I saw this experssion used on some kind of transmission oil treatment. Pardon me for sounding dumb, but what the heck is "Transmission Shudder" and how common is this problem if it really exists?

 

I think they are talking about torque convertor shudder common on the AODe's. Caused by fluid break down. Feels like you are hitting the rummble strips on the side of the road when it does it. usually changing you fluid to MerconV fixes it. Did on our 95 T-bird
Clint

 

Also usually happens under light acceleration in OD at about 40-50mph.

Jim Henderson

 

Well Jim...that post made the ol' oil light come on!

That is EXACTLY what my 3.8L AOD Cougar does. So this is obviously a real and common problem? Here I have it and didn't even know it! You drive Fords for so long that sometimes "dysfunctional" traits become "normal". Its not that Clint did a bad job of 'splainin'...that 45MPH shimmy-shake came alive in Jim's post.

 

Yeah it appears to be a fairly common problem with torque converter lockup clutches. I have heard early E4ODs and the AODs were prone to this, maybe more but I just pay attention to E4OD since that is what cost me lots a bucks a few years back.

If the problem is left to it's own, eventually you will overheat the fluid which makes the seals brittle and small particles start to float around. Eventually you will get intermittent(some today, none tomorrow, lots on Monday etc) harsh shifting.

Sometimes, a good fluid and filter change will help this problem, might even cure it if the fluid is "worn out"

But if you overheated the fluid, looks brownish pink to black and or smells burnt, then you are probably looking at a rebuild, new TC and flush the cooler.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

When we test drove our 95 T-bird it had 50k miles and drove like a charm. Bought from the older couple and got halfway home and the dreaded torqu-convertor shudder hit with a vengeance. I had read up on the cars and knew what it was right off.
Brought it home and drained all the fluid and convertor. Put in some new MerkonV and it is smooth as silk again. The fluid needs to be changed on these things pressty regularly
Clint

 

I had the same problem with my 98 Mustang. After a fluid and filter change, the problem has disappeared. Make sure you drain the converter as well.

Good Luck.

 

I drive a 95 F-150. I had the same problems. I went to change the tranny filter and fluid and when I bought the filter there was a bright green sticker on the box stating that if you change the fluid and filter you MUST use a stabilizer additive. There was a part number given for the stabilizer on the sticker. I don't remember the number but I remember the price. $17 for the pint. Seems to have worked great. sounds like if you use the Mercon V you will not need the additive eh?
I had my truck in for a flush and put the additive in after about 3000 miles of work. I pull a stock trailer and a camper throughout the summer. Seemed to wear it out pretty quick. Will the Mercon V Last any longer?

 

i had our T-Bird flushed after we got it and it started shuddering. They used the dextron 3 with an additive like you said. It lasted about 10 k before the shudder came back. I did it myself this last time, drained all fluid and convertor using the pump and removing a line to drain it. Filled with straight Mercon V and will see how it does. But I have a feeling it will last longer.
Clint