2000 Ford f150 Transmission Failure?

2000 F150 XL 4x4 4.6 v8 Auto

Not sure what Tranny model. We drove about an hour with no issues. Then it sat all day. When we went to take off seemed normal, no heavy clunk or issue, but at 10 mph when it went to shift to second it felt more like it shifted to park or reverse. It lurch and we stopped. We had to drive around the block slowly to get back to where we left from and it did it 3 more times. I think it was about 2000 or this time things started to go electronic. Any chance this could just be a bad sensor?

Added (1). We let it sit then went to take it to a mechanic and it didn't have an issue then it did again. This is what makes me think its more a switch or electronic issue.

Added (2). I checked that. Clean, no smell, appropriate level.

Have you checked the transmission fluid level?

This sounds like a torque converter issue. Take this truck to a local trans shop, have it scanned for codes, and see what your options are. Shops that belong to atra.com or recommended by AAA are highest rated.

First off, your transmission is most likely a 4R70W 4 speed automatic. Your engine and transmission is the same powertrain used in the Crown Victorias/Grand Marquis/Towncars of the same era.

Second, vehicles started to go more electronic in the early '80s, but it wasn't until 1996 when the current, most modern electronic system came out and that's what your truck has. Both the engine and transmission are electronically controlled in your truck.

Third, if the transmission is experiencing an issue like what you described, the check engine light should have come on I would think. That would have given you a starting point to diagnose the problem. A solenoid inside the transmission could be sticking or hanging up or the neutral safety switch is acting up, but this is just speculation since in order to diagnose the problem effectively, you need special machines and equipment to do so, which only service shops usually tend to carry.