I have a 2003 E-150 with a 5.4 engine. The van has 72K on it and the transmission has started to shift a bit differently than it used to. There is a slight hesitation under very light throttle (for instance on city side streets) when the transmission upshifts around 30mph. I'm not sure what gear it is going from/to at that speed but there will be a short pause(half second or slightly more) that the RPM goes up as if the transmission is freewheeling. This doesn't occur under more vigorous acceleration. All the other shifts are the same as they have always been, positive regardless of throttle opening.
The van has never been used for towing but is equipped with the factory towing package. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Check fluid level accurately, sounds like level is low. Otherwise drop pan , change filter and replace fluid from pan. Some recommend total fluid replacement, but some old timer mechanics swear that the fluid becomes "one with the tranny" and the tranny actually needs the old fluid...... If your fluid is brown or smells burned, then thats another story. These trannys last a long time unless abused. Any CEL codes present or O/D light on? Throttle response good while in park/ idle ok?

 

Thanks for the reply, kynnhoj! I'll check the level again. I haven't noticed any discoloration or burned smell from the fluid. No O/D lights and there haven't been any CEL lights on the dash. I'll have someone check the computer for codes that may not trigger the light. Throttle response hasn't changed, engine runs good, smooth and lots of power.
Any hints or tips about dropping the pan and changing the filter/fluid would be appreciated.

 

The first thing to do regarding ANY transmission issue is to check the level and condition of the transmission fluid. From there check for codes.

From your description, it sounds to me like it has a band servo dragging. That assumes that its the 1-2 shift. 30 mph at light throttle should be a 2-3 shift and that's not the band coming on, so not a servo. Are you sure its 30 mph? Try starting from a dead stop and count the shifts up to when the problem occurs. Which shift is important in diagnosing the problem.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

 

Thanks Clubwagon! It's definitely not the 1-2 shift and I'd guess you are correct about it being the 2-3 shift. The fluid level is good and there is no burnt smell on the dipstick. I'll have to get it to a dealer or parts store for the codes.

 

Update on this issue. The fluid level, color and smell are fine. No codes showed up in the computer. The slow shift is from 3rd to 4th when that shift occurs in the 30-35 mph range. Locking OD out will stop it from happening and unlocking OD in the 30-35mph range under very light throttle will cause the 3rd-4th shift with hesitation.
Any ideas?

 

Something ISN'T right it shouldn't be going into overdrive until around 40mph. I think I'd be testing my throttle position sensor.

 

I too am wondering about a 3-4 shift at 30-35 mph. Under very light throttle and low load, my van will give what sounds like a _very_ light rpm flare on the 3-4 shift. This is normal but should last less than two seconds.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

 

My '92 351w/E4OD never did that. When it DID shift early due to a bad TPS it would slam into third from second, and then slip almost immediately to fourth. I put a new TPS on it and it cured it. IIRC the slowest speed it would EVER go into OD was around 45, even under VERY light throttle. I almost wonder if you don't have a bad solenoid pack.