Possible tranny Problem?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 303
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From: Nova Scotia
Possible tranny Problem?
Not sure if this is a possible transmission problem or not so here goes...
First, I am running an '83 F100, 302 with a 3 spd auto. bone stock with 3:08 rear end... 100,000 miles.
Here is the problem... when I accelerate from a stop I sometimes feel what seems like a hard upshift. Doesn't happen all the time but just on occasions. I have had the fluid changed and the the tranny flushed last summer at the local Ford dealers.
Any thoughts?
First, I am running an '83 F100, 302 with a 3 spd auto. bone stock with 3:08 rear end... 100,000 miles.
Here is the problem... when I accelerate from a stop I sometimes feel what seems like a hard upshift. Doesn't happen all the time but just on occasions. I have had the fluid changed and the the tranny flushed last summer at the local Ford dealers.
Any thoughts?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Possible tranny Problem?
Doesn't sound too out of the ordinary to me for a tranny from 1983. I own 2 old vehicles with their original automatic trannys still installed, one a 1967 and the other a 1973. They will shift differently depending on how I accelerate and drive the car in general. If they run fine otherwise I wouldn't worry.
One thing you might look into is what method the transmission uses to shift. I'm not familiar with your transmission so I have no idea if it uses a vacuum modulator, a TV cable, an electrical switch, etc. But what ever it uses may be out of adjustment. Let us know what you find.
One thing you might look into is what method the transmission uses to shift. I'm not familiar with your transmission so I have no idea if it uses a vacuum modulator, a TV cable, an electrical switch, etc. But what ever it uses may be out of adjustment. Let us know what you find.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 303
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From: Nova Scotia
Possible tranny Problem?
They say the governor needs replacing ($54) and the modulator should be replaced ($23). They say the tranny is starting off in 2nd most of the time and the "hard shift" symptom I feel when I accelorate is the tranny kicking down to first. Suggested a modulator change as well. Other than that... they say it is OK. Governors wear after time and tend to stick.
So, Thursday, Big Red is going in for surgery for a few hours... wish me luck.
So, Thursday, Big Red is going in for surgery for a few hours... wish me luck.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Possible tranny Problem?
I truly believe your dealer is wrong. In another reply you were told that the tranny would shift differently under different load's, this is correct, and there may be an adjustment problem. $23 for a modulator change is a joke and a rip-off. It is a $9.00 part at most and you can change it your self in 10 minute's. Be sure not to loose the modulator pin. Good luck
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Nova Scotia
Possible tranny Problem?
Thanks, I will change the Modulator first and see what happens. I have dealt with the dealer for almost 15 years and they treat me fairly so I doubt they are intentionally trying to rip me off.
As for price, remember I am talking Canadian $$. Last I looked, 1 US$ is worth gazillion Canadian $'s
As for price, remember I am talking Canadian $$. Last I looked, 1 US$ is worth gazillion Canadian $'s
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Possible tranny Problem?
Big1 is correct. If I were you I'd change the vacuum modulator myself, it is a $9 part and is very easy to change. In case you've never done it before, just make sure you have something under it to catch the fluid when you unscrew it. And also as Big1 stated, make sure you don't lose the little metal bar that fits into the modulator with friction. When you put the bar into the new modulator just push it into the modulator using normal force until it stops and then carefully screw in the new modulator into the tranny case. Also double and triple check the rubber and metal hoses that run between the modulator and engine and replace or cut off the hose ends to make sure it is all sealed and no vacuum leaks. If you still have problems, then go to the dealer for another evaluation. Let us know what happens.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Nova Scotia
Possible tranny Problem?
What exactly is the job of the modulator? What does it do and how does it do it. What are the symptoms if it isn't doing it's job. 
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 303
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From: Nova Scotia
Possible tranny Problem?
One more thing... Big Red is going to the dealer for surgury tomorrow (too damn cold around here to do it myself! Still -14C at night and not much warmer in the days) and I will have the modulator changed first and try it before anyother work is done.
Thanks for the advise... I will keep you advised. These ate the days you wished you had a four on the floor and a clutch!
Thanks for the advise... I will keep you advised. These ate the days you wished you had a four on the floor and a clutch!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 303
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From: Nova Scotia
Possible tranny Problem?
Replaced the modulator and the problem was still there... replaced the govenor and wow! Big Red hasn't shiffted like that in 5 years... like a new truck! 