2001 E350 Transmission Problem?
 

Hello.

I'm new to the forum and have a question. I have a 2001 E350 extended van with a 5.4 engine, and 65,000 miles. Last week the van would start to "shudder" or run rough when I hit 55 mph. Once I get to 65 mph is smooths out. If I turn off the over-drive it isn't as noticable. The trans fluid was changed at 50,000 miles about two years ago. I had a similar problem with my previous van a 95 E150. After changing the trans fluid the problem went away. So I think I will take it in and have the fluid changed and hope it solves the problem. Any ideas?

Hi and welcome to the forum :)

How many miles on the spark plugs? A misfire can cause what you're feeling. It's not as noticeable at higher RPM because there is less load on the engine.

Racerguy is correct. It could be either a torque converter shudder _or_ a missfire. Either problem can do exactly what you describe. If the plugs and wires haven't been changed, do them first and see if that solves the problem. If it doesn't, change the fluid with a name brand fluid. Be sure you drain the torque converter too.

Let us know the results.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

Ford now recommends Mercon V for all most all there overdrive automatic transmissions there is a TSB stating this fact and the Mercon V was formulated to relieve the shudder problem. If you change the fluid make sure and get as complete a drain as you can.

DO NOT drain the fluid, have it flushed, that's how a friend had his corrected, a simple change does not get the trash out of the converter.

I took it to the garage to have it looked at. After a test drive they say they think the coil is bad on #4 and want $350 to replace it, but no guarantees that that will fix the problem. I still think its the trans fluid. I'm gonna have the trans flushed and fluid replaced. If the problem pursists I'll do the coil myself.

You haven't had the doghouse off yet obviously, let me go ahead and enlighten you, if it is, have Ford do it, you can't. A bad coil will throw a code, so the check engine light will be on, transmission problem causing you to need a flush will not. My 99 had 97,000 on it when it would quit after starting, needed plugs, I pulled the doghouse to fing not only is the rear of the engine, bellhousing, the only thing revieled, but the plugs are in the top of these engines, the firewall overhead is not high enough to reach in. These newer vans are NOT designed to be user servicable, repairs are expensive too, I'd like to go with older vans now.

The check engine light never came on, but the mechanic said he read the code for the #4 misfiring. The coil costs about $100 at the dealer so $250 labor to pull one coil and plug seems a little steep.

I put a picture with my post, to give you an idea of your limited access, this site totally removed it, guess they don't feel you need to see it, you'll just have to pull your dog house to find out. I've heard they fail due to arching when the plug boot cracks, in trucks, they are troublesome to replace, but possible, in your van, I don't see sufficient room.

Problem solved
 

I finally broke down and took it to the dealer. They replaced the #4 plug and coil and while it was in the shop I had the Trans Fluid flushed and replaced. I have put on about 300 miles and the shudder is gone. The dealer thought the problem was due to the coil, but since I tow a trailer and its been two years since the last trans fluid flush I wanted to get it all done at one time.

Buy an aftermarket ACCEL coil at the autoparts store. They are like $65. I have used several on my vans. Changing the coil pack is no big deal. To get to #4 pop the doghouse cover off. It will be the coil pack farthest to the rear on the passenger side. One 7MM screw holds the coil pack on. Shouldn't take more than half an hour for you to change it yourself and you'll save $300.

Josh Quick
Quick Speed Shop