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Delayed Shift 2nd to 3rd gear

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19K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  jbone2470  
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#1 ·
Hi All,

Been around for about a year but this is my first post. Forums are awesome and contain tons of useful information!

The other day I did a bunch of work on my 2005 Ford Escape XLT which include changing the spark plugs (NGK G Power), drain diff, transfer case, install new ball joint, and in-cabin filter.

I have owned the vehicle for a year now and since I bought it I've noticed an occasional hard shift from 2nd to 3rd gear. When it happens I am usually exiting off the highway, yielding to oncoming traffic (not coming to a stop) maybe travelling 40km/h then when I go to merge the vehicle leaps forward like I have been rear ended and sounds awful!

Since I have drained the transfer case fluid the hard shift is less harsh but still there but now there is a shift delay between 2nd to 3rd gear sometime 1st to 2nd... I have been reading ford forums and am not sure the direction I should go... Tranny shop perhaps the transfer case is shot? Also been reading about TSB's and the PCM having incorrect software? Wrong plugs or a vacuum leak?

Was hoping someone here ran into a similar problem or could help me out.

Thanks
 
#2 ·
Did u drain and fill the transmission with mercon v? Also the PTU takes a specific fluid, on my 04 4x4 auto it takes 75w-140.

And my rear diff axle takes 80w-90... Soo make sure you check your owners manula for the correct fluids..

Then it may take awhile of driving for the re learn process for your driving habits..It;s all in your owners manual..Disconnect battery to reset the computer..

When i drained and filled my tranny i also put in a bottle of lubeguard. It helped my tranny shudder i was having at around 40mph. It took around 100 miles for everything to smooth out and run great..

If u do put any additives in tranny like lubeguard, make sure u take some tranny fluid out so u don't over fill tranny..I think for the mercon v it is the silver bottle of lubeguard.Some will say not to use any additives.

On mine since i have the mercon/dex 3 it calls for the red bottle of lubeguard..It worked out for me..

So if you have put in all the correct fluids and levels and have driven it around for awhile and still has problems then maybe a trip to mechanic who knows about ford transmissions and is honest..
 
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#3 ·
Thank you for the reply.

I didn't drain the transmission, just the transfer case and differential. Also used the 75w140 in transfer case and 80w90 in the rear diff.

I did disconnect the battery for a couple hours but have only driven about 50 miles. Ill give it another week and see if there is any improvements.

Wasn't sure if it was something I did when I did all that work. Rpms jump every gear basically but most noticeable from 2nd to 3rd.
 
#4 ·
I had a similar issue with my transmission shifting hard like that from 2-3 just over a year ago or so. I was still under powertrain warranty at the time so I took it in to the dealer and was told it was a fairly common problem with the Escape. Can't remember specifics but I do know it involved a pretty complete transmission overhaul and it didn't cost me a dime so I was happy.
 
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#5 ·
If you haven't changed transmission fluids since you got it, that would be my first guess. My '02 always starts acting up when it needs changed, and it's more noticeable in cold weather. When the chemical bonds in the fluid break down, the viscosity changes, and affects the pressure, leading to those nasty slips and squeaks.
 
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#7 ·
After driving the vehicle for another 50 miles the computer re-learned my driving habits and the shifts have become much smoother! Thank you jbone. Was worried I'd have to visit a tranny shop.

I drained the tranny fluid and wow was it filthy considering it was changed 25,000 km's ago. Also threw a bottle of Lucas in it to help with the hard 2nd to 3rd shift. I am satisfied with the results. The escape now shifts like butter!

Next week ill toss in a new PCV valve and fuel filter.
 
#8 ·
:thumb:
 
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