Mystery power loss

I have a 2000 4x4 with the 2.7l engine. Recently I have started to experience a power loss when the truck shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. The engine revs up to about 3k then shifts into 2nd and the RPMs drop to about 1750. At this point the engine feels bogged down, similar to the feeling of trying to accelerate hard while the engine is still cold.

Once the RPMs get to about 3500 it returns to normal, and is fine in 3rd and 4th. This started to happen a few months ago, but would only be triggered by driving through a deep puddle, 3''-6''. Once it was dry the problem would go away. I attributed it to water cooling part of the engine and it not maintaining temperature, something along those lines. I went through a puddle while it was raining a couple of days ago, and the problem still persists, been dry for a day or two.

Any thoughts, I want to say it is some sort of transmission issue, but it seems odd that it would only be in 2nd gear. The issue is also worse when the truck isn't at operating temperature.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

check antifreeze, and if you are pretty sure its the transmission, get it checked, maybe torque converter?

 

When was the last time u changed fuel filter, Clean MAF sensor, or put new plugs in it? Makes a world of difference.

Sittingbull2

 

X2

 

Changed plugs 4 years ago. Never changed fuel filter or MAF sensor. I'll start there and report back.

 

I just R&R fuel filter (WIX) $23 a remanufactured MAF from O'reilly's $79 plugs

$6 NGK BKR5EKB-11 NGK Spark Plug Stock # 3967

NGK BKR5EKB-11 Double electrode make sure that is what you get is double electrode or Denso plugs

$18 K16TR11 Spark Plugs, Pack of 4

K16TR11. When I pulled the plugs out of mine they were not the right plugs. New right plugs make a world of difference along with fuel filter and maf. Hope this helps

Sittingbull2