cranked up this morning, outside temp about 55 degrees, let it warm up as always with tranny in neutral for about three minutes. backed out of driveway, put it in drive and very little throttle response. tranny seemed like it was trying to start in third rather than first. its a auto trans. i let it warm up good and came back home to check fluid level. fluid level was slightly above max mark. this truck is new to me so don't know when the fluid was last changed. suggestions welcome. after warm up it seemed to do ok. is it possible that is has dextron in there rather than atf+3 or maybe some sort of electronic problem. the truck has 67,600 miles on it

i have checked it about five times today with engine at normal operating temp and checked it each while in neutral. the fluid level is actually above the max range on the dipstick, but i don't think that would have caused the symptoms. however on the last check i siphoned about 1/2 quart out. will see what happens in the morning. could the problem maybe be the result of a malfunctioning check valve? who knows

 

How many miles on the truck?

 

Sure sounds like low fluid. Did you check it in neutral and warm while still running? Will read higher if shut off.

RJ

 

a little over full in the morning is normal. alot over is way bad. means the tq verter is bleeding back into the tranny. check hot in neutral engine running.

 

so what is the fix if tq converter is bleeding back?

 

It's common for DC trannies to do this after sitting for a bit. My van does it after a weekend off the job. It's never done it overnight. it does sound like the TC draining. If it's draining back too bad, you'll need a new tc.

 

Mine varies. Sometimes the TC drains back so much over night I can't get the truck to move. Other times it'll sit for 3 or 4 days and won't have an issue.

 

thanks guys for the responses. i have only had this truck for a couple of weeks and this morning was the first time for this experience. i do have a two year warranty on it which would cover the tc. maybe i should just try to have it replaced. again thanks to the comments.

 

well on two more ocassions the transmission in the morning just does not work. it definitely does not want to pull off in first, in fact it will not even shift into any gear other than whatever it is starting off in. like i said before, i have only had this 2001 for about three weeks. i traded my '94 on it(knew it was going to be a hugh mistake) i purchased a warranty with it but it is a Ford warranty. it covers about everything, but Ford mechanics do the work i assume. what should i tell them to look at other than the TQ. anything electrical? wrong type fluid? could the LP be involved or the FP? i appreciate any comments or recommendations. being disappointed in this truck is at a high level right now. thanks