I have a 2001 (traded '99) Lightning. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced (or knows about) a slight hesitation at 3200 RPM at WOT. It feels like it is thinking about shifting, then marches on. My '99 had an intercooler leak, and that felt completely different.

The hesitation is slight, but happens again higher on the tach, usually going to fast to look down and catch it but I can feel it (maybe 4500). I have 2200 miles on her...

Thanks,

Mike

 

I've got a 2001 L also. I have posted this message on several boards and have had varied results. Nothing that has really helped me pinpoint the problem.

First gear is either okay or I move through 3,200 rpm so fast that it is never felt. Second and third can definitely be felt although not all the time.

I live in the Dallas, TX area and I have a feeling that the symptom is effected by outdoor temperature (heat), at least that's what I am hoping.

I never feel anything after 3,200 rpm. Only slight hesitation and then right back into acceleration.

A few replies have indicated that this is the overdrive lockup or the torque convertor lockup. I beleive are mutually exclusive items.

Some have said it is the ole infamous diode problem... trust me on this. Don't pursue this one on any board, unless you're ready for getting flamed. Apparently it is not the diode problem.

We may have to live with it.

My dealer says it the torque convertor. However that was an over the phone diagnoses!

I think we need to keep our eyes on the postings and sooner or later we will have enough skinny to know what this problem really is. In the mean time… enjoy your “L”.

 

Thanks Rgig- that at least gives me some direction. Live with it though? I am not a mechanic, know little vs a lot, but if they replaced the super & inter on the '99 under warranty, why not the torque converter? (I have heard of it, think it has to do with the tranny & shifting).

I just kept bringing the '99 back til they got it right. I know it is a pain, but it is new, it's an SVT... It should be right. I have an aquaintance that knows the owner of a perf shop. I will get his opinion and let you know. Now that we know this is not a unique problem, it should be easier to get fixed. I like going to the dealer with some prior professional diagnosis to get them started...

Thanks for your help!

Mike

 

Hiya...I don't quite follow what your problem is with the truck. A hesitation definately sounds weird though. However, are you sure you're not confusing that hesitation with the hard shifting, because after all, Lightnings are built to have a good solid hard shift. Perhaps your shift is just a bit delayed but just as hard so it feels like a hesitation. I'm really not sure, just thought I'd give my input, be it helpful or not. Till next time, keep truckin'!

Ryan
1986 F-250 HD
351W, Edelbrock 351W Performer Intake
Holley 750 4bbl
Flowmaster Dual Chambered Exhaust

 

Thanks- it seems after having done quite a bit of searching, that this is "normal" behavior from the factory, but it makes little sense to have a flat spot at 3200 programmed... no where near a shift point under WOT. I get the "burp" in the shutting down of 4 cyclinders to save the tranny in 1-2... so, off to Ford I go. I will keep going up the ladder until I get somewhere. Hey, I am a nice guy, this is my second Lightning, my 5th Ford, I want it without the flat spot... or have someone explain it to me so it "seems" rational & logical. I can be very persistent! I will post any findings.

Mike

 

Mike:

I appreciate your persistance. Hopefully you will get an answer or two for the rest of us (mainly me). I've got a SHO with lots of miles on it but it took 4 transmissions to get there (via a 100k ext'd war.) so I don't really want a repeat.

Please keep me posted. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favor.

See ya,
Rick

 

The hesitation is torque convertor lock up. Any good tuner can burn a new lock up point on an aftermarket chip. I had Nitrous Pete burn a Diablo chip for mine and now that problem is gone. If you need more info go to nitrous.com

 

UnderPresure

I am on my second chip since I first noticed this... this on is a Diablo and I am happy to report... all is well. In fact, when it went away I completely forgot about this thread and the problem!

I appreciate you replying.

 

RGIG, I got the diablo chip and still have the problem. Nice improvements overall. I think it hits the fuel cut off wall though. I am going to give this chip a week to burn in, and then contact Diablo. Do you know what computer code you have? Mine is CXN1. Maybe we have the same "box" from the factory... and I can tell Diablo I need the same burn... Tx, Mike

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 07-Apr-02 AT 05:04 PM (EST)]indemnitor

Hmmmm.... I've got the same code as you do... CXN1... Don't ask me why... but the hesitation is either gone or I just don't notice it as much...

I'd be real interested in your reburn... I am going to do the same but not for a couple of months... I am actually thinking about a pulley and haven't made my mind up yet... caged... uncaged... 3,4, or 6... just the lower though.

Keep me posted...

 

Okay, we can program or reprogram a Diablo to get rid of the problem. We have a specific code for this when normal Diablo codes don't take care of it. Contact me.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-May-02 AT 08:14 AM (EST)]>Okay, we can program or reprogram a Diablo to get rid of the
>problem. We have a specific code for this when normal
>Diablo codes don't take care of it. Contact me.
Ken: You and Danny burned a Diablo chip for me 7-8 months ago - I've been very happy with the performance. I'd like to have it re-burned to eliminate the shift hesitation. I've also ordered a 6# lower pulley and would like to have a program burned for this modification before installing - I'm concerned about detonation. Can you help? Please send shipping info. with your response. Thanks

Mike K
2001 Black L #3440
PSP Filter
PSP 3# Lower Pulley
PSP Tranny Accumulator
Diablo Chip
Truck Tracks
Bald Tires

 

See my reply to your second post about this.

 

Check the ignition coil, I may not have a lighitng but i had the same weird feeling you did mine was at 2500 but then again my truck doesnt rev as high as your, I replaced the ignition coild and its never run smother

1991 f-150 4x4 302
hooker headers, straght pipes
33 goodrich mudders
3" body
stock 3.55 gears
260-280 hp and 380-410 ft lbs of torque
all from crane camx powermax cam and lifters kit, bmk throttle body throttle body spcaer, crane cam rockers, more to come......
FORD BEATS THE BOW TIE EVERYTIME :7