bdhoun
Waterdown, Ontario
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I've got an '06 F-150 5.4L with 155,000km's on it. Bought it new, and have taken care of it, in my opinion. Have changed out the tranny fluid 3 times (every 50,000km). For the past month or so, I think the torque convertor has been slow to lock up. It now takes about 1 mile on our street before it locks up in OD when starting out in the morning. Our road does have some ups and downs to it. Until it locks up I feel a little shake in my butt. Once it does lock up it seems to hold okay if I'm doing 80kph (50mph). Slower than that and the torque convertor isn't locking very well. Any ideas? I'm planning to take it in to a tranny shop to check out, but don't need any more big repair bills this year.
So far this year I've had sparks plugs done (2 broken off) for about $700, passenger side exhaust manifold replace due to exhaust leak about $700, rear diff clutches change out about $800, rear brake pads, rotors,a dn calipers about $1000.
Too much. I drive it like a granny and all the miles are essentially highway.
I guess I just wanted to vent.
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nelson
Clio,Mi USA
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There use to be a modulator valve in the vacuum line many years ago that would cause problems. Sometimes just a vacuum leak would do the same thing. Not sure but might be worth checking.
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ib516
Up here!
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I know that in both my vehicles (a 2006 GM minivan) and the RAM 3500 - there is a designed in feature where the tq converter won't lock up until the trans fluid reaches a certain temp. The tq converter is electronically controlled, so the PCM (computer) controls it's operation. Running unlocked creates heat, so it is designed not to lock up until the fluid gets to a temperature where the trans can operate properly. I'll bet that is what's going on. Should be mentioned in your owners manual.
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HRcampers
Warren, MI
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ib516 wrote:I know that in both my vehicles (a 2006 GM minivan) and the RAM 3500 - there is a designed in feature where the tq converter won't lock up until the trans fluid reaches a certain temp. The tq converter is electronically controlled, so the PCM (computer) controls it's operation. Running unlocked creates heat, so it is designed not to lock up until the fluid gets to a temperature where the trans can operate properly. I'll bet that is what's going on. Should be mentioned in your owners manual.
I agree. My new Ram is like this. Also previous TV, 2008 F-250 was the same way.
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Turtle n Peeps
California
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ib516 wrote:I know that in both my vehicles (a 2006 GM minivan) and the RAM 3500 - there is a designed in feature where the tq converter won't lock up until the trans fluid reaches a certain temp. The tq converter is electronically controlled, so the PCM (computer) controls it's operation. Running unlocked creates heat, so it is designed not to lock up until the fluid gets to a temperature where the trans can operate properly. I'll bet that is what's going on. Should be mentioned in your owners manual.
I agree with IB. Even my 93 4L80E has this feature. It warms the fluid up much faster so that is why they do this.
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Mark Kovalsky
Central Florida
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nelson wrote:There use to be a modulator valve in the vacuum line many years ago that would cause problems. Sometimes just a vacuum leak would do the same thing. Not sure but might be worth checking.
That advice is a couple decades out of date. There is no vacuum connection to the transmission.
Mark
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Mark Kovalsky
Central Florida
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ib516 wrote:I know that in both my vehicles (a 2006 GM minivan) and the RAM 3500 - there is a designed in feature where the tq converter won't lock up until the trans fluid reaches a certain temp. The tq converter is electronically controlled, so the PCM (computer) controls it's operation. Running unlocked creates heat, so it is designed not to lock up until the fluid gets to a temperature where the trans can operate properly. I'll bet that is what's going on. Should be mentioned in your owners manual.
That's exactly what's happening. The transmission has to reach a certain temperature before the torque converter will lock.
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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Mark Kovalsky wrote:ib516 wrote:I know that in both my vehicles (a 2006 GM minivan) and the RAM 3500 - there is a designed in feature where the tq converter won't lock up until the trans fluid reaches a certain temp. The tq converter is electronically controlled, so the PCM (computer) controls it's operation. Running unlocked creates heat, so it is designed not to lock up until the fluid gets to a temperature where the trans can operate properly. I'll bet that is what's going on. Should be mentioned in your owners manual.
That's exactly what's happening. The transmission has to reach a certain temperature before the torque converter will lock.
+1 this is my opinion as well
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bdhoun
Waterdown, Ontario
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fla-gypsy wrote:Mark Kovalsky wrote:ib516 wrote:I know that in both my vehicles (a 2006 GM minivan) and the RAM 3500 - there is a designed in feature where the tq converter won't lock up until the trans fluid reaches a certain temp. The tq converter is electronically controlled, so the PCM (computer) controls it's operation. Running unlocked creates heat, so it is designed not to lock up until the fluid gets to a temperature where the trans can operate properly. I'll bet that is what's going on. Should be mentioned in your owners manual.
That's exactly what's happening. The transmission has to reach a certain temperature before the torque converter will lock.
+1 this is my opinion as well
It certainly seems that way, I just don't really remember it being the case in years past come the cooler weather. Maybe I just worry a little too much. If it gets worse, or misbehaves for longer periods, maybe I'll take it in.
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vermont_blue
Colorado
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When you're at a stop sign, does it feel like the truck wants to surge forward? Like it's pushing against the brake. If so, it's your torque converter.
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