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2020 Nautilus 8-speed transmission shudder/hesitation at low speeds

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Tom H. · rep 0 · May 22, 8:18 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing a strange issue with my 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve, which has about 45,000 miles on it. When I'm driving at lower speeds, typically between 20-40 mph, or when the transmission is shifting into lower gears, I sometimes feel a distinct shudder or hesitation. It's not a violent jerk, but more like a brief vibration or a feeling that the transmission is struggling to engage smoothly.

It's most noticeable when I'm lightly accelerating after slowing down, or sometimes when coming to a stop and then accelerating again. It doesn't happen all the time, which makes it hard to pinpoint, but it's frequent enough to be concerning. I'm wondering if anyone else with a 2020 Nautilus or a similar Lincoln model with the 8-speed automatic transmission has experienced anything like this?

Could this be a fluid issue, or something more serious with the transmission itself? Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 8:18 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing a common complaint with some modern automatic transmissions, often referred to as a 'shudder' or 'hesitation.' Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what steps you can take:

  1. Transmission Fluid Condition:
    • Cause: Old, contaminated, or low transmission fluid can lead to poor lubrication and inefficient hydraulic pressure, causing shudders during shifts. Even if the fluid level appears correct, its quality can degrade over time and mileage.
    • Action: Check your transmission fluid level and condition. If it's dark, smells burnt, or is low, a fluid and filter change might be beneficial. However, for some sealed transmissions, this requires a professional.
  2. Torque Converter Issues:
    • Cause: The torque converter is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the transmission. A failing torque converter can cause shuddering, especially at specific speeds or during lock-up, as internal components wear or fluid flow is restricted.
    • Action: This typically requires professional diagnosis and replacement.
  3. Transmission Solenoids:
    • Cause: Solenoids control the flow of transmission fluid to engage different gears. If a solenoid is sticking or failing, it can cause delayed shifts, harsh shifts, or shudders.
    • Action: A diagnostic scan (OBD-II) might reveal specific trouble codes related to transmission solenoids (e.g., P07XX series codes).
  4. Software/Adaptive Learning:
    • Cause: Modern transmissions use adaptive learning to adjust shift points based on driving style. Sometimes, a software glitch or corrupted adaptive data can lead to suboptimal shifting.
    • Action: A dealer can check for available software updates or perform a transmission adaptive learning reset.
  5. Other Drivetrain Components:
    • Cause: Less commonly, issues with engine mounts, driveshafts, or even tire balance can sometimes mimic transmission shudders, though these usually present differently.

When to See a Shop: Given your description, it's highly recommended to have your 2020 Lincoln Nautilus inspected by a qualified technician, preferably one specializing in transmissions or a Lincoln dealership. They can perform a thorough diagnostic scan for any stored trouble codes (even if the check engine light isn't on), check fluid pressure, and conduct a road test to accurately diagnose the source of the shudder. Early diagnosis can prevent more extensive and costly repairs down the line.

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