Transmission Issues....Help!!

[Chad C]

I have a 2000 gtp with around 162,000 miles on it. Recently I have been noticing a few issues with the trans that concern me.

- When I am in top gear and pull up to an incline it will sometimes act as though it is unsure if it should downshift or not. It surges and the rpms jump. I was told this could be a valve body issue but I'm not sure. This has been going on for a couple years and has not gotten any worse over time.

- Second it will randomly shift really hard. This issue comes and goes as it pleases. I read a couple posts where people said it would act up, they would turn their car off and then it would be fine again. This is exactly how my tranny works.

- The third issue is that it will have a hard time downshifting when I come to a stop light. The car bucks as you come to a stop. Again this only happens once in awhile.

Could this be something electrical? I have checked the tranny fluid and it is clean and doesn't smell burnt. I have had transmissions go bad in the past and they would start to slip into gear under hard driving. This one acts perefectly under hard driving, no slipping or hesitation. Therefore I feel like the hard parts might still be alright.

I understand that at 162,000 miles it would make sense to have the whole trans rebuilt but I was hoping there might be a less expensive fix that would get me through another year or so.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks, Chad

[FordMan77]

When was the last time the fluid/filter was changed?

The RPM issue and the bucking as you come to a stop sounds like a TCC solenoid issue. Like the TC is not unlocking as you slow down and dragging the motor a bit.

Try this- disconnect BOTH battery cables from the battery. Then touch both cables together for about 30 seconds. Then leave the battery disconnected all night. In the am, reconnect and take it for a drive. The ECU will have to re-learn everything so be gentle with it for a while. Once this relearn is done, take it for a drive on the highway and see if you get the RPM occilation in OD when you try to pull up an incline.