04 Auto help...

dlucas4134 · Apr 17, 2008

My 2004 GT a/t (stock) has developed a vibration (almost like a shudder) when it shifts into od. This doesn't happen on every shift; it seems that I can prevent it by accelerating rather than holding a steady throttle. Also, when I had the car serviced yesterday, I was told that the pinion seal is leaking and the differential was low. (still does it after refilling rear end oil) Is this a common problem? does anyone have any ideas as to what may be causing it? Could the shift vibration have caused the pinion seal problem? Or, could the pinion seal have caused the shift vibration?

Tia,
Danny

streethorse · Apr 17, 2008

Not a common problem, it should shift smooth as silk.
If your fluid level was low for an extended time it could have done some damage.

scupking · Apr 17, 2008

It is common that you get a clunk when O/D engages at a low speed. You should not use over drive unless you are above 40mph. I usually leave it off unless I'm going over 50.

Notchbck93 · Apr 17, 2008

What you speak of is torque converter clutch shudder. Common Ford problem due to the breaking down of the friction modifiers in the Ford fluid.

Get yourself some quality motorcraft trans fluid and filter, drop tranny pan, dump fluid, drain converter, refil with new fluid and experience no more shutter.

Jerry, the 4r70 specialists recommends you change fluid and filter every 30G.

Education is key!

http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny/transmission/index.shtml

Read and learn about your car's transmission.

You'll want to review page 5.

CobraRed_96_GT · Apr 17, 2008

streethorse said:
Not a common problem, it should shift smooth as silk.
If your fluid level was low for an extended time it could have done some damage.

what? that's one of THE most prevalent problems in the 4R

Notchbck93 said:
What you speak of is torque converter clutch shudder. Common Ford problem due to the breaking down of the friction modifiers in the Ford fluid.

Get yourself some quality motorcraft trans fluid and filter, drop tranny pan, dump fluid, drain converter, refil with new fluid and experience no more shutter.

Jerry, the 4r70 specialists recommends you change fluid and filter every 30G.

Education is key!

http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny/transmission/index.shtml

Read and learn about your car's transmission.

You'll want to review page 5.

Bingo! Make sure to use Mercon V or a similar fluid like Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. The problem isn't solely a fluid problem, however - as the heat is causing the break down in the first place. A synthetic fluid like the V or Mobil 1 helps deter this break down, but the true way to make it reliable is a tranny cooler up in front of the radiator.

steve_stang2003 · Apr 17, 2008

Notchbck93 said:
What you speak of is torque converter clutch shudder. Common Ford problem due to the breaking down of the friction modifiers in the Ford fluid.

Get yourself some quality motorcraft trans fluid and filter, drop tranny pan, dump fluid, drain converter, refil with new fluid and experience no more shutter.

Jerry, the 4r70 specialists recommends you change fluid and filter every 30G.

Education is key!

http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny/transmission/index.shtml

Read and learn about your car's transmission.

You'll want to review page 5.

Yep...good advice!
And while you are in there you might want to install either a JMOD and or a transmission cooler.

The cooler is a must.
The Jmod will firm up your shifts the correct way.

FWIW Castrol Mercon V is Ford certified and you can usually find it on sale at Advance Auto for about $3.50 a quart or so.
I don't know for sure but i believe they are the only after market fluid that is certified by Ford to Mercon V standards.

streethorse · Apr 17, 2008

A lot of people never do any Maintainance on thier automatic trans Whatsoever.
I always do on any automatic I have owned. My 99 had 120k on it and still
shifted like new. Transmission abuse and neglect leds to failure boys.

dlucas4134 · Apr 17, 2008

thanks...

So, if I change to Mercon type fluid, change the 1-2 accumilator, and install a trans cooler, (and the pinion seal) everything should be copacetic? Cool. Thanks much. I was afraid I'd need a torque converter or worse....

dlucas

CobraRed_96_GT · Apr 17, 2008

dlucas4134 said:
So, if I change to Mercon type fluid, change the 1-2 accumilator, and install a trans cooler, (and the pinion seal) everything should be copacetic? Cool. Thanks much. I was afraid I'd need a torque converter or worse....

dlucas

you still might have a toasted converter, mine was at 100-105k miles(with scheduled maintenance, streethorse)

dlucas4134 · Apr 17, 2008

hope not...

it's only at 55K-not very hard miles. Hasn't been doing it long either...

CobraRed_96_GT · Apr 17, 2008

dlucas4134 said:
it's only at 55K-not very hard miles. Hasn't been doing it long either...

well you're in good condition then! I recommend looking into a tranny cooler regardless, ensures reliability for years to come

steve_stang2003 · Apr 18, 2008

streethorse said:
A lot of people never do any Maintainance on thier automatic trans Whatsoever.
I always do on any automatic I have owned. My 99 had 120k on it and still
shifted like new. Transmission abuse and neglect leds to failure boys.

My GM 92 Caprice has almost a half a million miles on it with original tranny and fluid.
Runs great....

There are a lot of opinions on this one and the bottom line is that it is always better to change the fluid/filter every 30k or so however if you have gone to say 80k or so without ever changing the fluid and the car shifts fine and the fluid looks good, I say leave it alone.

Why?

Crap accumulates in the valve body over that length of time and that crap which isn't causing any troubles will surely let loose when you pour new fluid in there and it may end up in a place where it WILL cause troubles.

The best thing you can do for the Ford tranny is a cooler and a jmod.
For the guy removing the accumulator spring, get a full Jmod seperator plate or drill your own.
There is more to the mod than the spring.

For shuddering, most times fresh fluid will fix it as long as you also drain the converter.
Make certain you use the correct fluid for your year car.
If your car needs Mercon V, DO NOT USE any fluid that says Dexron/Mercon even if it says Mercon V on it.....

You want PURE MERCON V and NOTHING else.....

Dexron is completely different from Mercon V..

04 Auto help...

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