02 f150 lockup torque converter problem??

I have a 2002 F-150 4x4 auto w/extended cab and smaller v-8 (33,000 miles)

I have noticed a problem getting progressively worse and am trying to find the source. When I put the pedal to the floor and hold till about 50mph and then let off, about 15 seconds later I get a very noticeable vibration almost feels like I'm running out of fuel. The problem stops after a few seconds but is very repeatable. I brought the truck into the dealer and they gave me a brush off that nothing was wrong since there weren't any error codes.

Now the truck seems to be very slow to upshift during a cruise to the point where I have to step into the throttle so much that I force an upshift before any acceleration.

Highway driving is starting to be a problem as accelerating up a hill is quite a chore and requires stepping into the throttle until upshift. I was discussing with a few people and a suggestion was that this might be due to a torque converter lockup problem. Any suggestions how to verify or diagnose what going on??

Thanks in advance,
Dan

Sounds like youve already diagnosed the problem, torque converter or controls for it, getting ford to agree may be a problem. There are a number of things that can cause these problems without setting a code sometimes. Sticking spool in a valve body, converter clutch control valve, leaking seals....ect. Take it to a reputable trans shop, explain the situation, and have them diagnose the problems and give you an estimate for repair. This will give you some ammunition to take to ford. Make sure you get documentation of every visit to ford related to this problem, copies of work orders ..ect. This may come in handy if they try to stall you till its out of warranty, but you probably wont make it that far. Also, make sure the engine is running properly. Poor performance, hesitation ..ect can cause problems. Good luck.
Later
Ed

Thanks for the feedback Ed. I just wanted someone else's input to make sure I was on the right track. To the dealer I go :(

Rgds,

Dan

Most likely, ALL you really need is an ATF change with the PROPER type of fluid (Mercon V ATF, use NO OTHER).

When the ATF gets old (years/miles/heat) the converters will "shudder" (feels like running over "rumble strips", and it stops when you let up on the gas). If allowed to continue for an extended time, it *may* damage the clutch material in the converter so that it will never "lock up" again. That requires a new TC. I DO NOT think you are to that point, or close.... yet.

You DO NOT need (and you should not allow it) the filter to be changed at this time, the FLUID is far more important. If there is enough "stuff" in the filter to turely cause a problem, it is too late for it anyway.

That sounds reasonable, but this has been happening for several thousand miles, and since I'm just hitting 34,000 I didn't expect to have atf fluid problems yet. It's simple enough to try and I appreciate your feedback but I'd be surprised if that takes care of it. I'll let you know.

Rgds, Dan