24 STX w/towing pkg, Shudder under accel with camper attached

[Morningpride]

Towing my 21 Gulfstream (3000 lbs / 20ft single axle.) After about 3 hours, when I stop, and begin to accelerate I get a harsh shudder. Makes no difference what drive mode it’s in. No SES. Once truck sits for a while and cools off, (disconnected) shudder is gone. This is our first long tow, and other than that, truck towed like a dream. We’re planning a 1000 mile trip with the camper next month. I can take it back to the dealer, but there not going to find anything without the SES on.

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[superj]

The f150s had this problem a few years back and changing the fluid fixed it for some while others had to use shudder fix by lubegard

https://lubegard.com/products/isf/


My brother's truck was fixed by just changing the fluid

 

[Morningpride]

The f150s had this problem a few years back and changing the fluid fixed it for some while others had to use shudder fix by lubegard

https://lubegard.com/products/isf/


My brother's truck was fixed by just changing the fluid

I’ll have to look into that. Thanks!

 

[Morningpride]

Update. Truck is at the dealer. Definitely a trans problem. They are pulling it tomorrow. ?‍

 

[Morningpride]

Update:

Full rebuild. Found torn bushing in the inner drum and steel in the fluid. New clutches, solenoids and Torque converter.

 

[el_sabio]

Damn, mine is in the shop for the same thing. When towing I get a shudder, and regular driving, hard shifts, etc. I'll keep you updated on the findings.

 

[2018]

Unless they have a different a process than other large brands, the dealer typically diagnoses and may do light repairs, but will not rebuild in shop. Usually a new / reman trans is shipped from the manufacturer and installed. The old one is shipped back as a core.

 

[superj]

Thats how my ford dealer does it

 

[Morningpride]

I know our service manager very well. He asked if I wanted the Mastertech to rebuild it on the shop, or to order a reman unit. Given the choice, I’m not putting a reman in a brand new truck.

 

[smith01]

Towing my 21 Gulfstream (3000 lbs / 20ft single axle.) After about 3 hours, when I stop, and begin to accelerate I get a harsh shudder. Makes no difference what drive mode it’s in. No SES. Once truck sits for a while and cools off, (disconnected) shudder is gone. This is our first long tow, and other than that, truck towed like a dream. We’re planning a 1000 mile trip with the camper next month. I can take it back to the dealer, but there not going to find anything without the SES on.

This sounds like a torque converter or transmission shudder under heavy load.
The fact it disappears after cooling suggests it may be heat related.
Checking transmission fluid condition and level would be a good first step.
Also ask your dealer about software updates or known TSBs for this issue.
Best to get it looked at before your 1000-mile tow for peace of mind.

 

[Morningpride]

This sounds like a torque converter or transmission shudder under heavy load.
The fact it disappears after cooling suggests it may be heat related.
Checking transmission fluid condition and level would be a good first step.
Also ask your dealer about software updates or known TSBs for this issue.
Best to get it looked at before your 1000-mile tow for peace of mind.

Just to give you a follow up. The dealer completely rebuilt the transmission. Found a small amount of steel and a torn seal. Replaced torque converter as well.
Made the trip, 1200 miles each way. Shudder is still there, now even when trans is cold, and only with the trailer attached. I tried a lighter trailer (2000lbs) and it’s not there. Only over 3500lbs irregardless of if the weight distribution hitch is installed or not.

 

[superj]

wow. so the trans is not up for heavy towing.

i towed a wrangler home monday and didn't have any shuddering but i only towed it 10 miles or so and stayed below 40mph. i know it weighs around 3200 though

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

I just did ~1000 miles with a 4500lb load and didn't notice any issues. 2.3L

 

[ScottyRangerDanger]

Update:

Full rebuild. Found torn bushing in the inner drum and steel in the fluid. New clutches, solenoids and Torque converter.

holy moly. at least ford didn't bat an eye and just fixed it for you.

 

[ScottyRangerDanger]

Just to give you a follow up. The dealer completely rebuilt the transmission. Found a small amount of steel and a torn seal. Replaced torque converter as well.
Made the trip, 1200 miles each way. Shudder is still there, now even when trans is cold, and only with the trailer attached. I tried a lighter trailer (2000lbs) and it’s not there. Only over 3500lbs irregardless of if the weight distribution hitch is installed or not.

wait so you got a new transmission and its still doing it? did I read that correctly?

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