cleaned my motor, now trans is hesitant to shift to O/D!?!

[friend99v8]

Hey guys-I recently bought a 99 with the 302 motor, I decided to use a bit of that foaming motor cleaner to try and clean up the motor a little bit, and the 1st time I drove it after using the cleanser I noticed that the transmission would hold 3rd gear for much longer before shifting to OD...when it does shift to O/D it shifts cleanly, but it stays in 3rd far too long, often I have to let off the gas completely to try and 'help' it shift to OD.

It shifted perfectly before I used the cleanser, I've looked over the motor to find any connections that might have come unplugged, but it all looks OK to me, the fluid level in the trans looks good and the fluid is fresh. I suspect a vacuum leak but I don't hear any leaks when the motor is running.

any ideas on this would be appreciated! otherwise I'll take into the shop...

 

[Turdle]

This rings a bell to me.

Turned out to be the throttle position sensor.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203962&highlight=washed+engine

 

[friend99v8]

this sure does sound like the same problem, I would remove the TPS and clean it, if only that hadn't permanently attached it with those stupid screws!!!!

 

[friend99v8]

Well I got the TPS replaced and reset the computer...the problem still persists, if anyone has other ideas on what could cause this hesitation when shifting to 3rd gear??

This rings a bell to me.

Turned out to be the throttle position sensor.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203962&highlight=washed+engine

 

[Turdle]

Maf counts also affect shifting. Any chance you got the filter wet then ran the engine?

Try cleaning the maf sensor next. I'm trying to help you find what I also feel is an induced problem. Sorry about the tps sensor--

 

[friend99v8]

Thanks man, I'll give that a shot! (memo to myself, do not clean my motor ever again!!!)

Maf counts also affect shifting. Any chance you got the filter wet then ran the engine?

Try cleaning the maf sensor next. I'm trying to help you find what I also feel is an induced problem. Sorry about the tps sensor--

 

[friend99v8]

Well I removed the MAF and cleaned it appropriately and reinstalled and reset the computer...seems to run a little smoother...but the transmission still hesitates shifting to 3rd Gear...its weird how the 1-2 shift is perfect, 3-4 is perfect, but it will hold 2-3 for a long time...I may give up and take into a shop!

Maf counts also affect shifting. Any chance you got the filter wet then ran the engine?

Try cleaning the maf sensor next. I'm trying to help you find what I also feel is an induced problem. Sorry about the tps sensor--

 

[Turdle]

Before you go to the shop, maybe one more thing that the truck probably needs anyway. I would now drop the trnsmission pan, and change the fluid and filter. Not a complete flush, but just enough ( mercon V) to fill it back up from the filter change. About 4-5 quarts.

edit
try finding a shift kit, and replace the 2-3 shift accumulator spring.

 

[jlsparky7]

I have the same prob from 1st 2nd only it didnt start when I washed the engine it just started on its own.