'25 F250 7.3 Bang/Lurch on Startup
Now you need to get down and dirty. Or.... take it to stealership añd trust the kiď that was flipping burgers yesterday and now a fluid technician.
Dipsticks also allow you to see the condition of the fluid easily.
I pulled the transmission dipstick on my 1994 Silverado 1500 after driving through water and it looked like strawberry milkshake.
I pulled the transmission dipstick on my 1994 Silverado 1500 after driving through water and it looked like strawberry milkshake.
Soooo... has anyone ever risked 3rd degree burns to check, and found out it was worth it because the level was low? I put a big magnet on the head of the plug when it was new 5000 miles ago, it would be interesting to see if it caught some stuff. Second motivation.
If the 2025's haven't changed from the 2024's there is a standpipe in the bottom of the transmission pan and you remove the standpipe plug after getting your transmission up to temp, 206-215 and running. If fluid comes out, its over filled and if nothing comes out, it could be low or at the correct level. I put a PPE pan on mine so I went through the drill. OTC makes a transmission fluid transfer tool that allows you to fill the transmission using the tank and an air compressor and the kit has different adapter to screw into the standpipe. Works great and you're not near the hot cats.
The 10R140's still have the stsnd pipe, the 10R100's have the level plug, both of which are easier than the 10R80's. I know B&M makes a dipstick but when I last looked it up it fit the 6 speeds too, which are no where near as sensitive to fluid level as the 10 speeds. FYI, the 10 speed will aerate and vent the fluid if they're even 1/4 quart overfilled and cause shifting problems.
I looked at the subscription options for online access.
I settling with Shop Key / Mitchell on Demand (owned by Snap-on)
https://diy.eautorepair.net/
I want to say it was $60 for 3 or 4 year access. I could stomach that easily.
I've experienced 2 additional lurches over the past week. One instance, the truck lurched/moved forward slightly. The other instance, the truck seemed to lurch/move backwards. The truck has been parked in the exact same spot on the driveway in all instances. I'm suspecting that the lurch direction is dependent upon the last gear used prior to placing in park. I've not experienced the loud bang lurch since the first instance but I will continue to provide updates.
It isn't always the most practical in every situation, but I keep a set of high temp heat resistant gloves in my toolbox for situations when there is no way to avoid working near a hot component. I still have a scar on my right hand from an exhaust to remind me.
My 25 6.8 does this. Only happens after driving awhile and the engine/trans is warm. Shut it off and the truck is parked anwhere for 15 minutes up to a couple hours on re-start I get a loud bang and it shakes the truck. Sometimes it seems alot more violent than others. If its a quick stop and shutoff like at the gas station it doesnt do it. Got home today. Truck sat for about 90 minutes. Very violent bang on startup and truck lurched back and forth a little.
Maybe try a flood mode start? For key-start vehicles press and hold accelerator pedal to floor, turn key to start position and hold for 5 seconds, release pedal for engine ignition, release key. For button-start vehicles press and hold both brake and accelerator pedals to floor, press and hold start button for 5 seconds, release accerator pedal for engine ignition, release start button. I have no idea if this also primes the transmission in any way but maybe worth a shot.
I would start trying to narrow the circumstance down for the dealer.
Does it matter which driving mode?
Does it matter if the parking brake is set?
Does it matter 2wd or 4wd?
Sounds like something is electronically shifting something such as transmission or transfer case or a releasing of the brake?
My 2013 f150 when shifting into 4 high would sometimes bang a shift as computers do not have good feel at time where we might rev-match before changing that gear.
I have not noticed this yet on my 2025 but I do not have any miles on it, at what mileage did you start to see the problem?
Does it matter which driving mode?
Does it matter if the parking brake is set?
Does it matter 2wd or 4wd?
Sounds like something is electronically shifting something such as transmission or transfer case or a releasing of the brake?
My 2013 f150 when shifting into 4 high would sometimes bang a shift as computers do not have good feel at time where we might rev-match before changing that gear.
I have not noticed this yet on my 2025 but I do not have any miles on it, at what mileage did you start to see the problem?
I would start trying to narrow the circumstance down for the dealer.
Does it matter which driving mode?
Does it matter if the parking brake is set?
Does it matter 2wd or 4wd?
Sounds like something is electronically shifting something such as transmission or transfer case or a releasing of the brake?
My 2013 f150 when shifting into 4 high would sometimes bang a shift as computers do not have good feel at time where we might rev-match before changing that gear.
I have not noticed this yet on my 2025 but I do not have any miles on it, at what mileage did you start to see the problem?
Does it matter which driving mode?
Does it matter if the parking brake is set?
Does it matter 2wd or 4wd?
Sounds like something is electronically shifting something such as transmission or transfer case or a releasing of the brake?
My 2013 f150 when shifting into 4 high would sometimes bang a shift as computers do not have good feel at time where we might rev-match before changing that gear.
I have not noticed this yet on my 2025 but I do not have any miles on it, at what mileage did you start to see the problem?
Sometimes its loud and shakes the truck.
Last edited by Vet14tango10; Jan 10, 2026 at 10:27 AM.












