Sluggish downshift

Hi! I'm back! Needless to say because I have some questions, but I have put it off till I got this zippier computer and internet connection. :rofl: The other arrangement was too agonal to use.:crying:

Anyway, my new to me vehicle since I've last visited here (2000, SEL, 3.8L, 80k miles) has developed a sluggish downshift to first when you mash the gas pedal to the floor. Sometimes it won't downshift at all, or sometimes when it does downshift, it won't until the last second and then will immediately jump back up to second gear. The problem only happens when it should go into first gear. It will go from OD to third and second, and third to second fine but not to first consistently. This all seems to have started back in the spring when I had driven through a lot of water on the side of the road that wasn't visible. It wasn't deep, but I was going fast, so I hit the water hard and the water hit the van hard. The van never experienced any other problems then or later.

I've thought about the range selector switch, but that wouldn't have been blasted as it's on top. I wonder about the speed sensor and ....everything is getting fuzzy..... :sleep:Obviously any of the stuff screwed into the outside of the trans is suspect, but I was hoping for some experienced input here or certainty to what it is.

It ocurred to me that I should note that I have never had any codes, OD light or CEL flashing ever. No engine codes found. I do not have problems with the speedometer or tachometer, which are both analog. The odometer is electronic and has no problems. It has the electronic message center and no problems with that. For those not familiar with it and why it might be relevant, it tracks the mpg and the mileage remaining on the tank of gas, among many other things that probably don't matter here.

Thanks

Sounds to me like something in the valve body is sticking.I would start with a fluid exchange and filter, if you have not already done that. No codes, or cel light, would indicate all the internal electronics are functioning as the pcm is seeing it. I had a 98 windstar that did exactly that, and a fluid replacement, and filter, cleared up whatever was sludging things up internally.Pull the battery terminal for 30 minutes to reset the computer.

Thanks grog11. I figured since the downshifting problem developed right after going through the water so hard, something electrical/electronic may have been affected. I do think it is possible that something electrical/electronic can be affected but still perform well enough not to cause a light to come on. At least that's the connection I'm trying to make with the timing of the water incident. I wish I could get the trans and engine data read at real time. I forgot to mention that there was also a second issue that developed at the same time I assume was also caused by the water. When starting from a dead stop or near dead stop, it was sluggish and seemed to flounder when I would floor it. It was like I hadn't push down on the pedal hardly at all. Eventually it would get going like it all of a sudden woke up. Off the cuff, I would guess the TPS, but it is at the very top of the engine, but it might explain both problems. Back when there was a kickdown rod from the carb to the trans, if it came loose you'd know it. No downshift. I wonder if there is a dead spot on the TPS. I earlier suggested the VSS because it does sit where water could get to it and it's input to the PCM would influence gear selection I assume.

Certainly a full fluid flush and filter change would be good to do anyway....and no I don't mean a power flush, just the flush/exchange that has often been discussed on the forums.

Thanks

Can anyone suggest a good product to clean out the trans/valve body as part of the fluid exchange and flush procedure? And any recommended additives to help with the valve body or in general when refilling the trans?

I found in a thread for a Dodge Stratus, codes specific for the kind of problem I'm having. Since, assuming Ford provides those fault codes too, they should have been present with my van if the problem was detectable in or by the wiring and electronics. Since that isn't the case, like Grogg11 said, it may be reasonable to assume the problem may be sticking valves. I do wonder though about this conclusion only because I've never had a downshifting problem to first when slowing down. It's always returned to first so that when slow enough or stropped, it's always started in first.

If you feel that you must use an additive, here is what I would suggest.

Lubegard Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant

I would put it in with the new fluid. It works and frees sticking valves, and halts converter shutter.
The AX4N transmission you have needs an additional cooler, and regular fluid changes to help it thru its lifetime. I also highly recommend a synthetic Mercon V ATF, such as mobil 1. The higher heat tolerances on the synthetic ATF certainly will make the fluid last much longer with better lubrication of internals when high temperatures exist.

I used Auto RX (available online only) in mine.
You add it to the transmission, drive for 1-2K miles and then change the fluid.
It DID firm up the shifting in my '96.

Once, when messing around, I forgot to plug the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) back in.
I got a Check Engine Light and I had exactly the symptom you mention with the "kick down" from the old days.......when I romped on the accellerator....the transmission did not downshift and I had no big get up and go.