Shifting Problem

[99ExploratorySUV]

Hey guys, I just wanted to see if anyone could help me with this. It's not too serious yet, but lately, whenever I shift my truck from park to drive, or reverse to drive, and go right for the gas, there is a hesitation, as if it hasn't fully shifted yet; and then it engages, and makes a clunking noise, and the car lurches forward. I've been going easy on the gas when I do this so as not to damage anything, but it's a problem when say, I'm on an incline and I have to shift into drive. If I immediately give it gas, it struggles to engage in drive, and then does with a clunking sound and jumps forward. I was suspecting maybe worn U-joints? Once in Drive, however, everything operates normally, transmission works just fine. It's just the shifting into Drive that is a problem. The car's a 99 XLT SOHC 4x4 with 139,000 miles. Any feedback is appreciated.

-Kyle

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check the fluid level? When was the last time the fluid, and filter were replaced? You might find this article interesting: Dead Link Removed. This is # 62 in my list of useful threads. This transmission relies on electronics, and hydraulics to function properly.

 

[99ExploratorySUV]

Not too sure when it was last replaced, but the fluid level is fine, I've checked it recently, and it doesn't look dirty or discolored.

 

[BrooklynBay]

This chart is # 34 in my list of useful threads:

 

[99ExploratorySUV]

So, fresh fluid should be reddish in color? The only thing is that the trans shifts perfectly on its own. Its just when going into drive, it seems like it takes a little time to actually transfer to the wheels. You think U-joints or anything with the driveshaft would be to blame?

 

[BrooklynBay]

No. I would think that it might be related to loose valve body bolts, low EPC pressure, leaking valve body end plugs, bad valve body gaskets, boost valve, or possibly bad filter O rings. You should have Mercon V transmission fluid. Lubegard sells an additive to add friction modifier to the fluid.