'03 Transmission Problem - Skipping 2nd

[dogr74]

All of a sudden, my LS is skipping 2nd gear (over-revs in 1st, drops into 3rd, and then shifts normally into 4th) and doesn't shift into 5th at all. If I manually shift it from 1st into 2nd, it stays in 1st (even though it say's 2nd on the dash display) until I manually shift to 3rd and then it drops into 3rd .

If I drive in D5, it will throw a transmission Error after a short while at 55+. If I drive in D4, no error (still skips 2nd in both D4 and D5)).

I've searched the forum and am not finding anything similar. Any thoughts? Maybe something similar to the broken pre-stroke 4-3 spring?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[dogr74]

Well, after 50+ views with no suggestions (but thanks for trying anyway!!), I had to bite the bullet and have it repaired. Seems as though the root cause was a failed/bad servo (which then smoked #2 band) but as usual, there were other "opportunities" once they got the trans pulled and opened up. In the end the cost to repair ($2000) vs. the cost to rebuild ($2800) was too close to ignore.

***new torque converter * overhaul kit * re-bored and sleeved servo bores * 2 new servos * 3 new bands * 3 yr 50k warranty***

All in all, I'm out $2800 but am glad to say it drives and shifts better than when it was new.

Thanks again for trying. This forum is great!
Gary

[joegr]

FYI: Ford recommends that an external filter be added to the transmission cooling lines if the transmission is rebuilt or replaced. I guess the theory is that there might still be some metal particles in the cooling lines.

[stinkinlincoln03]

Originally Posted by dogr74

All of a sudden, my LS is skipping 2nd gear (over-revs in 1st, drops into 3rd, and then shifts normally into 4th) and doesn't shift into 5th at all. If I manually shift it from 1st into 2nd, it stays in 1st (even though it say's 2nd on the dash display) until I manually shift to 3rd and then it drops into 3rd .

If I drive in D5, it will throw a transmission Error after a short while at 55+. If I drive in D4, no error (still skips 2nd in both D4 and D5)).

I've searched the forum and am not finding anything similar. Any thoughts? Maybe something similar to the broken pre-stroke 4-3 spring?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Hey there... I also have an '03... am wondering is yours a six or 8... had the exact problem occur two weeks ago (is still at the shop) skipped second and no fifth... once at shop was told that the main computer was corrupt and had to be replaced 1400$. As of yesterday they pulled the tranny (was also told tranny and engine were unitary, and they had to pull both?) anyway... is going to be overhauled, 3800$... am just wondering if your problem is still fixed? have heard that this 'failure' can repeat... and did you mechanic ever report and issues with the computer?? thanks anyone else with the same issues would be great to ohear as well!!
thanks

[dogr74]

Mine is an 8 cyl. The trans is still working better than new. I can't believe your mechanic would say he had to pull the engine... doesn't sound kosher to me . Also, there was never any mention from anyone I talked to re: the computer. The only repeat problem I've heard about is if they don't bore and re-sleeve the servo bores when they rebuild it,
Good luck!

[lovemyLS]

Mine did that and it was 1 of the valves in the transmission was getting stuck. It cost me about $600 and was done in a day. I was also told this was a common problem for the LS transmissions. Not sure how true that is but this Lincoln technician is very good and has always done a great job.