2001 trans shudder

[mrphixit1]

Had Transmission serviced at Ford dealer at 30k. Drained, flushed, new filter and all new fluid. Now at 34k miles I've had 7 or 8 very harsh shuddering 1-2 shifts when accelerating quickly from stop. Most after long hot trips.
Dipstick says to use Mercon V. I read several posts that suggest that harsh or shuddering shifts can be caused by using regular mercon fluid. I wonder if Ford dealer knows there is a difference or just grabs the ATF hose. Is there any way I can identify Mercon V fluid vs regular Mercon? The stuff on the dipstick is red.

[garync1]

Not trying to sound funny but mercon V smells like bad body oder.. The first time I checked it I thought it was me... but now I know its the fluid. Have never smelled any fluid like it. When my fluid needed changing my tranny started sliping. After the flush and fill it runs great and had it done again 15,000 miles later. over 85,000 no problems with the tranny knock on wood... As for the shudder may be your tranny sensor..

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by mrphixit1

... I wonder if Ford dealer knows there is a difference or just grabs the ATF hose. Is there any way I can identify Mercon V fluid vs regular Mercon? The stuff on the dipstick is red.

That is a strong possibility. I'd pick up 4-5qts of brand-name mercon 5 from autozone, napa, carquest or the likes, pump out 4-5qts through the dipstick tube, add the new & see if there is an improvement. You can pick up a cheap hand pump from harbor freight tools, or the car parts stores. Non merc 5 has been known to cause shudder. Like Gary says, merc 5 is pretty stanky for some reason, and smells REAL bad when it gets a ton of miles on it.
G/luck
Joel

[DRW1000]

I would certainly hope that a Ford dealer would not make that mistake but.........................

I suppose the only real way to know what is being done to your car is to do it yourself.

I would try the replacing 5 qts or so through the dipstick tube and check for an improvement method that was suggested earlier