Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Transmission question...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 9, 2013 | 05:44 PM
  #1  
CNC's Avatar
CNC
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
Transmission question...

I have an '03 F250, 4x4, 5.4L, automatic transmission. The truck has 113,000 miles and I believe I had the transmission serviced a few years ago, around 70,000 or so miles. The other day it was really cold in the morning and when I put the truck into drive it did not engage right away. It took a few seconds before it went into drive and I drove away thinking maybe it was the first time this season it was so cold and whatever. Just was out with my truck and put it in drive and the same thing, nothing, just like neutral. This time I put it into #2 and it went into gear. Not sure if this is the beginning of something bigger or something that just needs to be fixed? Anyone have a similar experience?
 
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2013 | 07:55 AM
  #2  
projectSHO89's Avatar
projectSHO89
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
Check the fluid level. If it's low, you'll often get delayed engagement.

Also, if the fluid is old and it's additives are worn out, the solenoids and pistons tend to get sticky and slow to respond when cold. Manual 2nd bypasses the solenoids and hydraulic pressure is routed directly to the clutch pistons that apply 2nd which are a different pattern that a PCM-commanded 1st gear as you'd get by placing the shift lever in drive.

Performing a fluid exchange with Mercon V would be a prudent step.
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 04:03 PM
  #3  
CNC's Avatar
CNC
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by projectSHO89
Check the fluid level. If it's low, you'll often get delayed engagement.

Also, if the fluid is old and it's additives are worn out, the solenoids and pistons tend to get sticky and slow to respond when cold. Manual 2nd bypasses the solenoids and hydraulic pressure is routed directly to the clutch pistons that apply 2nd which are a different pattern that a PCM-commanded 1st gear as you'd get by placing the shift lever in drive.

Performing a fluid exchange with Mercon V would be a prudent step.
Thanks for the tip, I checked the fluid and the level is fine. The color looked fine as well.

Besides changing the fluid, is there anything else to be concerned about? The fluid did look fine, but I do plan on getting it changed in the near future. But for now I notice that it's happened a few times now since posting this. It's when the truck is cold and putting it into 2nd does get me going and then I put it back into drive. Will that cause any problems?
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2013 | 08:45 PM
  #4  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 2,661
From: SE Florida
No, that won't cause any problems.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Big-Red-Lariat
Escape & Escape Hybrid
6
Jun 26, 2018 05:35 PM
msnrasool1
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
18
Jan 24, 2018 08:32 PM
pbrunner
General Automotive Discussion
6
Feb 22, 2006 11:16 AM
D.S.
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Jul 5, 2005 10:39 PM
CobraXP
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Nov 30, 2003 10:41 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:05 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE