Transmission question

[kumaxlt]

I changed the trans fluid and filter for the 1st time in 84,000 miles. I notice that 3rd and 4th gear have a nice solid shift. Shifts into 1st and between 1st and 2nd kinda ease into gear - its more of a subtle shift - even when I acellerate a litttle faster than normal. I realize that the subtle shifts are due to slippage although you dont feel it slipping nor does the engine rev higher during these shifts. Is this a really bad sign that the trans life is shortened considerably or can it last another 50-80,000 miles?

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Hopefully Glacier will chime in soon - but I've had a "soft" shift ever since I recieved my '00 (which now has about 75K on it). Now, did you notice this directly after you changed the filter and fluid? What fluid did you use? Also, did you use a 2wd or 4wd filter? Did the filter "snap" into place? Did you remove the old O-ring/seal from the old filter? I don't think you messed up the installation since it's running the same just a soft shift. I think you are ok, but let some other transmission know-it-alls get in here and help you out further.

-Drew

 

[kumaxlt]

Good questions - I am very sure that the fluid and filter install was correct - Mercon V, 4WD filter, two new seals... read lots of posts and learned prior to the job

The 1st and 2nd gears were shifting this way prior to the change - I just noticed a little bit more of a posotive shift in 3rd and 4th after the change. My thoughts were that all gears should improve like 3rd and 4th? Also, I am comparing the 1st gear to reverse. When I go from neutral to reverse its very posotive - when I go from neutral to 1st its a subtle/smooth shift.

 

[Glacier991]

double post, see below

 

[Glacier991]

A soft shift into 1st and between 1st and second can be caused my quite a number of things, most all related to a low line pressure or a valve body problem. Some of course, may relate to other things, but when you define it as in those gears, my money is on the valve body/EPC or some component within the vb.

Reverse has the benefit of a "boost" pressure, so it's kind of difficult to compare shifts to it, other than noting the difference in feel between reverse and other gears.

 

[kumaxlt]

I see... During the next oil/filter change are their some things that can easily be looked at or repaired? Also, does this sound like something that can last for 50,000 miles or ?

 

[Glacier991]

When you pull the pan, unless you had a broken solenoid bracket of something, there's not much your eye could tell you by a simple visual examination. Me, I'd consider rebuilding the valve body... and while not a white hot emergency, I'd do it sooner than later.

 

[kumaxlt]

Thanks!! What test or how can I verify if in fact it is the valve body? How can I troubleshoot and narrow the possible problem?

 

[Glacier991]

Well, the most helpful information might occur by putting a pressure gauge on the transmission. A soft, or it is sometimes called "sliding" shift more often than not is a result of low control pressure. Then the question becomes WHY, if - ond once -you confirm it is a low pressure problem. It's not as simple as saying AHA, it's this or that. It could be a weakening EPC solenoid (they do wear out in these trannies) it could be a sticky spool in the valve body... it could be a worn bore allowing excess leakage. It could be elsewhere in the transmission.... so it's not quite as exact a science as one might wish. Cost wise, I advise to do everything you might do with the trannie IN the car before you chase things that mean teardown. That mainly revolves around the valve body and solenoids. The success rate seems to be fairly high. Plus 84K is not a lot of miles on that trannie driven just street.