Car will not shift and starts shaking?

Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • 110,000 MILES
Got on to the highway with no car issues. Moving along at 70 MPH suddenly RPMs go way up car starts to slow and shake. Stop and turn around car accelerates fine that at 60 starts high RPMs and shaking. Can smell hot electrical or brake pads. Could a locked caliper cause this issue or at least a caliper that locks sometimes? This is the second five hundred I've owned and the last one had this issue as well. Thanks
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 AT 9:40 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 303 POSTS
Also, no warning lights are on, and the front 2 rims are covered in brake dust. I'm pretty sure it's the calipers but any feedback would be appreciated.
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Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If there is a brake caliper issue, the RPMs wouldn't jump. I suspect what you could be smelling is the transmission (clutch plates).

Have you checked the fluid condition and level? If the fluid is clean and full, then I suspect (based on your description) that you have a transmission cooler that is plugging and causing line pressure to drop.

If the pressure drops, the clutch packs/clutches will slip causing that smell.

If you feel it is a brake issue, after driving the vehicle, walk around it to see if there is excessive heat coming from any of the wheels.

Here is a link that explains in general how to check transmission fluid:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

I attached the cooler back flush procedure below. Let me know if that is something you are comfortable performing.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.

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Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 303 POSTS
Oh, the rotors were super-hot to the touch. The rear rotors nit nearly as hot. Also has a lot of brake dust on both front wheels. Also, would hear an audible click then the car is fine until gut the brakes again. I'll check all the transmission stuff thanks.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 303 POSTS
Also, I asked in our other communication for the GoFundMe link. Also if I give a tip does it go to you?
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

It is odd that all wheels are overheating. Has anything been done recently to the brakes such as a brake master cylinder or brake light switch replacement?

As far as the breaks are concerned, we may have two different issues. When you indicated the engine (at 70 mph) started revving and the vehicle lost speed, did it feel like the transmission was in neutral? If so, the brakes aren't causing that.

As far as the gofundme page, here is the link. We truly appreciate your consideration, but please don't feel obligated.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-help-others-get-back-on-the-road

No tips for me. LOL We provide a free service and my tip is when I know I helped.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 303 POSTS
You have helped so much lol. Will donate to site. My torque wrench goes up to 80. Is there anything I can do with that to get 96?
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Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

You could take it to the 80 ft/lbs and then give it another (approximately) 1/8 to 1/4 turn. That will take it beyond the 80, but I can't guarantee the exact tightness. I wouldn't go more than that.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 9:29 PM

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