Tranny Problem?

[Victor J]

I am the new owner of a '94 SHO with ATX (weeps) and lately the tranny seems to shudder when shifting gears sometimes when traveling slow. It didn't do so when I first got it and I have been driving extremely carefully (this is the first automobile of my own...I have been driving my parent's and friends cars for years while I saved enough $$ to get my SHO...so I've been pampering it like crazy) When I accelerate quickly, it seems to be fine, but at slow speeds it seems to **** the whole car.

I am just wondering if I am being paranoid or if this is a precursor to major transmission problems. The transmission fluid level is fine, and it looks clean to the eyes of a layman. Should I change the fluid? Or is this a much bigger problem?

 

[Machspeed]

Sounds like tranny is nearing the end of its life. Thats what happens with most atxs start acting up anyway...

 

[SHOtimer]

Exactly what FOR SHO said. My ATX did that when I bought it and I got it to go for another 20k before a rebuild. It really varies from ATX to ATX how long you have. But, eventually it will need to be done. It is much better to do it when it is convienient that when it isn't. What is the mileage on the car?
Doug

 

[Victor J]

The mileage is 76k, and I've only driven it for 1000 miles since I got it. That's about what I had expected you guys to say.

Hopefully I'll be able to milk it till I can save up the money to take care of it!! 20k would be more than enough.

Also, about how much did you spend to get it rebuilt and where did you take it? I know most Ford dealerships won't touch the SHO engine, but do they service the tranny?

Thanks for all your help.

<small>[ August 10, 2003, 02:14 AM: Message edited by: Victor J ]</small>

 

[TheNoachSHO]

Good luck with it but don't expect too much. I bought mine and it would shutter between 1st and 2nd pretty good and on a 3 to 2 downshift it would slip. 1000 miles later. Tranny=SHOboom!!!

Hopefully your does better then mine.

 

[svtman]

Victor,

You should check to make sure that you do not have a slight misfire - that could cause what feels like a shudder. Also, regularly check your tranny fluid - it will usually turn dark when the clutches are slipping badly. You could try adding a couple of containers of Ford Friction Modifier to your tranny - my brother who is an ex-Ford Mechanic swears by it to keep the valve body from sticking (and frees it up).

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

hi Vic, i had a similiar problem which was in fact cause by a misfire. so i would follow svtman's advice and swap your plugs and wires. ****, i got 115k on my original tranny and its still pretty strong. so it may not necessarily be time for a SHOboom

also, get an LPM from Ted Breaux (theres lots of info on him and his amazing product in past threads). your car will feel totally different when you do and may actually help your tranny. good luck and let us know how it goes.
Bob

<small>[ August 11, 2003, 07:00 AM: Message edited by: BlackOnBlackATX ]</small>

 

[Victor J]

I would love to get a Ted Breaux LPM, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on that and then have my tranny go a week later.

Now with regards to a misfire, I don't think that's the case because the engine purrs like a kitten. I just replaced the wires and plugs, and it only shudders during gear shifts, not anytime else.

I'll definitely try that Ford Friction Modifier though...where can that be purchased? Is it available at any auto parts store, or should I look to a dealer or online?

 

[svtman]

I usually get mine through a Ford dealer - it is pretty cheap. It stinks bad though, so try not to get any on yourself!

 

[DigDeez]

Yeah, I've been noticing some of the same symptoms posted here. Upon reading these threads about how these symptoms are a prelude to the tranny going ShooBoom, I almost fail into a mode of depression. My 93 ATX has 121,000mi and still runs good, but not quite like it once did.

So does anyone know on average the cost of a rebuilt tranny? It's almost time to replace my plug wires in about 4 to 5,000 miles. Should they be replaced sooner?

So, Autozone does do coil pack testing?

DigDeez