Hard shifting in cold
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 29
I just dont see it as a problem since i have ridden in several (4), and they all shift a little abruptly when cold. If it really IS a problem, then judging by the small sample i have ridden in....FORD HAS A HUGE RECALL/TSB ABOUT TO BE COMING UP. Only requirement of the transmission is that from 0-70 it goes through gears 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5...preferably in that order.
Its cold fluid, its a more abrupt shift...its not like it slams into gear and barks the tires. I just don't see how this could be even remotely considered a 'problem'.
Its cold fluid, its a more abrupt shift...its not like it slams into gear and barks the tires. I just don't see how this could be even remotely considered a 'problem'.
Last edited by ag-ford-4x4; Nov 8, 2006 at 02:31 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Adrian, Mi
That is why I took mine in while it still wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg. As for an update it was around 40 degrees this morning and the tech said it definitely acted up for him. They wanted to keep it another night to see if it set any codes. Also don't lose sight of the original post. The trans wasn't the only problem. The truck was running rough and sounded "just awful".
Last edited by waterboy_fishing; Nov 8, 2006 at 04:41 PM. Reason: add info
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Simple physics:
Cold weather = thick transmission fluid
thick transmission fluid = more pressure
more pressure = harder shifts
Warm weather = thin transmission fluid
thin transmission fluid = less pressure
less pressure = smooth shifts
Cold weather = thick transmission fluid
thick transmission fluid = more pressure
more pressure = harder shifts
Warm weather = thin transmission fluid
thin transmission fluid = less pressure
less pressure = smooth shifts
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Adrian, Mi
Well, after keeping it for another morning, they found two injectors misbehaving. They had ordered them just before I called. I should have it back in the morning. I do believe that there is some insight to the cold tranny fluid but mine would not shift until I would back off the pedal almost completely and there was definitely a bad miss as well as no power. As soon as I get it back I'll let you know how she acts.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Benton, Arkansas
The last couple of mornings it has been in the 50's and the truck has run ok. I have never had to let off the accelerator to change gears like waterboy, it just runs up to between 2000 and probably 2300 rpm's before it went into the next gear. If I run fairly slow it tends to do better. As far as the loud engine noise in the morning, I had a 92 350 IDI, and it was incredibly loud before it warmed up. I noticed since I unplugged the EGR that it was a little louder than it used to in the morning time. My thing about all this is I don't want to be out $100 for nothing. I ain't to sure about the dealership by me. They haven't been the most honest people here. Thanks again!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Adrian, Mi
Mine would shift eventually but running her up above 2000 rpm in 1st gear isn't good for the tranny. If I let off the accelerator it would shift. So far since I got it back this morning it's shifting great and running good but it isn't morning yet. I'll let you know how she acts tomorrow.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Originally Posted by waterboy_fishing
Mine would shift eventually but running her up above 2000 rpm in 1st gear isn't good for the tranny. If I let off the accelerator it would shift. So far since I got it back this morning it's shifting great and running good but it isn't morning yet. I'll let you know how she acts tomorrow.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: ARROYO GRANDE, CA
My 03 has started doing the same thing. I live on the Central Coast of CA so it doesnt get very cold but I still am having the same problem. I took it up to the lower Sierra's this weekend. The nights were below freezing and my truck took 10-20 tries to get started in the morning. When it finally started I let it idle for about 20 minutes and it ran great. There were about 6 other PSD Super Dutys in our group and a few of them were doing the same thing. Those in our group with Chevy's and Dodges were getting a good chuckle.
I just made an appointment with my local service dept. They want to keep it overnight to check the cold start. I just turned 38,000 miles so we will how this $100 deductable thing goes.
I just made an appointment with my local service dept. They want to keep it overnight to check the cold start. I just turned 38,000 miles so we will how this $100 deductable thing goes.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 294
Likes: 2
From: Central Coast, California
The reason the diesel engine is a loud motor by nature because of the dramatic temperture change when the fuel is combusted. Now when the engine is cold the engine will, by nature be louder than it would be if it was warm. It's also normal to notice white or bluish smoke emiting from the exhaust pipe, which is because the fuel is not being burned completely but this symptom is more prominent in disesls which start without the aid of Glow plugs. That being said if you have a prodominent miss at idle than yes I would say that you have an problem. But if it's just loud operation when cold and slightly harder shifting than i wouldn't put to much thought into it.
In my opinion it is also A good idea to let any engine warm up for at least 30 deconds before you start driving it. It also may be wise in a disesl to avoid driving it hard untill you feel some warm air coming through through the heatrer vents.
But definately the best thing would to let the engine warm up five to ten minutes before driving in cold weather.
How does a 19 year old collage student know this, Well I've worked at a Diesel shop for around a year and though I love fords they keep us in buisness.
In my opinion it is also A good idea to let any engine warm up for at least 30 deconds before you start driving it. It also may be wise in a disesl to avoid driving it hard untill you feel some warm air coming through through the heatrer vents.
But definately the best thing would to let the engine warm up five to ten minutes before driving in cold weather.
How does a 19 year old collage student know this, Well I've worked at a Diesel shop for around a year and though I love fords they keep us in buisness.