2.3L Automatic Clunky Shifting

[Jrbball7]

Hi all,

Ive got about 5k miles on my 2.3L automatic and I'm noticing some clunky/jerky shifting coming from the transmission during acceleration and declaration. I can't recall if it's always been like this or if it's slowly started happening. Some other symptoms I've noticed is some sort of clunk/engagement feeling when releasing the brake pedal at a stoplight, and a clunk/engagement feeling when going into reverse from Park.

The best I can describe the sensations is how a dual clutch transmission feels at lower speeds, specifically those found in VW/Audi for those that have driven those before. I have owned sports cars with aggressive ECU/tcu tunes before, and although this does not feel as jerky as that, it reminds me of it. I have yet to take it to a dealer, just wanted to see if others have experiences like this.

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[Sgt Badlands]

Sounds normal to me. Mine does similar things.

 

[Kevfra]

Hi all,

Ive got about 5k miles on my 2.3L automatic and I'm noticing some clunky/jerky shifting coming from the transmission during acceleration and declaration. I can't recall if it's always been like this or if it's slowly started happening. Some other symptoms I've noticed is some sort of clunk/engagement feeling when releasing the brake pedal at a stoplight, and a clunk/engagement feeling when going into reverse from Park.

The best I can describe the sensations is how a dual clutch transmission feels at lower speeds, specifically those found in VW/Audi for those that have driven those before. I have owned sports cars with aggressive ECU/tcu tunes before, and although this does not feel as jerky as that, it reminds me of it. I have yet to take it to a dealer, just wanted to see if others have experiences like this.

Same with mine. Particularly the odd jump when first going into reverse to back out of my garage. I have a 10 speed on my F150 and it shifts like crap, hate it.

 

[TXBronco1313]

Yep my 2.3l acts weird like that

 

[heavyD]

The Ford 10 speed auto somehow manages to incorporate the downsides of a DCT (clunky low speed shifts) and none of the positives of a DCT such as lighting fast shifting.

 

[Jrbball7]

The Ford 10 speed auto somehow manages to incorporate the downsides of a DCT (clunky low speed shifts) and none of the positives of a DCT such as lighting fast shifting.

Seems like most people are saying this is normal....that's pretty disappointing. It's really not a pleasant driving experience at all. The transmission always feels confused and lurching back and forth in traffic. That should not be the case for a torque converter.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Hi all,

Ive got about 5k miles on my 2.3L automatic and I'm noticing some clunky/jerky shifting coming from the transmission during acceleration and declaration. I can't recall if it's always been like this or if it's slowly started happening. Some other symptoms I've noticed is some sort of clunk/engagement feeling when releasing the brake pedal at a stoplight, and a clunk/engagement feeling when going into reverse from Park.

The best I can describe the sensations is how a dual clutch transmission feels at lower speeds, specifically those found in VW/Audi for those that have driven those before. I have owned sports cars with aggressive ECU/tcu tunes before, and although this does not feel as jerky as that, it reminds me of it. I have yet to take it to a dealer, just wanted to see if others have experiences like this.

Can you send over a message with your VIN and estimated mileage? I would like to take a closer look into your shifting concerns on my end.

 

[Robs]

Hi all,

Ive got about 5k miles on my 2.3L automatic and I'm noticing some clunky/jerky shifting coming from the transmission during acceleration and declaration. I can't recall if it's always been like this or if it's slowly started happening. Some other symptoms I've noticed is some sort of clunk/engagement feeling when releasing the brake pedal at a stoplight, and a clunk/engagement feeling when going into reverse from Park.

The best I can describe the sensations is how a dual clutch transmission feels at lower speeds, specifically those found in VW/Audi for those that have driven those before. I have owned sports cars with aggressive ECU/tcu tunes before, and although this does not feel as jerky as that, it reminds me of it. I have yet to take it to a dealer, just wanted to see if others have experiences like this.

Same here with my 2.7 black diamond. It’s been that way since the start and the dealer says it’s normal. Very uncomfortable about that. To me a clunk when the auto trans down shifts as when going up an incline on the highway seems to create an unusual wear and tear on the components.

 

[Snowdogyyz]

My 2.7 auto is the same way. Even after having the ford performance tune installed. It’s lurchy and clunky and gets easily confused in stop and go slow traffic. I’m used to it but don’t really like it.

 

[Mustangsvo86]

Same here. 2.3L, 10R60. It really acts up below operating temp. Once it’s all the way warmed up, it’s better. 1st, and 2nd gears are a tad less than smooth (wondering shift); seems like it’s not sure exactly when its supposed to shift. Not heavy on throttle, just normal driving.

 

[Jrbball7]

Same here. 2.3L, 10R60. It really acts up below operating temp. Once it’s all the way warmed up, it’s better. 1st, and 2nd gears are a tad less than smooth (wondering shift); seems like it’s not sure exactly when its supposed to shift. Not heavy on throttle, just normal driving.

I agree. The 2 to 1 and 1 to 2 seems to be the worst of it. Wish I could see which gear it's in...

 

[Imaginary Friend]

Welcome to the world of the Ford 10-speed auto....

Same with mine. Particularly the odd jump when first going into reverse to back out of my garage. I have a 10 speed on my F150 and it shifts like crap, hate it.

Same on the bold, I absolutely hate the trans in my F150. Especially after driving my JL with the ZF8 auto for a few days.

 

[JadeMyWorld]

Mine is 2.3L auto Sasquatch and is like yours. P/N to R, P/N to D are clunky but ok, P to D is the strongest clunk. Shiftings are mostly ok, but the down shift to 1st can by clunky, I need to manage the way I brake to avoid a thrust right before the Bronco stops.

 

[Deleted member 64703]

Especially after driving my JL with the ZF8 auto for a few days.

My 4xe would buck like a just castrated pony when it was in gas mode.

 

[PrepVet]

My 2.3 with the slush box started searching/surging a lot recently. It was fine for the last 3 years but now I feel it every time I am driving at lower speeds. It is on the list to be checked out on the last warranty visit I will get next week.

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