds like low fluid, but so do many other symptoms. A while back, there were some wiring harness issues, two main trunks pass between the firewall and the valve covers, where this is little clearance, and sharp edged brackets. Take a careful look for chafing.

On the driver's side, it's rather easy to see, look at the brake system master cylinder, and let your eyes drift across towards the center of the car. On the passenger side, you'll have to dig and tug a bit, but it's very close to the tranny dip stick.

[FordNut]

Are you still stock? Mine does the same but it's because of the tune. When I turn my chip off everything is fine. Line pressure isn't the same at those speeds. Only does it with normal throttle with the chip so I stoped driveing normaly.:burnout:
Dan,
Aric has a fix for that.

[torinodan]

Hard to fix from out here

[ctrcbob]

Yes it is stock, as far as I know (except for Flowmaster Mufflers). Just purchased it used in February.

From reading the great information on this group, I don't believe there is a performance chip in it because when I drive it slow, the transmission locks up in third gear at about 30mph then into fourth at close to 40mph. It's my understanding that with a chip, the transmission will not lock up until at a much higher speed.

Took car out this evening and transmission worked correctly, just as it should.

Am flying out to New Mexico early tuesday so car will just be sitting. (Won't be able to get on this group while away). When I return a week later, I will change out the transmission fluid, just before I drive up to Lake George NY in early June.

Thanks for all the tips. Printing them and will check them out.

[SergntMac]

I don't believe there is a performance chip in it because when I drive it slow, the transmission locks up in third gear at about 30mph then into fourth at close to 40mph. It's my understanding that with a chip, the transmission will not lock up until at a much higher speed.
This is not a feature of a base SCT tune, but it is something we have learned to manipulate to our own desires, and so many are experimenting with it, even I am lost in it all. Personally, I do not like this delayed lock-up one bit. My "around my town" cruising remains in 3rd gear, and that uses gasoline when I'm not really going anywhere. I'm not one to believe that every other motorist out here who pulls beside me in traffic wants to race me, so, WTF am I doing coasting down 111th Street at 3000 RPM, when 1500 RPM will do. I'm just going out for beer, right?

Moreover, I'm often stuck in crowded Chicago expressway traffic while commuting to-from work, and between 50 and 60 MPH, my tranny is really confused. When I get on the throttle to change lanes, o,r pass a truck, but very much less than WOT, my tranny never knows what gear to use, and that just sucks. Sometimes, it downshifts to 1st, and this is just plain embarrassing, and really hard on tires and fuel. However, when I'm racing and mean to race, street, or, strip, and clearly intending WOT, my shifts are crisp, solid, and right on time, and I'm liking the end result (lower ETs) big time. Guess I can't have everything I want, eh? Maybe someday...
Took car out this evening and transmission worked correctly, just as it should.
Which is exactly why I suggested that you inspect your wiring harness carefully. Transient, sporadic and intermittent misbehavior speaks of an interruption in communications, a loose of shorted wire. "Here today, gone tommorow" would make me look at every wire, to rule out a break in communications, before I looked anywhere else, IMHO.

I will change out the transmission fluid, just before I drive up to Lake George NY in early June.
This is fine, but check your wiring first, K? Because that's free?

Oh, and BTW...If your tranny IS shifting as you describe in your opening post as "normal", enjoy it? This gave me the most joy while just driving down the boulevard. There are moments I wish I could go back.