Shifts hard sometimes

1994 FORD BRONCO
160,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SNAPPER0042
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  • 2 POSTS
So I bought this vehicle a couple months ago and I first noticed the shifting problem when I drove in the rain. It went from shifting smooth as can be to running about 1/2 rpm (2 to 2.5) higher than usual and shifting hard into the next gear. It would do this on every gear for a short time (five minutes or so) and then just seem to work itself out and stop. Over time the issue does not seem to be rain specific as it now does it on a daily/semi-daily basis. The transmission in the vehicle was very recently completely rebuilt so I do not think that that is the actual problem. (It is a 5.8L not a 3.8)
Jun 4, 2019 at 6:59 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good afternoon,

Do you know if you have either a C6 or the E4OD?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

It makes a big difference.

Have you tried changing the fluid and filter in the transmission?

Dirt in the valve body can cause the valves not to move smoothly and cause issue with shifting.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Is the check engine light on?

Roy
Jun 4, 2019 at 2:24 PM
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SNAPPER0042
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Turns out the mechanic was able to identify the issue through a code. Needed to replace the vehicle speed sensor. It apparently had a bunch of metal shavings in it which is why the issue was intermittent I guess. Running like a boss now. Thanks for the reply!!
Jun 4, 2019 at 7:39 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good.

My concern is why or where did the metal come from? This indicates something is wrong in the transmission. I would have asked him where it came from.

Roy
Jun 5, 2019 at 3:45 AM
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