- Reaction score
- 16
- Thunderbird Year
- 2004
Just started today. Jumps hard in reverse and drive, downshifts hard. Car has 86K. Any ideas? Strange it should start all at once, no warning...
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There is no dip stick to check fluid level on these Birds. You will have to take it to a trans shop for thatJust started today. Jumps hard in reverse and drive, downshifts hard. Car has 86K. Any ideas? Strange it should start all at once, no warning...
I just did a fluid change. My '03 is at about 60,000. For a year or so I researched the debate on whether to do it or wait. Even my "trusted" transmission shop recommended I wait until 90,000 miles.Just started today. Jumps hard in reverse and drive, downshifts hard. Car has 86K. Any ideas? Strange it should start all at once, no warning...
I second blubyu on this issue. My 2003 transmission started doing the exact same thing at 114,000 miles. It went from shifting with no problem to sudden jerking engagement when put in reverse and random hard shifting. When it was cool (parked overnight) it shifted just fine but then quickly went to hard shifting after warming up. I had mine rebuilt only to be told I needed a new electronic control module after the transmission was rebuilt (an additional $800). I believe it was a module problem all along. There are many module test/repair services on-line that you can send your module to for testing and repair. If you bring it to a transmission repair center make sure they check the control module first to verify that it is functioning properly. Good luck!Just started today. Jumps hard in reverse and drive, downshifts hard. Car has 86K. Any ideas? Strange it should start all at once, no warning...
Thanks for the info and advice. Am getting ready to take the car in for diagnosis. Do you know where the control module is located? I may try and have it tested before I take it in if it is fairly easy to locate and remove. Thanks...I second blubyu on this issue. My 2003 transmission started doing the exact same thing at 114,000 miles. It went from shifting with no problem to sudden jerking engagement when put in reverse and random hard shifting. When it was cool (parked overnight) it shifted just fine but then quickly went to hard shifting after warming up. There is a lot of information on the internet about this transmission as being problematic. I had mine rebuilt only to be told I needed a new electronic control module after the transmission was rebuilt (an additional $800). I believe it was a module problem all along. There are many module test/repair services on-line that you can send your module to for testing and repair. If you bring it to a transmission repair center make sure they check the control module first to verify that it is functioning properly. Good luck!
My '02 lurches when shifting from park to drive. Like a racehorse out of the gate. I have to make sure my foot is firmly pressing on the brakes. Same issue, though to a much lesser degree, when shifting from reverse to drive. Otherwise, the transmission works smoothly when driving. While driving it shifts smoothly through the gears with no jolts or hesitation. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions? As there is no way on these 'Birds to check tranny fluid (thank you Ford!) Possibly related, I am getting some fluttering/pulsing during normal braking, could it be a brake issue? I'm looking for any help before I take it to my mechanic for expensive diagnosis/repairs......
I’m struggling to think of any mass produced vehicles that don’t have sealed transmissions in this day and age. All these “Thanks Ford” comments are uncalled for. That said, my 2004 has lurched hard when shifted into drive from park for the two summers I have owned it. This only seems to happen when it is first started after sitting overnight.
I don’t think there are any issues with the level of transmission fluid. I had a 2-5 solenoid replaced last year (separate issue) and had the transmission service completed while everything was apart. Essentially that encompasses new fluid and a new filter, so I am confident my fluid level is correct. The shifting is silky smooth, but that cold-start lurch continues to occur. As long as she shifts well, I will remain content.
Yes sir, Exactly! My ‘02 shifts like a fine watch afterwards .In my 2004, (~60k miles, daily driver), after a cold start I always have to sit for a minute and wait for the computer to take it from fast idle down to ~900 RPM (one tick below the 1) before I shift into gear.
You are waiting for that - correct?
My 04 was shifting with a hicup at 80,000 miles so I had the module software updated from what was in it in 04. Since then it is smooth as glass and now turning 177,000 miles.
Quality First Auto, (972) 690-5290, Richardson TX was recommended by my trusted auto tramsmission shop before any repair to trans, check the electronics.who did your software update sounds interesting