I'm looking at a '02 gt auto... took it to a mechanic who said the only thing he didn't like was that it was shifting out of 1st gear way too soon, like as soon as you hit the gas. The seller claims that this is normal for fords... any suggestions as to who is correct? P.S. the car does have several mods including a shift kit quick shift (or something like that)... could this be easily remedied by a tuner?

 

What are the shift points at?

 

I don't know the exact rpms, but mech said that it was pretty much as soon as you try to go any where, and that this was bad because you loose alot of power and might eventually mess up the trans, unless it was normal. (sorry not much help, I know)

 

Does it have a shorter gear in the rear (differential)? The stock for a 2002 auto is 2.73 i believe? If there are 4.10's in there it would cause the tranny to shift out of first a lot sooner but that would NOT create problems.

Your mechanic is very vague (almost like he's fishing for additional repairs). The seller of the car is also very vague.

Find out if it has a different than stock gear in the rear.

 

Tell us what RPM it's shifting and and we can be more helpful. Is the car stock? Happen to know what gears it's running? If it's a steeper gear like 3.74 or 4:10, it will shift much quicker then stock out of first.
It shouldn't shift RIGHT away....but a previous owner could have tuned it that way. Does it shift when you immediately stomp the gas or just slowly acclerate?

 

ok well the owner does not know if the gear ratio has been changed, nor does he know the rpm change off the top of his head (he cant check right now but will look next time he's in it)... so I'll have to put this on hiatus... thank you all very much any ways... If this was a stock gt would this be indicative of a major trans problem... or should i just think of it as something somewhat simple to tune up.

 

usually if somethings screwed up it'll stay in gear longer instead of shifting sooner. when accelerating normally my car will shift out of 1st almost instantly. but when at wot it would shift out of first around 5400 which is still early imo. I now have a tuner to correct that tho.

 

Good to know, Thanks!

 

ctgreddy's info sounds right on. My shift points are 1-2--5700, 2-3--5500, 3-4--5300All this is at wide open throttle. This is stock.

 

If you are just driving normal it will shift to second real quick. It's normal. I have an auto and that's what mine does. If I romp on it it will hold first for a lot longer.