Weird problem with transmission

[djmc]

'03 Escape V6 87kmiles

Last Saturday I drained some transmission fluid, but let it drip overnight to get most out of it. The next morning I filled it with 3qt of Pennzoil ATF (new bottle, for transmissions that require DexronIII/Mercon), same amount that came out.
Now the transmission shifts weird. If you give it a little trottle the first second nothing happens, and then it takes off like crazy.
Also the shift between 1st and 2nd goes with high rpm's and no acceleration.

So, I disconnected the battery for 2 hours to reset the shift memory for the transmission, but still the same problem. Also checked the fluid level and that was ok.
I used the right fluid, same as last time.

I already drained the fluid 3 times before, but never let it sit overnight. That is the only diffrence I can figure out that causes this problem.

Does anybody have any clue what is going on?
Is the new bottle of Pennzoil different stuff. It used to be DexronIII/Mercon, now it only says Automatic Transmission Fluid.

 

[Tempest]

According to the Amsoil reference guide, your transmission requires Mercon V. Does the ATF you purchased spec this type of fluid? What does your owners manual say for fluid?

ETA: If it is this Stuff, then you have the wrong fluid.

 

[unDummy]

The MerconV would be an upgrade.
I'll make the assumption that the CD4E still ran ol' dex/merc for a while. It took Ford a while to figure out their backwards compatibility ATF issues.

I don't care for refilling with what came out. That is just the starting point. You need to make sure that the ATF level is correct.

Get transmission hot. Find a nice level parking lot. With vehicle running, exercise shifter in each detent for 10 or so seconds. Check level in park with vehicle running and add/remove as needed.

If fluid level is perfect, have the vehicle scanned for errors. TPS and VSS could cause issues.

Also, if critters exist in your area, you might want to make sure something didn't turn your pan into a home.

 

[djmc]

The owners manual calls for Mercon fluid, so that's what I added. The problem is with the lower gears.

Tempest, yes I added that stuff. Bottle has new label though.
unDummy, if a critter is in there is must be a very small one and fried by now.

thanks for the responses.

 

[The Critic]

Last that I checked, CD4E transmissions require 4 qts for a drain and refill. Are you sure that the level is correct?

 

[djmc]

Problem Solved. Fluid level was too low.
Added 2 qts to get correct level.

Forgot that with this car the engine must idle to check correct fluid level. Different from the other car I have, a Volvo.

Thanks all.

 

[Cutehumor]

good thing you caught it early and didn't continue to drive it that way causing more damage

 

[PT1]

That's why I like a fluid extractor with the volume graduation marks on the side. Suck out 3 qts...add 3 qts. Never a mistake on the level. Now I swap 2-3 qts on every other OCI in all the vehicles...all shift great.

 

[MonumentOiler]

Manuals are often out-of-date, cover many models or are otherwise inaccurate. The type stamped on the dipstick is a better guide.