F-4EAT tranny issue

[pbm]

I have a 2002 Ford ZX-2 with this A/T.
The car has 75K and I recently changed the ATF and filter. I assume it had OE fluid but I can't be sure. I refilled with Maxlife and LG Red.
The car runs great but the A/T has an abrupt 1-2 shift particularly when cold. I can avoid the rough shift by accelerating gently.

I have read that these A/Ts are problem prone and I'm wondering if a rebuild is far off (or can it run this way for a long time)?

Any experience with this A/T ? Thanks

PS: The OE fluid wasn't burnt or particularly brown.

 

[tig1]

You need to see a trans shop .

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: pbm
I have read that these A/Ts are problem prone.

I have over 230K in my original vintage 1995 Escort's automatic transmission.

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: pbm
I have read that these A/Ts are problem prone.

I have over 230K in my original vintage 1995 Escort's automatic transmission.




Ford F-4EAT transmission


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F-4EAT


Overview


Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Mazda Motor Company
Kia Motors

Production
1990–2005

Body and chassis


Class
4-speed transverse automatic transaxle

Chronology


Predecessor
ATX

Successor
4F27E

The F-4EAT was a 4-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission developed by Mazda and JATCO starting in 1990. It was also later produced by Ford Motor Company from 1991 to 2003, to replace the aging, 3-speed/hydraulic controlled ATX. It is referred to as the F4A-EL by Mazda and Kia who also used this transmission. This transmission is an updated Mazda F3A transmission, 3 speed hydraulic controlled transmission. The F-4EAT uses electronic, computer controls, a 4th gear overdrive, has a lock up torque converter and differential. It used a computer controlled speed sensor for the speedometer. These transmissions are known for failing, so many people lost faith in Ford.

 

[salv]

Subaru uses a variant of this transmission as well.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: tig1
You need to see a trans shop .


Nope. OP is trying to fix a problem that is not there. If they really want to do a lot of work, there is a Transgo kit for that.

http://www.feoa.net search the forums there for it. I am not referring to this TSB fix I posted here, because that covers a different issue which may or may not be relevant for that year: http://www.feoa.net/threads/atratb039-02-01-1991-a-t-g4a-el-4eat-low-pump-pressure.61690/

They would need a different kit that has more parts to it and require removing the valve body. Or just do what I recommend and just drive the car and not worry about it.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: pbm
These transmissions are known for failing, so many people lost faith in Ford.


No. It's the valve seats dropping that did that!

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: pbm
These transmissions are known for failing, so many people lost faith in Ford.


No. It's the valve seats dropping that did that!



The dropping valve seats didn't affect the Zetec motor thankfully.
I appreciate the link and I'll follow your advice and just keep driving the car.

PS: That quote (known for failing) was from Wikepedia and not from me.

 

[SatinSilver]

Was it shifting like that before the new fluid and filter was put in?

Some Lubeguard Red wouldn't hurt anything including your wallet.

 

[cb_13]

Sure those transmissions are known for failing...at around 200-250k miles. When I worked at a dealership one of the techs had most of his family driving high mileage ZX2's. When someone was unwilling to put $1k into a 200k+ mile Escort he would try to buy it. Repair or replace the trans and it would live on as daily driver. His daughters ZX2 had 360k miles on it last time I seen it. Original engine he said it had around 250k when he bought it with a bad transmission.

 

[cb_13]

If it did not have a harsh shift before the service, ensure the level is correct. If it is I would drain the Maxlife and Lubeguard mix and fill with a Mercon V approved fluid.