Transmission shudder

[Tsuga]

I just got back from the dealer after having a couple recalls done. I also had them checked for the shuddering. The master tech took it for a test drive with a few tech specialists. They determined it is the driveshaft that is causing the shudder. They ordered a driveshaft and will be replacing it next week. I really hope this is the cause. I have read in some instances, this was the issue for the shudder. I will keep everyone posted.

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[wilmaj32]

Please keep us updated!

 

[Howard5091]

I second that, please update us when you get it replaced. I am going to take one for the team and throw on 6 new coil packs. I got them for 13 bucks each on rock auto, so it’s not too much of an investment. I already replaced the plugs to no avail. The dealer can only get me in on the 19th and they pretty much have no idea what it could be with no engine light on. I will let you know how I do with the coils. It really feels like a misfire to me the more I drive it, and coils are more inclined to act up when lugging an engine. I read a few places that issues have been fixed with new coils, but getting the dealer to look further than the display of their scan tool is a tall order.

 

[Bullett]

I recently drove my truck to and from NC from NY. The whole way back from NC I swapped over to 93. It was shuddering really bad on the way down with my wife and kids and all of our luggage in the bed so I figured I’d try the swap. The first and second tank of premium the shudder was just as bad as usual. The third tank it seems to be smoothing out and the truck seems to run better overall. I’ve driven it a few times to and from work and although it still shudders, it’s not anywhere near as noticeable and it’s getting harder to reproduce the symptoms.

 

[Tsuga]

I second that, please update us when you get it replaced. I am going to take one for the team and throw on 6 new coil packs. I got them for 13 bucks each on rock auto, so it’s not too much of an investment. I already replaced the plugs to no avail. The dealer can only get me in on the 19th and they pretty much have no idea what it could be with no engine light on. I will let you know how I do with the coils. It really feels like a misfire to me the more I drive it, and coils are more inclined to act up when lugging an engine. I read a few places that issues have been fixed with new coils, but getting the dealer to look further than the display of their scan tool is a tall order.

Did you see my post #224?

 

[Waterfowler]

Finally had my day with official Ford Engineer that supports my local dealership. This was after multiple repair attempts and following my state’s Lemon Law process.

Test drove truck with service manager and Ford engineer. Replicated shudder multiple times on a short 20 mile highway trip.

Ford Engineer acknowledged the issue, states they have seen this issue multiple times, it’s a known issue. They saw several misfire codes during our trip but stated not enough to cause shudder. Took back to shop checked motor mounts (loosened and tightened), test drove without me issue is still there.

Ford engineer states the fix is a software update schedule for release, at the earliest, mid-May (two weeks away). Said they’re waiting on EPA approval?

Either way they’ve missed their opportunity to repair within 30 days after final repair notice. Spoke with Ford rep handling my case Monday, said they were checking with Ford Motor Co. to see what they were going to offer me. Called them Tuesday and today, no response.

More to come

 

[Dadofjax]

I recently drove my truck to and from NC from NY. The whole way back from NC I swapped over to 93. It was shuddering really bad on the way down with my wife and kids and all of our luggage in the bed so I figured I’d try the swap. The first and second tank of premium the shudder was just as bad as usual. The third tank it seems to be smoothing out and the truck seems to run better overall. I’ve driven it a few times to and from work and although it still shudders, it’s not anywhere near as noticeable and it’s getting harder to reproduce the symptoms.

I can tell as soon as I start my truck if it will be a bad shudder day or maybe I'm losing my mind over this truck.

Some days the truck idles higher than the 0.6rpm it normally does and sits around 0.8-0.9 the truck just feels so much better on these days. When I feel this I don't have to turn off gears 8 -10 and the truck drives great until I turn it off. Again I'm probably just losing my mind at this point.

For those who claim its the driveshaft I'll be going in next Friday for my driveshaft recall and will let you know if I notice a difference.

 

[wilmaj32]

Finally had my day with official Ford Engineer that supports my local dealership. This was after multiple repair attempts and following my state’s Lemon Law process.

Test drove truck with service manager and Ford engineer. Replicated shudder multiple times on a short 20 mile highway trip.

Ford Engineer acknowledged the issue, states they have seen this issue multiple times, it’s a known issue. They saw several misfire codes during our trip but stated not enough to cause shudder. Took back to shop checked motor mounts (loosened and tightened), test drove without me issue is still there.

Ford engineer states the fix is a software update schedule for release, at the earliest, mid-May (two weeks away). Said they’re waiting on EPA approval?

