Transmission shift problem

[Wardriver]

I have a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer with the V8 5.0, transmission model I am not sure of but will try to find that out.
I bought this SUV used, and under the hood there is a marking that shows the trans was flushed at about 60k, now it has 118 k on it and I know a flushing would be good to do, the issue is that when the thing shifts, normally around 1800-2100 rpm's its now doing it at 3000 + thru all gears. Oddly enough I can force shift it it form 1 - 2 via dropping the shifter to 2nd, then to 3rd at the right rpm's.

Fluid looks Ok but I suspect something a bit more serious is wrong. Should I go ahead and get the fluild flushed etc and go from there or is there another attack point I should focus on like possible part failure?

TIA.

 

[toy720]

You have the 4R70W transmission it would not hurt to do a filter and fluid change or get it flushed but it does sound a bit more problematic than that. im not sure but i would say you may have some valves hanging in the vb?

 

[Glacier991]

The 4R70W is a workhorse of a tranny. Overall it's reliability is pretty good. But like any other transmission, it does have certain achille's heels. First off, the FORD transmissions tend to use Electronic Pressure Control Solenoids (you will see them called EPC's). These constantly move a plunger to adjust hydraulic pressure within the transmission (or dither it, if you will) and do have a lifespan. You are on the outer limits of average lifespan. (Some start to fail sooner some later, but 135K is near the end of average it seems.)

They also have a little screen that could plug up or become obstructed.

Your transmission is, for a 4R70W - young.

Toy is also correct, you could have something in the VB hanging up. VB = valve body = brains of the trans.

Depending on your level of your confidence, I can walk you through an EPC replacement. A new one runs about $50 for this transmission.

I am doing a full 4R70W Rebuild Diary (see at the top in the "stickies" section of this forum), and the final thread(s) of that Diary will be valve body rebuild, but that is a month or so away in the Diary. (Those things take time, and I have a full time job as well.)

I do not think you have a serious problem, but more likely a pressure problem emanating from either an EPC that is weary, a pressure regulator that is leaky, or some other VB problem that CAN be fixed, with the transmission staying right where it is, IN THE EX).

By the way, if you change fluid, replace what you have with Mercon V. Do not argue with them when they say you can use III and it's cheaper. You want Mercon V.... or better yet, DIY !

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check the cooler for any fluid restriction? If it is partially clogged, it will reduce fluid circulation pressure, and possibly cause it to run hotter than normal. The cooler is like a small radiator for the transmission.