[coopster]

I've owned a 2018 T250 non turbo for about 4 months now. I use it for a work vehicle (carpenter/ handyman) and I'm generally happy with it.

This question might make me sound like a ninny, but I've noticed that if I tromp on the gas too hard, the tranny shifts down to such a low gear as to render the RPM boost pointless (almost as if it's in neutral). I don't think I've ever owned a vehicle that exhibited this to such an extreme. Has anyone else experienced this? Does this seem normal for these vehicles?

BTW it has <25,000 miles on the Odo.

Thanks

 

[justcallben]

Now you've discovered why, when I had my 2015 3.7, that I always shifted manually. Put the selector in 'M' and let your thumb do the thinking.

This was covered here: Poorly Programmed Shifting?

 

[EddieZ]

You said you hit the gas "too hard." So, if you use a lighter touch, do you get a more appropriate gear?

"Doctor, it hurts when I go like this."

"Don't go like that."

 

[carringb]

If your engine isn't make more power at high RPMs, you probably need same basic preventive maintenance, such as the air filter. The 3.7L makes all of it's power up high, so when you command more go-pedal, the transmission puts the engine in it's max power operating range. Peak HP is made from 5,600 - 6,200 RPM

 

[coopster]

Thanks for the helpful responses. Nice to have a little reassurance.... (I expect it may take a while to turn off my V8 expectations and become accustomed to the behavior of this set up)

 

[impatient]

Hmmm, I have the 3.5EB, 3.31 rear end, just slightly bigger tires (225/75) and I think I have a similar concern. Took to a dealer, who pronounced everything normal. Took it back to them a couple days later, got the mechanic to join me on a test drive, still claimed all normal. . I won’t say this issue came on suddenly, and only presents itself occasionally. I copied this graph from the 4+ year old thread referenced above, which is for the 3.7, and it seems to point to the problem...except I have the EB.

I wish I knew how to recreate this chart with EB values, but it seems to point to the 4-5-6 gearing being kind of close, with slightly bigger “gap” for 3-4, and unfortunately, the opportunity at ~60, for a reluctant (delayed) and pointless downshift to 2nd.

Still, to have the mental wherewithal in a near emergency situation to reach for the manual clicker, and hit the button exactly 4 times (to get to 3rd), is less than optimal. I’ve been caught in the wrong gear in my stick-shift Outback XT, but much less fumbling around to find the right gear, while the seconds tick off.

I will try to experiment in passing situations with pre-downshifting to 4th, or from there to 3rd if needed, to not lose the precious seconds, while the slushbox makes up its mind.

I guess I became lazy, thinking my right foot could do all the work in the van. Tow-haul helps, but doesn’t cure the problem.

I’ve always thought the programming tried to hang on to 6th gear, or whatever gear, too long while revs dropped to near 1200 (or less). So yes, I DO think the programming is lackluster in my van. Did I teach it to do this?

2015 Tall, Medium Length, Cargo, 3.5EB, pretty generic-looking, DIY camper

 

[Reswor]

sounds really nasty

 

[njvagabond]

Peak torque for the 3.7L is at 4000 rpm. https://media.ford.com/content/dam/...product/2018/transit/18-Transit-Cargo-Van.pdf

 

[impatient]

You would think 310 hp and 400 ft-lbs torque would be enough to get out of impulse power and into hyperdrive.


2015 Tall, Medium Length, Cargo, 3.5EB, pretty generic-looking, DIY camper

 

[Sparky961]

You'll burn much less fuel if you use a toe on the accelerator rather than your heel.

What's the hurry?

But yes, I'll agree that it does tend to "over-react" a little when you get carried away with your foot pressure. I've always had the ability to adjust to a vehicle, and this is no exception. Time in the driver's seat should reduce your issues if you let the van teach you how it wants to be driven.

 

[njvagabond]

First car was a '69 Corolla ~ 50 hp 2speed Toyoglide lug --> redline, shift, lug ---> redline 65 mph
Dad picked it up for me for $500. Fixed it up sold 2mo later for $1000
Not to dis 2 speeds ... a 409 with a Powerglide is a probably different story

 

[carringb]

All newer vehicles try to keep RPMs as low as possible when cruising. The base V6 has to spin up to make more power. If you stab the throttle quickly, it should downshift pretty quick. But if you roll onto the throttle, that’s when the transmission doesn’t downshift far enough. The EcoBoost makes far more low end torque, so rolling onto the throttle should give you decent acceleration without dropping to the lowest available gear. Tow-Haul allows earlier downshifts.

That said.... being optimized for CAFE testing doesn’t mean it’s optimized for real world driving (I don’t think Ford programs the Transit different from the F-series) and adding a tuner like from 5-star can really help things shift better. The EcoBoost tune for example drops the skip-shifting and runs through every gear on the 10-speed even with tow-haul off.