I have a 1995 E-150 with a 302 with an automatic transmission with overdrive. In the past month or so I have noticed that the transmission shudders right before it shifts into 3rd and again before it shifts to OD. As soon as it shifts it is ok. This usually happens on light or normal acceleration. Heavy acceleration or if I hit the brakes it stops. This tells me that it is the torque converter (i think). Th shudder seems to get worse as time goes on.

I have read about this as a typical problem with this particular model and have been told that it may be helped with a transmission fluid change (which I am planning on doing soon). A couple of mechanics have also told me that there is an additive available that helps also.

Can any of you give me advice on whether or not to use the additive and if so is there a particular brand or type. How long can I expect it to take before the shuddering stops?

I bought the van a year and a half ago with 55,000 miles on it and it now has 75,000 miles and everything else seems tip top shape.

Could this be something more serious?
Do I need to go ahead and change the torque converter?

Thank you in advance.

HD

 

I had the exact same problem with my '95 F150. It lasted for years. I thought it was the tranny also. But mine wasn't. The shakes went away after I replaced the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, and did a top end and injector clean. I did all those thing in one night and I havn't had the problem since. I think the main problem must have been the coil because I replaced the others a couple of times prior.

Good Luck
Matt

 

I had the same problem with my '94 f-150. My tranny began slipping between first and seceond and eventually every shift was jerking the whole truck. I added a product called i believe slick 55 or something, helped smooth out the shift. I got a total of probably 10,000 miles after it started to go bad out if it. Try that slick 55 worked pretty good.

 

Moved from 87-96 forum. User does not have e-mail turned on to notify.

 

Thanks for moving me to the appropriate category. I am new to the board and just didn't look down far enough to find this thread. Also, how do I turn on my mail to notify. I got an email that said that I had a post on this thread. Sorry, I am just new to the board and guess I missed that.

 

I had a shutter problem occur at about 43k when I was in overdrive. I went to a local tire&lube shop and they sold me a two part system of flush and conditioner, when I dumped in the flush withing 5-10 miles the shutter stopped, I then changed the filter and oil and added the conditioner, I havent had one mechanical problem since and I now have 261k on the same trans (94 E4OD) And a lot of that was pulling trailers in desert tempuratures/ mountains.

Frequently changing the fluid often helpes, the last filter change I put a drain plug in the pan so now I can easily change the fluid when I change my oil. Its been my experiance that if a tranny is cool and clean there isnt to much to cause it to fail.

One last thing I forgot is that I also have a B&M shift controller installed ($35) It allows you to electronically control the shift firmness, hence clutch slippage, hense heat, hense clutch particles.