Torque converter shudder

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Nov 28, 2016 | 09:27 AM

Tooms789

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Torque converter shudder

Okay so to start off I have searched thoroughly through forums reading up on this issue. I've done the testing of hitting the brakes when the TC is locked and when it's off the shudder disappears. My question is I recently had a trans flush and both internal and external filters replaced. There was a hint of noise before then but it seems it's getting progressively worse. Could it be that they used the incorrect trans fluid? Reading through it seems as if I should follow the steps of dropping the pan and looking for signs and symptoms and then replace with the correct mercon fluid (if that's not already what's there). Then maybe some additives like shudder fix? I just want to make sure I take the correct steps to solve the problem as to not break the bank getting a new TC put in and missed something cheap and easy. Also reading it could be motor related maybe a misfire so just looking for some solid advice on what steps to take to help pinpoint the problem. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer

Nov 28, 2016 | 08:59 PM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

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From: SE Florida

I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but I have never seen torque converter shudder in a 6.0L truck. I think you should investigate an engine miss.

Nov 29, 2016 | 05:57 AM

navistarnut

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Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 3,910

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From: NW IA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but I have never seen torque converter shudder in a 6.0L truck. I think you should investigate an engine miss.

Lol, got a good chuckle from the last part of your signature Mark.
That made my day

Nov 29, 2016 | 09:17 AM

Tooms789

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How should I go about the investigation for the engine miss? I have a ford dealer right across the street from my workplace so I could send it there to have them look at it. I know one of my injectors was was running at 80% but they told me not to worry about it just yet. I haven't noticed any other bad injector symptoms either.

Nov 29, 2016 | 01:59 PM

xcrsp440

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2016

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I had a similar situation. Shudder occurred around 1800 rpm when shifting into top gear. Have a scanner, no CEL or codes were showing, assumed transmission issue.
To confirm, went to dealer for diagnostic check. Best $150 I spent.
Found a code for cylinder #6 low contribution. Rang further fuel and engine tests, all good. Diagnosed a bad #6 injector, recommended doing all four on that side, but I just did the one injector myself. Purrs like a kitten now.
Just trying to find a better scan tool that shows more info.

Nov 30, 2016 | 05:05 PM

wrxin

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Joined: Jan 2013

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From: Parker, CO

I can't say whether or not it's your transmission or the iron brick in front of it, but I started having shuddering issues. Randomly pulling away from a stop and sometimes when shifting into one of the higher gears. I also had random delays from park to reverse and reverse to drive. I replaced the trans fluid with Mercon LV. I drained the pan every few days and eventually got a pretty good fluid refresh. Problem only got worse, quickly.

I ended up replacing the transmission with a used unit from a E350 van with 36k miles on it. Shudder is gone, works great. I'm not saying LV caused any new issues but I will never touch Mercon LV again. Not trying to start an LV v SP debate but I went ahead and filled it with Ford Motorcraft SP.

Used transmission was way cheaper than a rebuild and now I have an extra one that I can rebuild in my spare time.