how low is too low?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
how low is too low?
lately my 350 has been taking a while to shift out of 1st when cold, i checked the trans fluid level and it barely was in the stick. i added 3/4 of a quart and it now covers the xxxxxxx marks. i did check in park/idle when hot, do i have to re-check after a drive? or am i ok. thanks in advance, Mike
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
I assume because you said "I did check in park/idle when hot" that you drove the truck around to get it hot first? If so, yeah, you're OK 
Other things about shifting, that might not be thought of, and might be a cheap thing to do first:
1) Clean the MAF - I cleaned mine a few thousand miles ago, first time, at 21K miles, and I was getting a little slipping between shifts, especially 1-2. Problems gone.
2) TPS - anything wrong with this thing will most likely cause shifting concerns.
3) IAC - is your idle OK going into and out of drive?
4) VSS - the speed sensor on the top of the rear diff. If this is skipping a beat, it can definitely cause shifting issues. You might (or might not) get a bouncy speedometer, or the ABS light on with a bad VSS, but you also might never get any other indication.
Other things about shifting, that might not be thought of, and might be a cheap thing to do first:
1) Clean the MAF - I cleaned mine a few thousand miles ago, first time, at 21K miles, and I was getting a little slipping between shifts, especially 1-2. Problems gone.
2) TPS - anything wrong with this thing will most likely cause shifting concerns.
3) IAC - is your idle OK going into and out of drive?
4) VSS - the speed sensor on the top of the rear diff. If this is skipping a beat, it can definitely cause shifting issues. You might (or might not) get a bouncy speedometer, or the ABS light on with a bad VSS, but you also might never get any other indication.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, Maryland
[QUOTE=krewat]I assume because you said "I did check in park/idle when hot" that you drove the truck around to get it hot first? If so, yeah, you're OK
Other things about shifting, that might not be thought of, and might be a cheap thing to do first:
1) Clean the MAF - I cleaned mine a few thousand miles ago, first time, at 21K miles, and I was getting a little slipping between shifts, especially 1-2. Problems gone.
I'm at 20k on my '06 v10
What is the MAF? How do I clean it out?
Truck is def. shifting differently then it did 5-10k miles ago
Was just at the dealer for the exhaust (pinging) TSB, Ford claims it shifts fine.... I can tell, it doesn't
Thanks!
Other things about shifting, that might not be thought of, and might be a cheap thing to do first:
1) Clean the MAF - I cleaned mine a few thousand miles ago, first time, at 21K miles, and I was getting a little slipping between shifts, especially 1-2. Problems gone.
I'm at 20k on my '06 v10
What is the MAF? How do I clean it out?
Truck is def. shifting differently then it did 5-10k miles ago
Was just at the dealer for the exhaust (pinging) TSB, Ford claims it shifts fine.... I can tell, it doesn't
Thanks!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, Maryland
Originally Posted by krewat
MAF = Mass Air Flow sensor.
It sits in the intake tube, just after the air cleaner.
It sits in the intake tube, just after the air cleaner.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by dludlow
That little wire thing effects shifting? I admit, I'm not the brightest in auto mechanics
Or, at the very least, the MAF not reading correctly effects the power output of the motor, making shifts slip more or less, making them feel "funny" ...
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
If you are unfortunate enough to use a K&N air filter, the MAF wires can get residual oil on them from the filter. A Q-tip soaked in contact cleaner or laquer thinner will clean them up nicely.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by paul
If you are unfortunate enough to use a K&N air filter, the MAF wires can get residual oil on them from the filter. A Q-tip soaked in contact cleaner or laquer thinner will clean them up nicely.
Doug
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 3
From: SPARKS NEVADA
I cleaned the MAF with a Qtip (Carefully) and changed the fuel filter, then reset the PCM and the truck shifted better than before all this was done. When I reset the PCM I went out of my way to follow the exact proceedure. The shifting was what I was most concerned about when resetting.