Transmission Guys: Am I Losing 5th Gear?
 

I noticed that while cruising at 35 MPH I get this hesitation and small jerking motion in my 05 4.4i. It's like that bicycle chain that every once in a while skips forward an inch while you're pedaling. I threw the shifter into M-5 and ran it at various speeds and, sure enough, every 5 seconds or so I would feel this blip of hesitation then back on the smooth power.

No other gear does it. However, the other peculiarity is that it is now taking more time for reverse to engage when I'm backing into my garage. I shift from D to R and I have to wait about 3 or 4 seconds until R engages. It used to be just about 2 seconds...

Any thoughts?

did you check the tranny fluid level?

Yup. Fluid is at the correct level.

Tranny guys. Good one.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Definitely check it out with the dealer. It might just need a transmission reset.

In a 2005 4.4 you should have the ZF 6hp26 transmission, i'm not currently aware of any problems regarding that transmission. What kind of mileage do you have on it already? Could possibly be a pressure regulator, I would think it might be a bit early for a failing clutch pack.

However I think it may be more engine related if you are experiencing hesitation etc. The above issue would be more attributed with slipping or issue with gear engagement. So do you possibly have a misfire, Vacuum Leak, etc?

having same issue
 

hey there, I have 2005 4.4 with 62k miles and I have the same exact issue. 5th gear hesitation at crusing speed, but only notice when going uphill (probably because more load on the vehicle). I live in CO and always notice this problem when going skiing. Seems fine on the flats. I also have the slight hesitation when putting in reverse, takes a few seconds for reverse to engage.

Wondering if you ever got this fixed and what the issue was.

Software update at the dealership should do it. Pretty common problem

That was done already - Got rid of my harsh 1 to 2nd shifting from slow stop, but not this problem. Trying to figure out if it transmission or engine related.