Rough Shifting + Delayed Reverse 4R44E

[CoconutMilkFrog]

I have a 96 3.0L RWD 4R44E with some rough shifting into 2nd gear + long engage time for reverse if the truck hasn’t been warmed up for a while driving around. I did a drain and fill + filter with Motorcraft Mercon V when I first got the truck at roughly 160k miles. Do you think switching to Dex/Merc would make a difference? Or would these problems be more likely caused by something else.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

No. I replied to your other post. Mercon V is the correct fluid for a 4r44e. Do not use anything else.

Your issues are caused by other things. Band adjustment. Reverse servo gasket and O-rings. Valve body issues (shift kit can address these). That sort of thing.

Sluggish reverse engagement is usually the reverse servo gasket and o-rings. Shudder engaging second is something a shift kit like TransGo addresses.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Bands should be adjusted every 20-30k