2003 Harsh Shifting into 3rd | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

  • We're glad you found us via a search engine! Right now, you can join our club absolutely free and unlock member only features like the site search! This notice only appears once! It only takes 30 seconds to register, and we would love to have you as part of the World's largest Thunderbird Forum/Club! Click here to continue

  • Click here to remove google ads from the site
  • Click " Like/Thanks" at the bottom of a member's post to reward and thank them for their response! Points are added to their profile.

  • 2002-05 Owners. As of August 2022 there is now an entire suspension kit for sale! Scroll down to the bottom of the first post click here.

  • Get rid of swirls and minor paint surface scratches with this Polish & Compounds kit. Click here to read more!.

2003 Harsh Shifting into 3rd

  • Thread starter Thread starter jsword47
  • Start date Start date
J

jsword47

Click here to upgrade
Reaction score
7
Thunderbird Year
2003
My car started "thudding" as I changed gears...all 5. When I checked the trans oil, I was down 5 quarts. After filling, the plunking continued. Trans repair place said it was the PCM. I removed the PCM with great difficulty and mailed to Computer Exchange in NC. When I got it back, 4 of 5 gears shifted perfectly. But 3rd gear still plunks.
I contacted CE. They emailed me a memo that originated with Ford. It described 5 shifts of 5 eash lasting for 5 seconds. That is: shift R to D leave for 5 seconds, repeat 5 times. Then D to R etc. That did no good at all.

Any idea for my nest step?

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have had similar problems with my 2004. Harsh shifting and slip shifting at times, and serious clunk when going into reverse. All of this after the trans is warmed up, shifts just fine when cold. I am looking into an electrical problem, such as a corroded contact.
 
jsword47 said:
My car started "thudding" as I changed gears...all 5. When I checked the trans oil, I was down 5 quarts. After filling, the plunking continued. Trans repair place said it was the PCM. I removed the PCM with great difficulty and mailed to Computer Exchange in NC. When I got it back, 4 of 5 gears shifted perfectly. But 3rd gear still plunks.
I contacted CE. They emailed me a memo that originated with Ford. It described 5 shifts of 5 eash lasting for 5 seconds. That is: shift R to D leave for 5 seconds, repeat 5 times. Then D to R etc. That did no good at all.

Any idea for my nest step?
Click to expand...
You stated that you checked the transmission fluid level and it was down 5 quarts. My first question is; where did the transmission fluid go? Also, Technical Service Bulletin 05-21-8 addresses delayed or harsh shifting engagements.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top