'05 2WD Auto having trouble shifting

[Sur]

Going up into the mountains the other day, the truck wouldn't shift from 4th to 5th gear. Instead the truck started to jerk a bunch with RPMs staying just under 2k without rising. This happened multiple times while smoothly increasing the throttle until the pedal was close to being floored. Fairly steep grade. Haven't had it happen on flat land. Only after releasing the gas pedal and then reapplying did it shift to 5th and the jerking stop. RPMs increased normally.

Overall it runs pretty good but I'd like to get it straightened out in case it leads to something more severe. Anyone have any ideas what it might be? This is my first truck and I'm not too car savvy so any advice is greatly appreciated. Comes out clear on the code scanner I have but I wasn't running the scanner it while it was doing this.


Also, the truck sometimes lurches/jumps forward when going from park to reverse/drive, or drive to reverse, or vice versa. This happens even when applying a lot of pressure on the brake pedal. On top of that, the gear selector is somewhat off. The mark is a little too far right of the letter/number and the arm itself is a little loose.
Not sure if those two issues are related or not.

 

[Dirtman]

First check fluid level and condition. In case you don't know, you can only check the fluid level with the engine running (warmed up) in park. Fluid should be bright red and not smell burnt.

Secondly, the shifter being off can cause issues if it is not properly engaging at the transmission and range sensor. There is a clamp under the steering column which comes loose causing the shifter to become sloppy and misaligned. There is a you tube video somewhere on how to fix that and re-adjust the needle on the display. I'll see if I can find it.

After doing that you want to ensure the cable is properly aligned at the transmission side and fully engaging each gear.

 

[Orca]

On top of that, the gear selector is somewhat off. The mark is a little too far right of the letter/number and the arm itself is a little loose.

As a supplement to Dirtman's advice, I have 2 suggestions which might apply:

First, check this video for info on 2 Torx #30 screws which should be checked for tightness:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4-h5wStWMc

Secondly, look at the last 2 pictures on this page:

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/adjust-repair-instrument-cluster-gear-indicator/

If that looks like your problem, those instructions might prove useful. I think that's what Dirtman is referring to in his 2nd point. Maybe he'll find a video link, but that page should get you started.

Good luck!

 

[Dirtman]

Those were the two issues I was referring to. Thanks @Orca

There is adjustments at the transmission end of the cable/linkage that should be checked but only after fixing the issues in the video and how-to orca posted.