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Automotive/transmission hard shifting

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Expert: - 10/12/2010


Question
I'll preface my question with a bit of background. I recently bought a 2000 Ford E350 Superduty truck. This truck is a bit unique only from the standpoint that it is a used ambulance. Now decommissioned and only viable for private sector applications.

I cannot be certain of the mechanical makeup, since I am not sure if and what parts may have been changed either from the onset given it's career path as an ambulance, or during the course of it's service as an active ambulance.

The issue I have is not that complicated, but the answer may be more complex than it may seem. The transmission, when cold, does not shift normally through the first couple gears. It seems to hang in each gear for a more prolonged period before shifting to the next gear up.

After a few minutes of running time, things seems to settle and the transmission seems to operate more reasonably.

Gradually the time frame seems to be getting slightly longer, last week 2-3 minutes before normal operation came about, this week, 4-5 minutes seems to be the average. Daily temperatures seems to be relatively close, if not warmer this week than last.

Would you have any insights as to what may be the cause?

I have had a couple people mention that adding some brake fluid to the transmission fluid can sometimes help issues like this. Others are pointing to products like Lucas Transmission conditioners. Any validity to either of these claims?

Thanks in advance for all you insights.

Jak

Answer
I am not too sure about the idea of adding brake fluid to the transmission, especially in view of its possible deliquescent (water absorbing) qualities!  Too, brake fluid is designed for use in an environment that is pretty much static compared with that of any power transmission, in which it also serves as a flowing coolant.  It sounds to me to be a misapplication, but I am open to any learned discourse on this!  Having said that, my own sense is that it is likely that the transmission fluid level is a bit low, or possibly corrupted and in need of a change; it could be that valves and actuators are hanging up due to sludge, possibly sludge that gels when cool, or settles down in low points until picked up and made to move through the system again - I wonder what the pan and filter looks like?

Due diligence dictates that I will put a question to an individual I know who took on a Ford E450 which, in its previous life, also was an ambulance.  His is serving him very well in his plumbing and gas-fitting business.  He may have some insights to offer.  As it happens, I am waiting to hear back from him on a gas task, and can ask him about his experiences, if any.

My instinct remains that a general transmission servicing is probably in order, and this is a good periodic preventative maintenance job to undertake anyway; transmissions that continue to be well looked after tend to continue to live long, productive and reliable lives.  I have little doubt that this vehicle was well serviced when in active duty, but it is possible that the last service got missed, once retirement was seen on the horizon.

Regards ... EGK

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Ernest (Ernie) Kenward

Expertise

The challenges I most enjoy are thoughtful technical questions of a trouble-shooting nature in both electrical, power electronic and mechanical systems, mainly automotive but also machine control and small-machine PLC applications. Please note, however, that I am NOT a walking shop manual! I DO, however, make it a point to have those manuals and other service literature for those vehicles I DO own, and highly recommend that anyone serious about maintenance or modification of their vehicles do the same; MOST of your answers WILL be found there. For that matter, I do NOT go out of my way to acquire shop manuals for any vehicle I do NOT own! That being the case, any general query to me along the lines of "What is the meaning of this code read from the ECU of my 2015 XYZ?" or "Where is the fuse for the windshield washer pump found?" (try your car's electrical distribution panel for a start!) will not go far. What I do offer is a pretty good collection of literature, insights and hands-on experience with 1950s to 1980's Ford products (plus a developing database of information and practice with the Mercedes diesel cars), along with an engineering perspective and the ability to design and implement custom control, electrical and mechanical subsystems for vehicles. For that reason, I am happy to make my thoughts and efforts available to those who are of like mind and/or are seriously making a point of learning about their vehicles. Use the Opportunity to Learn!

Experience

A key skill in my work and hobby pursuits both is STRATEGIC TROUBLESHOOTING. I am a senior instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at a leading Canadian polytechnic, my areas being Electrical Power and Industrial Control, electrical and electronics design and manufacturing, and AutoCAD and related CAD/CAE software - plus equipment problem-solving and new equipment design and prototyping. Hobby-wise, I have 30-plus years of experience in auto restoration, mostly in electrical and mechanical systems. Ongoing projects include a 1959 Edsel Corsair, my 1978 Ford E250 class-B motorhome conversion, and the care and upkeep of my Mercedes 300CD. My vehicles become engineering test beds for electrical and mechanical upgrades as ideas present themselves. This includes the design and production of circuit boards to restore or enhance features for which no OEM replacement parts are obtainable, or where better specifications or reliability can be had via newer concepts. Regarding the E250 RV conversion, I designed and continue to revise a custom power distribution system, managed by a Programmable Controller (PLC); this has made most revisions as easy as uploading new firmware as I develop it. The "mini" PLC is a powerful device for custom automotive control systems. One good example (there are many) would be the Moeller "Easy Relay"; these offer a wealth of control, monitoring and variable-and-status display options for such projects. A good example project which has worked well is that one for my RV noted above, which has been on the job - revised in firmware only - for a decade now. It is a load management and charging control system to avoid the sulfation-induced early failure that often befalls deep-cycle batteries used in RV power applications. The battery installed in 2003 lasted long enough to more tnan pay for the PLC that contributed to its longer life ... and the PLC will be there for the next battery as well!

Organizations
IEEE - senior member ... past WCC Student Activities; SME - senior member ... past chair, greater Vancouver chapter chair 318; Edsel Owners' Club - have served in various capacities on chapter executive during seventies; have been Power and Driveline resource on the Edsel Owners' Club "E-team" for more than a decade.

Education/Credentials
Graduate of UBC

Awards and Honors
Certificates of appreciation from IEEE and SME for work in student and chapter activities

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