Either way they’ve missed their opportunity to repair within 30 days after final repair notice. Spoke with Ford rep handling my case Monday, said they were checking with Ford Motor Co. to see what they were going to offer me. Called them Tuesday and today, no response.

More to come

Finally had my day with official Ford Engineer that supports my local dealership. This was after multiple repair attempts and following my state’s Lemon Law process.

Test drove truck with service manager and Ford engineer. Replicated shudder multiple times on a short 20 mile highway trip.

Ford Engineer acknowledged the issue, states they have seen this issue multiple times, it’s a known issue. They saw several misfire codes during our trip but stated not enough to cause shudder. Took back to shop checked motor mounts (loosened and tightened), test drove without me issue is still there.

Ford engineer states the fix is a software update schedule for release, at the earliest, mid-May (two weeks away). Said they’re waiting on EPA approval?

Either way they’ve missed their opportunity to repair within 30 days after final repair notice. Spoke with Ford rep handling my case Monday, said they were checking with Ford Motor Co. to see what they were going to offer me. Called them Tuesday and today, no response.

More to come

When you get time I would love to hear how you got the ball rolling in this direction…with the engineer and the 30 day time clock.

 

[Waterfowler]

When you get time I would love to hear how you got the ball rolling in this direction…with the engineer and the 30 day time clock.
[/QUOTE
In my state there is a fairly simple process. The vehicle qualifies for Lemon Law if the vehicle has had 3 or more repair attempts for the same substantial defect OR if the vehicle has been out service at least 15 cumulative days to repair one or more substantial defects.

Our state provides a physical Lemon Law Book with a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification card in the back. Fill that card out and send via certified mail and request a signature to Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center in Dearborn. If you only do that you are on your own with Ford.

I suggest to open a case with the BBB Auto Line. You only need your service records. They engage Ford and provide a case number. Ford will acknowledge receipt of your vehicle defect notice with the BBB and they have 10 days to respond. You will be assigned a rep from Ford who engages the dealer of your choice and an engineer if necessary.

Hope that helps

 

[Tsuga]

Finally had my day with official Ford Engineer that supports my local dealership. This was after multiple repair attempts and following my state’s Lemon Law process.

Test drove truck with service manager and Ford engineer. Replicated shudder multiple times on a short 20 mile highway trip.

Ford Engineer acknowledged the issue, states they have seen this issue multiple times, it’s a known issue. They saw several misfire codes during our trip but stated not enough to cause shudder. Took back to shop checked motor mounts (loosened and tightened), test drove without me issue is still there.

Ford engineer states the fix is a software update schedule for release, at the earliest, mid-May (two weeks away). Said they’re waiting on EPA approval?

Either way they’ve missed their opportunity to repair within 30 days after final repair notice. Spoke with Ford rep handling my case Monday, said they were checking with Ford Motor Co. to see what they were going to offer me. Called them Tuesday and today, no response.

More to come

Would you know if this software update is over the air or do they do it at the dealer?

 

[Waterfowler]

Would you know if this software update is over the air or do they do it at the dealer?

The Ford engineer said they were hoping they could push this out over the air without having to bring people into the dealerships. They did not commit to that statement though, just that they were hopeful that the release would be done sometime in mid May

 

[Tsuga]

The Ford engineer said they were hoping they could push this out over the air without having to bring people into the dealerships. They did not commit to that statement though, just that they were hopeful that the release would be done sometime in mid May

It’s interesting that a software update is mentioned by a Ford engineer. I had a brief conversation with someone on here who forced the updates through FDRS and he said that his transmission was a lot better after the updates.
He said that after the updates, his software version is 22….., mine is still 21…. My truck build date was sometimes in November 21.
When I checked for available updates, it says that I am all up to date. I asked the question on the board, whether all software versions are the same or different trims and different engines have different versions, I did not get any responses. For the record mine is an xlt 302 2.7.

 

[Howard5091]

I am glad to hear that a possible fix is in the making. I really hope that it is released sooner than later as this shuddering is really getting on my last nerve.

 

[SCTYDOG]

My 2003 T-Bird does this when a coil goes bad or gets wet. It was a big problem for the T-Birds. We had several replaced under warranty. The washer fluid was known to leak and then drip down and under the coil covers. Taking the T-Bird through a car wash with undercarriage spray is a big no no.

 

[Howard5091]

Any updates regarding the software update? Any info is appreciated! I’m about ready to start the buyback process if this isn’t fixed soon. I have friends that have these trucks as well and I will tell them all to do the same. Predictably, Ford contacted me and never followed up.
Thanks

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