My truck slips out of gear

[Kev19702]

My 05 sport trac started having this problem for a few months now. I noticed that this only happens when the engine is still cold. I'll let the engine run for about a minute or so, put it on drive and sometimes it takes a about 5-10 seconds to go in gear. pressing on accelerator for a couple seconds, and then suddenly lurch(shudder) forward.

Sometimes it engages smoothly from park, and as I start driving, it will slip out of gear again(foot on gas and I'm not going any faster despite the RPM going higher on the tachometer), then a couple seconds later; I lurch forward again. Has anyone experienced this issue?

 

[blert]

The obvious question would be... have you checked the fluid level and condition?

 

[Kev19702]

Good question. I didn't know until yesterday how to even check the fluid, but I will... Maybe it's low. Thanks

 

[curtis james]

i agree possible fluid low, i really hope it is for ya... much cheaper.

 

[DILLARD000]

My 05 sport trac started having this problem for a few months now. I noticed that this only happens when the engine is still cold. I'll let the engine run for about a minute or so, put it on drive and sometimes it takes a about 5-10 seconds to go in gear. pressing on accelerator for a couple seconds, and then suddenly lurch(shudder) forward.

Sometimes it engages smoothly from park, and as I start driving, it will slip out of gear again(foot on gas and I'm not going any faster despite the RPM going higher on the tachometer), then a couple seconds later; I lurch forward again. Has anyone experienced this issue?

Welcome to the Herd!
Lots of friendly knowledgable folk in these forums.
Assuming you've never done a Tranny MerconV ATF + Filter Change & Band Adjust?
5r55e Transmissions are NotoriousFailureItems if not serviced every 33k~50kMiles.
You'll be lucky if all you need is fresh MerconV; may be too late & need new\rebuilt Tranny.
Your profile doesn't show miles; considering 17yo 2005 ExST, best get that done ASAP,
along with changing
~ all Fluids+Filters+Hoses+Belt
~ ThermoStat+Housing+Radiator (Aluminum Recommended)
~ Plugs+Wires+OxSensors+OilPressurizedTimingTensioners
There's several Notorious Quirks & Failure Items
for the V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine + 5r55e Tranny + 1354 TransferCase + ...
that need to be addressed to keep these vehicles reliable.
Click my wiki link below for details on a 2001 ExST, most items will also apply for your 2005.

 

[Kev19702]

Thanks. It has 95 k miles on it. The level is good but I'll have to get the fluids changed first and see how it goes.

 

[Todd Z]

There was a recall for this.... add a bottle of their miracle fluid from the dealer.... I would service the trans and do an EPC mod.... Best thing you can do... ALSO could replace the solenoid packs too, its like $400 bucks but could help save it...

 

[Kev19702]

Thanks. Appreciate it!

 

[JohnPenny Peluso]

After loaning our 2nd gen ST to our son, the trans appeared to occasionally slip.
Dealer suggested tearing the trans down, but asked them to check a few things 1st.
Ended up being the shift cable was out of adjustment.