Questions and Answers

Ford F-150 Shifting Hard Q. Hi, I have a Ford 1990 F-150 Lariat, 5.0, 99,000 miles. The transmission has been shifting HARD since about 60,000 miles. All mechanics that I have talked to said to ignore it, or there is nothing wrong. I have changed the fluid at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles.

Sometimes it shifts hard, other times I can't even tell when it does. All gears are affected. Fast and slow acceleration does not matter. Rarely, it will slip into "neutral" for a second or so. I have pulled a boat in the past, but no longer. I need to drive from TX. to MD. soon, think I'll be okay? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kikr

A. It seems like you took pretty good care of the transmission. This may not be a problem, but just the nature of the beast. I would tend to agree with the others. Unless it is really annoying I would let it slide.

However, I would have the Throttle Valve Cable (Kick Down Cable) adjustment checked, just to be sure it is okay. If the cable is broken or mis-adjusted, it could cause the same symptoms.

Otherwise the problem is probably in the valve body. One or more of the valves may be sticking and causing the shifting problem.