Transmission kind of "hugs" first gear when I first start. What should I do?

[TannerVoss1231]

As title says, when I first get in on a cold start, the transmission kind of doesn't want to go into second on the first shift. It sticks and then shifts.
I have a 91 Tune with the trans tune so it goes through every gear.
I was going to get a trans flush done, I am just shy of 60k miles. Would a trans flush possibly help or do I need to just start planning for the trans failure?

2020 Ranger Lariat

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[Stevedbvik1]

Are you still in the 5/60 power train warranty period?

 

[TannerVoss1231]

Are you still in the 5/60 power train warranty period?

Holy shit I didn't realize the powertrain warranty went that long. I will make an appointment tomorrow

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Holy shit I didn't realize the powertrain warranty went that long. I will make an appointment tomorrow

Might want to flash it back to stock before bringing it in. And mention TSB 25-2024.

 

[got3fords]

Mine will frequently have a harsh first shift if the weather is cold and I don't let it warm up enough. But every shift after seems fine. Dealer will likely say cannot duplicate issue. But a flush is not a bad idea. Mine shifts better overall after a flush and adding Lubeguard Platinum.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Mine will frequently have a harsh first shift if the weather is cold and I don't let it warm up enough. But every shift after seems fine. Dealer will likely say cannot duplicate issue. But a flush is not a bad idea. Mine shifts better overall after a flush and adding Lubeguard Platinum.

The latest TSB has a test procedure now to detect CDF drum issues. It has provisions for temperature. So there should be no more dealer can’t duplicate scenarios. And the OP is still under warranty.

 

[Burnt Money]

If the dealer says it doesn’t need replacing I would definitely change the fluid and filter. Plus the LubeGuard. I did all of that Sunday. The transmission shifts soo much smoother and there is no more shutter from the Torque Converter. I’m at 86k miles and also tuned.

 

[Dereku]

Depending on ambient temp thats kind of normal. Plus you make it hit every gear. In cold it will do a skip shift 1-3 pretty easily. The 1-2 seems more sluggish. However if you have a warranty flash back to stock, drive a few weeks to get enough key cycles. If they ask your battery died a few weeks ago. Should help maintain the warranty with a tune.

 

[RedlandRanger]

As title says, when I first get in on a cold start, the transmission kind of doesn't want to go into second on the first shift. It sticks and then shifts.
I have a 91 Tune with the trans tune so it goes through every gear.
I was going to get a trans flush done, I am just shy of 60k miles. Would a trans flush possibly help or do I need to just start planning for the trans failure?

2020 Ranger Lariat

Not saying you might not have an issue, but mine has done this from day 1 (and I'm approaching 6 years of ownership) - the first shift on a cold day is almost always "strange" - could be harsh, could be a bit sticky. Occasionally it is normal but usually it is strange. I now try and warm it up before heading out and I always drive carefully for a bit until it gets warmer. These transmissions don't like to be cold.

If you have a good dealer service department you could have them go thru the new TSB steps to make sure.

 

[TannerVoss1231]

Depending on ambient temp thats kind of normal. Plus you make it hit every gear. In cold it will do a skip shift 1-3 pretty easily. The 1-2 seems more sluggish. However if you have a warranty flash back to stock, drive a few weeks to get enough key cycles. If they ask your battery died a few weeks ago. Should help maintain the warranty with a tune.

Would a non-Ford trans tune void the warranty? I bumped into a fella at the grocery store that waited by my truck to tell me the woeful story of his Ranger transmission and said they ended up covering 50% of the repair and sending him home with the tune that cycles through every gear. I'll switch the tune back today but just curious if that's something they would actually use to weasel out of responsibility

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Would a non-Ford trans tune void the warranty? I bumped into a fella at the grocery store that waited by my truck to tell me the woeful story of his Ranger transmission and said they ended up covering 50% of the repair and sending him home with the tune that cycles through every gear. I'll switch the tune back today but just curious if that's something they would actually use to weasel out of responsibility

It shouldn’t but that doesn’t mean it won’t

 

[Dereku]

Would a non-Ford trans tune void the warranty? I bumped into a fella at the grocery store that waited by my truck to tell me the woeful story of his Ranger transmission and said they ended up covering 50% of the repair and sending him home with the tune that cycles through every gear. I'll switch the tune back today but just curious if that's something they would actually use to weasel out of responsibility

Absolutely could. Mine has been tuned since 20k or so. I am at 91 now. Ford covered a portion of mine outside of warranty. But the tune changes shift points and raises line pressure. Outside of oem spec, so they could put it on you. But probably not. Just be cautious and dont talk about it.

 

[dtech]

Have you ever checked the fluid level - numerous reports of underfilled trannies from the factory - mine included which was low by about a qt. Very poor reflection on Ford's QC - which doesn't appear to be improving much.

 

[Big Blue]

Would a non-Ford trans tune void the warranty? I bumped into a fella at the grocery store that waited by my truck to tell me the woeful story of his Ranger transmission and said they ended up covering 50% of the repair and sending him home with the tune that cycles through every gear. I'll switch the tune back today but just curious if that's something they would actually use to weasel out of responsibility

I don't know about others but, there are a lot of important details missing in this story.

If Ford covered any of it, I have to assume it was a Ford dealer that did the work. What tune did they send him home with? I can't see a Ford dealer sending him home with anything other than an FP tune. And what tune are you running?

 

[KNI]

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