Possible Tranny Issue - 2003 F150

[SkunkedAgain]

The past few weeks I've noticed that my transmission takes a little longer to switch between drive and reverse (2-3 seconds instead of 1). Now when I go around the turn at an intersection and get on the gas, my motor revs in neutral for a second before it pops into gear. I checked the tranny fluid when everything was cold (not driven for a day) and the fluid was into the "Do Not Add" area on the dipstick. Granted there is a slight sideways lean to my driveway but I can't imagine that it would make that much difference.

Would too much tranny fluid cause my problems? More importantly - do my symptoms sound like a big problem or minor. I'll take it to the local transmission shop when I get back into town. Just trying to gauge the impending pain to my wallet!

[Scott K]

I would get it hot, park it on a level surface, check fluid while running in park. If it isnt low, either you have a bad filter, and it is sucking air, or you need some tranny repairs. Does the fluid smell burnt?

[JosMN]

My 2001 supercrew will do that when I first start it up in the morning. When I put it in drive or reverse (whichever way I parked it in the driveway that night), it takes an extra second or two to go into gear/slam into gear! Doesn't do it after I drive it to the gas station or whatever and come right back. But after work it will do it from siting for that long of time period. I personally think it's a rear end problem.

How is it on the highway when it downshifts? Mine will really slam into that lower gear if I'm pulling something.

[Scott K]

My 2001 supercrew will do that when I first start it up in the morning. When I put it in drive or reverse (whichever way I parked it in the driveway that night), it takes an extra second or two to go into gear/slam into gear! Doesn't do it after I drive it to the gas station or whatever and come right back. But after work it will do it from siting for that long of time period. I personally think it's a rear end problem.

How is it on the highway when it downshifts? Mine will really slam into that lower gear if I'm pulling something.

There was a reflash for this.

[JosMN]

4wandering - There was?? I just got the truck a couple of months ago. Suppose I need to go to the dealer to have that done?

[Scott K]

You can try it, it can also be other things, but I would try the reflash first.

[SkunkedAgain]

The fluid didn't have an unusual smell to it and was nice and red. It drives great, shifts great, just likes to shift into neutral too long while decelerating. I guess that I'll make an appointment at the shop!

[Scott K]

More then likely a sticky valve, a one way clutch bad, or a band that is worn.

[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks

[SkunkedAgain]

Fluid level was good and it was clean, but had metal shavings in it....the kiss of death. They pulled it apart yesterday to look at the forward clutch (I think that's what it was) and said that everything was original and that every bit of the transmission was showing the truck's 173,000 miles.

I'm on the path to a complete rebuild. There's a stinging coming from my wallet region!

[Scott K]

I would have them give you prices on a reman as well, as what they will charge you to rebuild. Also compare what the warranty is on both before agreeing to any repairs.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Don't ask why, I don't know.

Call up the dealer, have your VIN number ready, talk to the parts department your self. Ask them what the price of that re-manufactured transmission is and or the parts for the rebuild. At our dealer the parts are cheaper if you buy them over if you were to buy them through the service department.

*then remember to ask what the labor costs are too minus the parts.