When in reverse and the transmission is under a load i am getting a slip somewhere. Also shifting into drive or reverse the transmission is slow to engage and sometimes bounces in and out of gear until it sets. Any feedback would be appreciated. I have heard that these weak transmissions have a reverse clutch. Can the torque converter slip in reverse when it seems to work well going forward?
Thanks SOB Racing

 

These are not weak transmissions.

Yes, they have a reverse clutch. Somewhere out there there may be a transmission that doesn't have a reverse clutch, but I'm not aware of one.

The torque converter doesn't know if the trans is in reverse or drive. It does exactly the same thing in drive or reverse.

It sounds like you have one or more solenoids that are sticking. The most common cause of sticking is contamination. That can happen from ATF that is to old, or using the wrong ATF. Sometimes it just happens for no apparant reason.

 

How many miles on the truck? When was the trans flushed? Have you changed the external FT-145 filter? If so, when?

 

Mark and kepler4:
thank you for your reply. According to you two it seems as if I should change out the filter and trans fluid. I have 40k on the fluid and the truck. I'll change out the fluid. I'm not sure how to flush out the system, can you give me feedback on how this is done.

 

It's best to flush it with a heated fluid exchange machine. The TorqShift has a thermostat. The trans needs to be at least 170F and kept that warm durning the fluid change or it will recirculate the old fluid instead of pumping it out. I've seen instructions on the net to do it yourself, but I haven't tried it and I don't know where to find them.

 

Thankyou Mark:
I searched the subject and found out some information. It was a post provided from you on E40D and 4R100 trans-good info. I'll use this as a template. Do i have to use mercon SP or are there other fluids i can subsitute.

 

Mercon SP is the only fluid designed and approved for the TorqShift. The aluminum trans filter canister under the right front side of the truck (FT-145) takes a 22MM socket and generally needs an impact wrench to get loose without bending/breaking the bracket.

Here's a thread with some info: www.ford-trucks.com/forums/734984-05-external-tranny-filter-removal-install.html

The 'home-flush' procedure is in the 6.0 Tech Folder. I had the dealer do my trans flush at 20K and have just drained the pan and changed the FT-145 since then. Yours is definitely overdue!

 

Mark, my transmission never sees over 165 unless I am towing. Should it be higher, where did the 170 come from?

Kepler4: When I changed the my FT-145 I used about a quarter of a quart of Mobil 1 syn tranny fluid, dont remember if it was SP or not. Will this be a problem?

 

I don't know for sure. Mark is the expert on that so hopefully he'll share his knowledge.

 

According to the mobil website Mobil 1 syn trans fluid is NOT mercon sp here is an excerpt

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid


Outperforms conventional ATF and meets General Motors' Dexron® III and Ford's Mercon® and Mercon® V requirements. Also recommended for Chrysler automatic transmissions.

Fully synthetic formula provides outstanding resistance to oil breakdown and deposits under severe duty and high temperatures.

Helps extend transmission life through excellent durability and protection.

I would not use it in place of Mercon SP which I understand is synthetic if you have a tranny problem and they find you used the wrong fluid you wouldn't have a warranty.

 

There is a thermostat in the TorqShift. It's nominal temperature is 165F. I added 5 degrees of fudge factor.

Mobil 1 is not MERCON SP. Do NOT use it in a TorqShift. Will a 1/4 quart cause a problem? Probably not, but who really knows?

Transmissions are EXTREMELY sensitive to having the right fluids. Always be sure to use the right stuff.

 

Truckblog - How-To Flush Ford's Torqueshift Transmission
I'm getting mine flushed tomorrow. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

I had mine flushed last week (then I got a discount coupon this week). Oh well, I am very happy I did it. It was a little early (28,700).

I changed my external transmission filter myself after the flush.

 

Thanks a lot guys, rep points to both. I bought the truck used so I don't know the last time the tranny was flushed, the fluid is cherry red though. I am going to get it flushed soon just in case.

 

Since we have some transmission guru's here I have a question.

I have an '06 F-350 SRW 4x4 that sees a fair ammount of heavy towing.

How often should the fluid be flushed and should the filter be done at the same time?

Thanks.