Transmission "flutter"

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Jul 21, 2002 | 05:03 PM

gwinters

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Joined: Jul 2002

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Transmission "flutter"

I have 1998 F-150 Extended Cab with 75K miles on it. It has the 4.6L V-8. I think the overdrive mode in the transmission is acting up. At approx. 40-45 miles per hour, the truck acts like it can't "decide" whether or not to engage overdrive. The transmission downshifts into overdrive then upshifts again, with some "bouncing" in and out of overdrive. It's a sensation almost like the truck driving over some bumps or like crossing a cattle guard. The effect passes quickly (usually) or I just mash the accelerator, then of course, passing gear kicks in and I no longer have the overdrive trying to engage. But this is annoying and certainly doesn't feel right. I find myself using the "Cancel Overdrive" button on the shift lever when I'm driving around town. Surely this is not the solution is it? I have had the transmission serviced (fluid/filter) but the problem persists? Any suggestions or comments? Sympathies?

Thanks,
Greg W.

Jul 21, 2002 | 05:29 PM

Pete_H

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 111

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From: Palm Harbor , Florida

Transmission "flutter"

This was a common prob with that tranny, but usually manifested itself earlier in life. Feels like going over train tracks is the way I described it to the tech. Its got something to do with the torque converter. Ford's fix is to flush the system. Apparently this resolves the issue for most people. In my case it appeared at 35000 and the tech said "say it's slipping"- so they rebuilt the whole thing under waranty. It's flawless with 115000 miles now. Try a real flush job before you rebuild.

Jul 21, 2002 | 05:44 PM

Yellardawg

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Joined: Feb 2002

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Transmission "flutter"

I had the same type thing with a '97 XLT, 4X4, LWB 4.6L when it was around 50,000 miles. Most of the time it was when going up a small incline. I took it in, they flushed the tranny, put in new fluid and filter and haven't had a problem with the tranny since. 107K miles (I did change fluid and filter again).

YD