is my transmission on the way out?

See you on the other side.

double post :M

dodge guy wrote:
If not the TC then you may have an intermittent misfire, either a plug or coil. And knowing Fords more than likely a coil is on it's way out. It may be to random to set a CEL.......yet!

Correct.

The symptoms described are the same that I had with my 2003 5.4, ran smooth as silk during idle and even light acceleration but as soon as I started climbing a hill and had to step on the gas it started shaking (surging/bucking around 40-50 MPH).

Never set the CEL light and that was after driving 50 miles from work to home.

Took it to my Ford dealer and they put it on their "machine" (IE a hand held device which reads the diag port). Gave misfire codes but couldn't pin it down to which cylinder.

They had to take a new COP (Coil) and put it on each cylinder to determine which COP was bad.

You should be able to take your truck to to some of the car parts places and they should be able to read the stored codes, should get a misfire code.

You may need to simply buy a new coil and try it on each cylinder.

You may even be able to spot the bad coil when you pull it off, typically the case cracks around or near the bolt holes.

I would recommend buying some new "boots", I had several which where STUCK, ruined one while changing plugs and had to make a trip back to the parts store to get new ones.

I would recommend blasting the plug hole with air before putting the boot back in (watch your eyes on this as dirt will fly)..

I'm no trans. expert but I do know they should be serviced regularly. You ask about preventative maintenance; how long has it been since the trans fluid and filter were changed? Most vehicle say when towing you should have it done every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. For your low mileage situation I would think time would be more of a factor. Either way I think it's time for a servicing at minimum.

dodge guy wrote:
If not the TC then you may have an intermittent misfire, a plug or coil. And knowing Fords more than likely a coil is on it's way out. It may be to random to set a CEL.......yet!

X2
On my 2003 5.4 water got into plug holes and shorted out the plug sometimes. Changed out plugs and got new plug boots. FYI if you do change your plugs read up on them first concerning the triton engine and blowing out plugs. My problem was a combination of "seafoam" I put in and water getting in plug holes and fuel filter.

allright, I'll get the fluid changed and will hope for the best.

Keep the fluid and filter changed and keep on rolling.

Agree with some of the above posts that you may be feeling the TC unlocking/locking.

This isn't advice but an old colleague had a 1999 or 2000 7.3L F350 that developed some "odd" transmission and drive characteristics; figuring the trans was on the way out, and being the kind of guy he is, he made it his goal to romp it so the trans would break and he could have a Suncoast put in.

Lost touch with him some time ago but for about the last 2 years I knew him he tried, tried, and tried to get his 4R100 to give up the ghost and it just wouldn't.

If not the TC then you may have an intermittent misfire, either a plug or coil. And knowing Fords more than likely a coil is on it's way out. It may be to random to set a CEL.......yet!

X 2 on the converter lock up. Very common around 45 MPH on many vehicles. But it's normal IMHO. Keep the regular maintenance going and don't worry about it.