1997 F150 V6 Auto Trans problem

My F150 has developed a sudden problem with the Auto Transmission.
If I start out in Drive (D) and accelerate to about 10 to 15 mph the engine will bog down and the trans shudders. It will stop the noise when I shift into (N). If I start in (1) or (2) there is no problem. I think it is shifting into 2nd and not releasing 1st gear. I changed the oil and filter. No luck there! Is this a possible situation? Are there some kind of sensors in the trans or the computer to prevent this problem. Any ideas are needed and appreciated.

Bob Fay

Bob,

Your truck uses the 4R70W automatic transmission (as I recall). They are KNOWN for suffereing from "shudder", which feels like driving over "rumble strips" w/o the noise.

The "fix" is to have the ATF changed and replaced with "Mercon V" ATF. No, an addative to "regular" ATF is NOT acceptable.

There is a DIY "How to" article here: www.crownvic.net/tech/transservice.htm

Oh, be SURE to disconnect the battery for 15 minutes or so ANY TIME you perform an ATF service! This will re-set the "adaptive strategies" in the computer for the trans.