I have a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited with 135,000 miles. It has a religious transmission shudder between 40-50mph (Primarily during acceleration) and an intermittent slight slip/jerk when accelerating from time to time. I have drained and filled the fluid twice, driving a week in between, which did help quite a bit but now, about 8 months later, the shudder is back. From my research (feel free to correct me if Im wrong), this points to a possible torque converter issue.

In an effort to delay the cost of a torque converter replacement, Ive been advised to do a transmission flush. That being said, I've heard time and time again, nothing but nightmares when it comes to flushing. I've also been advised to put in Shudder Fix, but Im also not trying to mask an issue that could result in even more major repairs down the road.

Im not certain on whether it has had a flush/trans service before and I bought it with 74,000 miles.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

To flush or not to flush? That is the question...

 

I have never removed a trans pan after a "flush" to see just how much good it does.
The one thing that does get flushed is your wallet..
Yes,, the converter does not get emptied with a trans fluid and filter change but the extra fluid and filter changes accomplishes that.

There are cavities in clutch assys that don't get cleaned with a flush, but do get fluid exchanges with use. Stirring up the sediment in the pan with a flush can send that "stuff" throughout the trans and valve body only to cause problems later on.

 

I appreciate your vote and response!

Unfortunately, a filter change in this year/model requires the complete removal and disassembly of the transmission; therefore, it is not generally considered "serviceable". In terms of labor, it'd seem more logical to replace the torque converter, as well as the filter, at that point. Which is a cost Im trying to delay at the moment, if possible.

Whats your opinion on Shudder Fix?

Again, any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

 

It is always easy to spend someone else's $$$ and can understand the situation.

Have never used Shudder Fix, so cannot reply. Various sites have described success using it and if it works nothing lost. A trans "Service" is up the road and if that move buys some time, I would definitely consider trying it.