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Auto Trans THUD!

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pumafeet10

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I have read a few threads about how the 03 auto trans has a prob, and well i think my focus has found it! [?|]

So driving in 2nd to 3 going up a hill usually under a good amount of load @ between 40 and 50mph the trans is slipping but feels like a repeated thud.

I know my options really are to replace the trans, do a 5spd swap, or what i would like to do is fix the prob.

I know there is a solenoid fix that can be done, but im unsure what solenoid needs to be changed.

I was looking at the Ford Racing Valve body aswell, but not sure if that would be wise.

For me id rather just replace all of the solenoids and be done with it but still kind of unsure.

What about trans fluid? I have ~60k on the engine and trans whihc is about time for a trans fluid change, what fluid is recommended?

Thanks for the help

David
 
#5 · (Edited)
First I want to apologize for not responding sooner. Don't know how we missed this.

I'm not an auto trans expert, so I don't have an answer.

It might help, if you list engine type, trans, etc.

You did say that you have 60,000 miles on your car. The recommended trans flush is every 30,000. The type fluid you need, is either written on the trans dipstick, or in your owners manual.

Where are you in PA?
 
#6 ·
Mercon V is what you need. I'd try changing out the 2-3 shift solenoid and doing a transmission filter change. I would not flush the fluid. Also, changing over to a manual transmission is a lot more involved than you think. It would be easier to fix the transmission that is in the car. If you want a manual trans, then sell your car and buy a manual transmission car.

Supposedly Ford is releasing the new dual clutch AT in a small car this year. The Fusion has a 6 spd, but I'm not sure if that is the Powershift Transmission or not. I'd like to know more to find out if the fluid used in that transmission is changed like a manual since it's not hydraulic like the old AT designs are.
 
#7 ·
my dad had the same problem in his 03 zx3, where when shifting from 2nd to 3rd it would all of a sudden just BANG into gear like you'd rev the motor to 5k and go, surprisingly it held togeather lol. anywho the fix was a couple hundred bucks at the shop, i doubt doing a manual swap would be that cheap lol.
 
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#8 ·
Hi guys, here's an update of what I found out abt the atx. Mine is still slipping in & out of 4th around 90 to 100 km/h. Spoke to a shop specialised only in tx's, owner told me that they can scan any tx to find out what's wrong. He also told me that just changing the A solenoid is not going to fix this problem since something else might be the problem. Let me explain:
He told me that the 3rd & 4th gears installed on a atx (by ford) are very weak & due to misfunction after some years. They change those gears by using those from Mazda (better quality & stronger) and the problem is fixed.
Also sent an email to lentech to inquire that if I change the whole V-body, this might fix the problem & those guys were very honest in their response, answer is no, if the gears are too used it will not fix it, even a solenoid change wont be usefull as it appears.
Best thing is to get atx scanned to find out if it's really the gears or not & you will def. know where the problem lies.
Anyway I keep my fingers crossed for the scan of my atx, if it's the gears I might just taccle this gear change myself (that's gonna be fun...LOL)
 
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Discussion starter · #9 ·
I knew I forgot to post more info, man i get ahead of my self sometimes, but the car is a 03 ZX5 auto with just over 60k.

The cars is actually my gf's, the reason its auto.[screwy]

My gf drives the car normally or i would say as slowly and carefully as possible.

I had been looking at different fluids from companies like amsoil, redline, royal purple and the lot of aftermarket suppliers of higher quality trans fluids.

The auto to manual idea is more of a pipe dream, my gf would be ok with it but will need quite a bit of practice to get her ready for everyday driving, but if the trans really got to that point i would most likely tear the trans down my self and get the helms trans manual and go to town replacing anything and everything I could. The work I can do no prob, but right now i just want it working tip top so my girl doesn't get stuck or something.

I had been looking at lenntech and the ford racing valve body upgrade but am really not sure what is going to help right now. The car is going in for inspection soon and hopefully I can get the fluid changed asap.

Oh and is the Mercon V that I need only available at the dealer or not, I can't remember if the parts store have that formulation or not.

As always im looking to upgrade where I can instead of just using stock parts so if its ok to use a better fluid, but in some cases after market fluid is really only good for powerglides and the crazy high horse rwd trannies.

Thanks for the help guys, hopefully I can get this fixed up soon.
 
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pumafeet10
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