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

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2003 Harsh Shifting into 3rd

J

jsword47

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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?

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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
 
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