I just purchased a 97 F-150 a couple of weeks ago. Truck is in great shape and was well taken care of, seller even had the receipts to show for it. it is equipped with a 5.4 ltr. and an automatic trans, it has 56K miles. I just began to notice that, to me the trans shifts sort of weird. Actually 3rd gear is the only one, it sort of feels like there is two shifts in one. I was told several different answers and now I am confussed, I almost at a point to where I just might sell the truck. A few people have said that it was normal and I should not mess with getting a trans fluid exchange out, others say that I need to change the fluid completly and that it should not be shifting like it is, also that your transmission may already be damaged. Can anyone help on this matter

 

Remove trans pan and retorque valve body, then replace trans filter and replace pan. Remove cooler return line and start engine and pump out as much fluid as you can. Your choice of fluid genuine Ford or full synthetic as i like full synthetic, I do this at the first 10,000 miles and never have to touch it again. You may not get a qt or two drained out but should be fine. rk

 

The tranny itself is not a smooth/quick shifter to begin with. Doing what skywagon suggested would not be a bad idea. However you might be happier with the performance that a shift kit or a chip would provide.

I doubt the tranny is smoked - just lazy.

 

>I just purchased a 97 F-150 a couple of weeks ago. Truck is
>in great shape and was well taken care of, seller even had
>the receipts to show for it. it is equipped with a 5.4 ltr.
>and an automatic trans, it has 56K miles. I just began to
>notice that, to me the trans shifts sort of weird. Actually
>3rd gear is the only one, it sort of feels like there is two
>shifts in one. I was told several different answers and now
>I am confussed, I almost at a point to where I just might
>sell the truck. A few people have said that it was normal
>and I should not mess with getting a trans fluid exchange
>out, others say that I need to change the fluid completly
>and that it should not be shifting like it is, also that
>your transmission may already be damaged. Can anyone help
>on this matter

Well, this might not answer your questions but I know what you're feeling. I too bought a used 2000 F150 Supercab 4x4 5.4L. I have had a good time learning this vehicle. My only comparision was a 95 F150 4x4 Manual w/302(5.0L). These 2 trucks are different as night and day. The new truck handles, drives totally different. I am paying alot for this truck (had 28k on the ody) and you want to feel warm and fuzzy when you drive it and to be honest, I haven't felt that way. Mine also shifts sort of like you mentioned whereby it shifts from the second to the last gear to the last very rapidly. I have been experimenting by putting the truck through the whole powerband and can see and feel the truck does shift very well. One thing I did do was change the fluid (lucky me I bought it right before the 30k service interval). I flushed the lines, drained the converter and filled with fresh Mercon V ATF. It shifts much different and somewhat crisper although a little lazy on the last shift.

What the heck does all this mean? If your fluid doesn't smell burnt then it's probably fine and if it hasn't been changed, you might want to change it. I am learning more and more about this truck and am starting to really enjoy it. It's a Lariat and real comfty and just like meeting a new friend takes time to get to know. Good place to be is here, alot of great people and ideas.

Thanks and take care.

Al

 

> Remove trans pan and retorque valve body, then
>replace trans filter and replace pan. Remove cooler return
>line and start engine and pump out as much fluid as you can.
>Your choice of fluid genuine Ford or full synthetic as i
>like full synthetic, I do this at the first 10,000 miles and
>never have to touch it again. You may not get a qt or two
>drained out but should be fine. rk

Hey Skywagon,

When you re-torqued the valve body, did you find any that were or had worked loose? I just serviced mine and didn't think to do this.

Thanks,

Al

 

Al, yes I did find several quite loose. There is a bullitan out on this very thing for a light throttle shudder at around 45-50 MPH. Maybe someone has a copy of the bullitan and torque sequence and torque.They shift like new when done, I did it to my 97 and 99 but only have 7000 on my 02 so have not changed it out yet. It seems on the 97 it appeared at around 45K and the 99 at around 30K , I towed a 30 ft trailer continuously with both vehicles) Now I am going to change out the fluid and filter on the 02 at 10K and it should be fine. rk

 

I had my transmission fluid changed and flushed out completly, I did notice a differance in shifting and it was for the better, however it still does not seem quite perfect. The valve body that you guys are talking about, is that on a E4OD transmission. If so where can I get a find a notice or recall for that valve body in that transmission. Thx, Triton

 

Any Ford dealer should have the bullitans, the numbers are for the AODE and the 4R70W trans. SB# 971111 SB# BC9642961001.

 

I am not sure I understand if the bulletin or recall applies to the E4OD tranny. I read this thread b/c mine tranny seems a little strange at 42mph. Not terrible, but doesn't seem to shift promptly. Seems to drag a little.

 

Does your transmission feel like it has two shift in third gear, if so I was told by the dealer that it was normal for the E4OD powered by the 5.4 motor. It would shift 1st, 2nd, 3rd, lock-up, and finally OD. Is that something of what you are experiencing on your truck.

 

I bought a used '98 F150 4x4 that does exactly the same thing.
Shifts from second to OD, skipping 3rd gear, and red lining
my motor in the process. I checked my fluid level and it was
about 6 quarts over... had some drained and that helped but
the problem has come back again. I'm guesing it's a problem
with some type of vacuum valve controlling the shifting?

 

Its the converter clucth locking up. Feels like an extra shift. Its weird on my truck because it feels like it pulls alot better once the converter locks.

 

For what it's worth . I have a 2000 f150, and the owners manual mentions clearing the computer by disconnecting the battery. Reconnect and drive as you normally would.The tyranny is computer controlled and will learn or adjust to your driving habits. the previous owner may have driven different then you do. This is just a thought, I have not tried this.....

 

>I bought a used '98 F150 4x4 that does exactly the same
>thing.
>Shifts from second to OD, skipping 3rd gear, and red lining
>my motor in the process. I checked my fluid level and it
>was
>about 6 quarts over... had some drained and that helped but
>the problem has come back again. I'm guesing it's a problem
>with some type of vacuum valve controlling the shifting?

My '98 F250 light duty did similar stuff when I bought it at 41,000. I changed the oil and filter and filled it nearly to the top of the dipstick. 6.5 to 7 qts. This made a big difference. I noticed the skip/bang shifts when the engine oil was low. I also changed the trans filter and fluid. Used Mobil 1 ATF and Autozone filter. The Autozone filter was a Motorcraft filter in a generic box. Cool!

Works well now.