Revs really high when I'm driving?

[koda6966]

Okay, I'll try to explain this the best that I can. Occasionally when I'm driving my truck will suddenly rev really high for maybe two seconds, and then go back to normal. I never really thought much of it before, because I figured it was just how I was pressing the pedal harder ever so slowly, but today it did it maybe three times in a row, and scared the crap out of me. '

Basically, it does it when I'm in drive going maybe 40-50 miles an hour, so probably 3rd gear? If that makes a difference. It doesn't happen often, so I can't really keep track of what gear I'm in when it happens but it always seems to occur when I'm going uphill. I think it jumps down a gear and has an "Oh shit" moment and then jumps back up a gear. I dunno. That's why I'm assuming it's a trans problem.

I just checked my fluid yesterday, so I know that's not it. And when I was low on trans fluid the truck had issues with moving into gear at all, not with changing gears.

Any ideas?

 

[ati190]

By revving high, do you mean the trans is slipping? You say it only occurs going uphill..

 

[koda6966]

Hmm.. what would the transmission slipping feel like?

 

[Shran]

When you give it gas, the engine works harder and harder but you don't seem to be gaining speed at all. Or if you go up a big hill, you've got it floored, RPMs are high, but you're slowing down. That's what a slipping auto feels like.

 

[koda6966]

Hmm.. that happens as well. Looks like my trans is slipping.

But I was referring to I'm just driving along, going up hill, and then all the sudden it revs, like "VROOM" for maybe two seconds and then goes back to normal.

I was hoping this truck would last me through college, but now it's starting to look like it wont. Damnit.

Guess I should start saving up some cash to pick up an A4LD at a JY to keep on hand in case the tranny goes.

 

[Nhaz]

It is dropping a gear for a few seconds?

 

[koda6966]

I don't really know, but that's what I think it might be doing.

 

[Shran]

So your tranny fluid level looks OK...what about the condition of the fluid? Nice and reddish pink, brown, clear? Smell like ATF or burnt?

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Maybe check to make sure the kickdown cable isn't tight/out of place? Just a thought

 

[koda6966]

So your tranny fluid level looks OK...what about the condition of the fluid? Nice and reddish pink, brown, clear? Smell like ATF or burnt?

Well, the stuff that's leaking out of the trans line by the radiator (slowly, so I keep it topped off) is red, but it has a brownish tint on the dipstick when I check it. Still pretty red though. I haven't smelled it, but I'll give that a shot next time I go some wheres.

Oh and uh.. 99RangerKrazy.. this might be a stupid question, but um.. where would I find the kickdown cable..? Dead serious.