[Shotimes] Strange ATX behavior

[sho2go]

>From a couple responses, it looks like its a temp sensor in the tranny that
controls lock-up.  It seems to shift into 4th ok; I don't push it past 60
until it finally locks.  At 60 it runs about 2400, then it drops to around
2100.  Just seems like a long time; its still pretty warm here (70-80).  It
upshifts ok, other than that; the downshifts are crappy.  There is quite a
lag before it will drop into 2nd, at 40 or so; I haven't talked to the
dealer yet.  I just don't want to find a blown tranny 6 mo. past warranty
expiration.
Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Tatro" <stevetatro_shotimes@att.net>
To: "'sho2go'" <srfdude@cox.net>; <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 10:55 AM
Subject: RE: [Shotimes] Strange ATX behavior


> Are you saying it won't shift into its 4th gear or the torque convertor
> won't lockup?  The TC lockup can feel like a totally different gear,
> although the RPM drop (from personal experience) is only about
> 3-400rpms.  What controls the TC lockup is (indirectly) the temperature
> of the tranny fluid, so it may take awhile, especially on cold mornings,
> to feel this.
>
> For example, with my '93 ATX, cruising at 80mph in OD is about 3100rpm
> COLD but once warmed up (takes a few miles now that temps are
> approaching 30-40F) drops to 2700rpm.  Unless you're somewhere in the
> 5000rpm at 80mph, you're in OD (or 4th gear, whatever).
>
> I'm not definite at what tranny fluid temperature the TC finally decides
> to lockup.  It's surely quite a bit lower than the optimal temp, as
> others (with aux tranny fluid gauges) have noted that it may take 20
> miles on the interstate for the fluid to finally reach it's peak
> (optimal?) temperature.
>
> If you're *sure* it's stuck in third gear, you may have a problem.
>
> If your particular dealer is giving you the story that they can't fix
> your problem unless it's reeealy broken, go out and do some high-rev
> neutral drops.  That'll blow a hole in your tranny case the shop can't
> ignore.
>
> Oh, and don't assume that when your Coolant temp gauge is in the NORMAL
> zone that your engine (oil) is warm...it's not ;^).
>
> Later,
>
> Steve Tatro

>
> My fairly new '95 ATX doesn't seem to shift into OD until 10-15
> miles/minutes after driving somewhat sedately down the freeway, first
> time of the day.  The engine temp has long since stabilized, outside air
> temp ~70, what controls this final shift?  Does it take this long for
> the tranny to come to temp? Also, the kickdown at lower speeds (40-60)
> seems to leave a lot to be desired, first a pause, then high engine
> revs, then a kick in the butt.  I still have 3 mos. left on my ext.
> warranty; is it time to use it, or will Ford tell me this is normal?
> Mike _______________________________________________
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