Trans Troubles

[Andy]

My 04. 5 with auto trans is giving me some issues and even though I will probably take it in for warranty (31000 miles) I would like to have an idea what is going on before I take it in. The truck is stock except for exhaust and some gages. (Boost, EGT, Fuel Pressure and Trans temp)

For the last few mornings when I start out in the morning it doesn't seem to snap in gear and at inital takeoff seems to slip(2500 rpm to get it to move) Half mile down the road the shifting gets crisper and for the rest of the day things are normal!

In my mind it seems as if the TC has lost fluid or something.

Trans oil was changed at 15K miles and looked and smelled good. Auto parts sent out the wrong filter so it was not changed at the time but by the looks of the oil and bottom of the pan I did not get to concerned as my plan is to have a change interval of about 15K miles.

This is my work truck and I regularly tow a 7200 lb skid loader so I don't want to be down any longer than necessary! I am hoping to keep running till I finish getting my 2000 freightliner (with ISB 5. 9) together so I have something to drive and tow with.

Anyone know what my problem is? Is it something simple? Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks,

Andy

 

[CPittman]

Well, the obvious would be fluid level - that's OK, right - remember, with a stock transmission you have to check the fluid level with the transmission warm and in neutral.



If all that is OK, I would say that your valve body may be leaking. The pump may be developing pressure, but you may be losing some pressure in and around the valve body.



A quick fix might be an aftermarket valve body. I would have your dealer or trusted transmission tech offer an opinion. The only thing that's unusual in your case is that it is a '04. 5 with only 31K miles on it. I would think everything in your transmission is just now getting broken in... ?!

 

[PKitzman]

Until you get it looked at I would let it warm up in neutral for a bit before taking off. See if that helps with the sluggish takeoff and slipping. Obviously that is no long term solution, but it may help prevent some damage.

 

[Hoefler]

If I read your post right, you did not change the filter when the fluid was changed???



First thing I would do, is change the fluid AND the filter. Even though you found nothing in the pan, the filter collects all the very small particles we never see. Change the filter.