Transmission “whirring” in first gear
 

2006 E350 “whirring” in first gear... just noticed it when driving around with the windows down. Can’t hear it much with windows up. Sound is relative to drive speed and not engine speed (also hear it coasting to a stop with engine at constant idle speed). Goes away when shifting into second gear. Starting out in second there’s no noise.

Any ideas on the issue? Taking it in to the shop this afternoon and would like to be prepared as to how far I'll need to bend over. :-(

Just a follow up to "close the loop"... $1400 later it's fixed. Transmission shop says a snap ring broke allowing a wave washer and the torque converter to move. That was an expensive snap ring.

Certainly thanks for the update---sorry it was such a costly repair. Always aggravates the helluva outta me a small cheap part failure can lead to such a problem.

Hoping you have nothing but happy motoring from here on! :)