Help, Transmission Slipping

[jonroe]

Folks,

Out of the blue last Friday afternoon my transmission started slipping in first gear before the shift into second. It's been pretty consistent since Friday. The car is drivable but if I push at all in first or second gear while starting from a stop, I get slippage and have to back off. I've seen no ill behavior in 3rd or 4th and it cruises the highway fine. I can even hit it pretty hard in 3rd on the highway with no problem. The oil is exactly full at full operating temp (186). I have changed 6 quarts of the oil (with the deep pan) at 25K, 35K, and 45K miles. It now has 49K miles. What's up? Is it worth changing the 6 quarts again or should I take it into Ford (I have the ESP)? This happened briefly once before for a couple of days right after I changed the 6 quarts of oil at 45K miles. At that time I checked the oil level and it was about 6 ounces low. I added that little 6 ounces and the slippage quit until now. Could it be the oil not being high enough quality (Advance Auto Mercon V) with proper friction characteristics? I don't drive hard and it has never been raced. I'm at a loss. Thanks. Jon

[merc]

It could be your forward clutches. You probably have a failing/sticking PCS valve or 1-2 shift solenoid. Check the PCM for codes because you could have low transmission line pressure. How many miles are on your car? Most transmission repairs require a specialist. Sent a P.M. to Cheesehead Bob. He found a good transmission shop for his needs.

[jonroe]

I haven't checked for codes yet - I will today. There has been no check engine light. It has 49K miles. Why wouldn't I try Ford first using my ESP warantee?

[merc]

Not all Ford dealerships are the same. If you have a ESP then take it to Ted Brett Ford.

[jonroe]

I live near Ted Britt Ford in Chantilly. This MM has only ever been to the dealer one time since driving off the lot in Wayne, NJ, and that was at Ted Britt for my LCM fix last August. That's where I would take it.

Do you think it's worth even trying to change the pan oil or not bother?

Jon

[merc]

I live near Ted Britt Ford in Chantilly. This MM has only ever been to the dealer one time since driving off the lot in Wayne, NJ, and that was at Ted Britt for my LCM fix last August. That's where I would take it.

Do you think it's worth even trying to change the pan oil or not bother?

Jon

We are talking transmission pan or engine oil? Keep everything factory till the end of the Extend Service Warranty. After that, all bets are off. :beer:

[jonroe]

My question was, is it worth the effort to change the transmission pan oil (about 6 quarts with my deep pan) in an attempt to help my slippage problem or just take it into the dealer?

[baltimoremm]

take it to the dealer

[merc]

My question was, is it worth the effort to change the transmission pan oil (about 6 quarts with my deep pan) in an attempt to help my slippage problem or just take it into the dealer?

The dealer should be able to determine the problem and most likely they will change the fluid. This should not be a major repair.

[jgc61sr2002]

take it to the dealer



What he said. ^^^^

[jonroe]

I'll set up the appointment tomorrow for next Monday, I hope. I don't want it in the shop over the holiday weekend. Thanks for the input, guys.

This auto transmission business really frosts me. I have only had 3 cars with autos in the past 20 years and all have had problems. I thought this one would be different.............I guess not. Let's hope a good flush will solve the problem though I'm not very hopeful.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

There's always a price to pay for the machine shifting for you. I've blown up more manuals than auto's though!

[bigbillybbs]

Stay positive don’t get all crazy till you find out the problem. The marauders has a well built solid Transmissions in my Opinion and you seem to take good
Care of her. ( regular maintenance ext.) Good Luck. Let us no the outcome.

[jonroe]

I'm on for Monday at the dealer. I'll let you know the outcome next week. I'm sorry for being frosted but I really have babied the trans knowing my fear of auto failures. I've never had trouble with any of my manual transmissions over the years.

[jonroe]

Well, now I'm confused. After "reliably" slipping in first gear on nearly every take off from 6/27 through 7/4, the thing has not slipped the last two days. I drove it rather hard on Saturday but not much on Sunday - no slips. What's up with that? It's still in the shop today and I have not talked with the service people yet. Could it have been some kind of dirt or debris in the valve body or oil lines? I'm mystified. The dealer may not be able to see the problem today. Should I have them flush the system anyway?

Confused. :help::help:

[MENINBLK]

Are you using the 4WD Filter with the deep pan ???
If not you could be scavanging for oil and losing pressure.

[jonroe]

So, here's the diagnosis I got from the Ford Dealer on my slipping trans.

They noticed that it was more likely on a hard right hand turn and says that the oil pick-up through the filter in the (deep) pan was not as secure as with the OEM pan. I did not go for a longer pick-up when I went with the deep pan. Apparently, the shorter pick-up/filter needs some support provided by the pan and was not getting it so was starving for oil sometimes.

For now, I have decided to let them put in a new filter and return to the OEM pan to eliminate the problem of oil starvation. I'll think about either getting an extended pick-up or just going to an extra in line oil cooler.

Rats!

[jonroe]

Are you using the 4WD Filter with the deep pan ???
If not you could be scavanging for oil and losing pressure.

I guess that's it. That's how they explained it to me. I'm kind of surprised that the use of the longer filter wasn't more clearly stated on this forum. I see some who made the switch but many others have not. I was under the impression that the neck of the filter was tight enough to hold the OEM filter without assistance from the pan. Apparently not in my case.