I posted this in the Clutch/Transmission section this morning and I have not yet received a reply...so I thought I'd post here as well to see if I get some guidance:

I've owned this truck since new and I just turned 100K miles. I believe I have the 4R100 transmission. Here lately when I accelerate slowly, my transmission shifts and I hear a chatter, usually from 2nd to 3rd gear, or from 3rd to 4th. When I shift under normal acceleration it shifts fine.

While checking my service records I found that I had the transmission first service at 32K mile, but it didn't indicate whether I changed the filter. With that low of mile I probably didn't, just the fluid change.

Next I had the transmission flushed at 68K miles.

Now I think I am due for another service and I am really confused as to what the proper service to be done. Some say all I need to do is drop the pan and change the filter, then refill with 8 quarts. Others are saying that is not correct and I need to flush the system.

Also, do I have an external filter? Some shops are not aware of an external filter, and neither am I.....but that doesn't mean much either.

Regarding my chatter when shifting, do I need to just add an additive for this issue?

Lastly, if I go with a synthetic fluid I need to do a complete flush? As you can see I'm totally confused.

 

what has this truck done for the last 100k. obviously a lot of sitting? but is it pulling it's guts out when it is being used?
My preferred method is drain the pan , re fill run through all the gears drain pan re fill run through all the gears, drain pan change filter re fill and set fluid level. using castrol merc V or mobile 1 synthetic

external filters were put on after market, normally behind the radiator on passenger side. my opinion on these doesn't fit well with most so no comment on in line filters from me.

as for the chattering, is there any codes? what temp has the trans been running? is TC lock up normal, is fluid color / smell normal. a lot of info is needed to diagnose the problem.

 

Thanks for the reply. Over the last year the truck has set with not a lot of use, as I use my car in my business. Since I sold my business last month I've been using the truck more for regular driving.

I occasionally use my gooseneck trailer to haul my tractor, but that is maybe two to three times per year, so not a lot of towing. Pretty much just normal driving.

I checked the fluid and it appears to be red with no burnt smell. It's just been about 30K miles since the last flush and I'm getting conflicting info on which is the best method of service. Filter has never been changed to my knowledge.

 

You should change the fluid. Not just what's in the pan, but all the fluid. Here's how. Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission .: Articles
The internal filter is the only filter the transmission has. It is not a very fine filter and it is good for the life of the transmission. You don't need to change it until the trans is rebuilt.

 

Thanks, Mark. So if I want to let a shop do the service, a flush is all I need to do?

 

My tranny has 298K, and ONLY flushed regularly every 30K. Org pan seal still in place.

 

Yes it is.

 

Kind of got screwed. I took my truck to a shop nearby and had the transmission flushed. They advised they had the equipment necessary to do this job correctly.

They drove my truck to the back of the shop as I waited. After a while I walked back to the service area and I noticed only about 6-7 quarts of transmission fluid sitting on top of the engine bay. I asked the mechanic if the remaining quarts were all that were left to be put in, thinking that they had already used about 10 quarts already. He stated that they were only putting in the 6-7 quarts as that is all they could get out.

I said this truck holds 18 quarts....I thought this was a full flush, not a partial? He advised that they drain all they could from the pan and hook the truck up to their machine and suck out the rest. Something didn't sound right but I was too late to just get them to stop. They had already drained my fluids.

Next time I'll be going to a dealer or a more reputable shop to do the flush correctly for a full system flush.

I will say that the shutter is gone and it does shift better.