Transmission Shudder????

[turfmanager]

I have a 2003 F150,v-6 automatic. 275,000 miles on it, 80% of those are highway miles. As it warmed up today (the temperature outside), my truck would shudder and make a popping noise and not want to shift. Yesterday, and all winter it did not do this, however as it did warm up on certaindays, it would get kind of testy and shudder a little. I checked the fluid level and its a little high but not burnt smelling. I'm going to drain the system, and vacuum the remaining fluid out from the top (17 qts total!!) and change the filter. I service my vehicle regularly, so I'm not sure if I missed something or its time to get my transmission rebuilt. Could it simply be warmer weather and too much fluid? Is it my torque converter getting ready to fly out of the tranny? is it time to go and get a junkyard tranny and suck it up? Any suggestions?

[kevinande]

If you have been regularly servicing the fluid in the transmission, it could simply be deposits in the torque converter. Before I spent money on a new tranny new or junk yard I would spend the $150 at the dealer for a flush and see if that helps at all. If these symptoms just started, there is a good chance you will be fine after a flush, but there are no guarantees. 275,000 is pretty impressive, they usually will not make it that far unless they have been properly maintained!

[trannyman52]

filter and fluid change good idea,,,,,flush,,,,Bad idea,,,,....with that amount of miles and time ,,,,filter is best thing,,,problem is probably clutch seals are stiff allowing oil to bypass piston seals,,,,,,Tranny-in-a-can,,,seal conditioner will buy you some time but re-build is probably in your future,,,