Shudder on Acceleration

[DCooper]

After warming up, my '99 Taurus, 3.0 Duratec engine, 85K miles, "shudders" or shakes for 1-2 seconds during easy acceleration when shifting into 3rd and/or 4th gears.

I've tried new plugs and new plug wires, and checked around for vacuum leaks. I've changed the transmission fluid 3 times over 85K miles, the last time just after this problem started.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm hoping it's a connection or sensor and not the transmission.

Thank you.

[Willyum]

You use the Mercon V fluid? I put in Castrol Mercon V and on the back of the bottle it says that it cures transmission shudder.

[DCooper]

Originally Posted by Willyum

You use the Mercon V fluid? I put in Castrol Mercon V and on the back of the bottle it says that it cures transmission shudder.

Yes, I used Motorcraft Mercon V fluid, which also says it cures transmission shudder. I guess I'll have to take it in. I'll let you know what they say.

[DCooper]

The local Ford Dealer said that the transmission technician and the foreman noticed 3 shudders:
Torque converter
Overdrive band
Brakes

They recommended replacing the transmission with a remanufactured transmission with a 3 yr / 36,000 mile warrantee, at $3562.79.
They could repair the existing transmission, but it also would be expensive and only a 1 yr / 12,000 mile warrantee.

I told them I would pick up the car, pay them the $90 diagnosis fee, and think about it.

I'm not feeling well.

[Willyum]

I wouldn't feel well either, be sure to look at the Blue Book value before you sink more money into it than it's worth.

[FBM]

Did you end up having the dealer fix the problem? I had a really strange transmission problem that turned out to be a clogged transmission filter. The car made a screetching sound until the transmission fluid warmed up and could pass thru the filter. I had the filter changed along with the fluid. The noise went away but now I have a shutter from 25 to 30 and 35 to 40 mph. I just added a bottle of Lubegard (green cap) yesterday to see if will help. The verdict is still out.

F]