I have a 1995 ford f150 4x4 with the 5.0 I just purchased a month ago. While driving at about 45-55 mph the truck seems to go out of gear and it revs like it is in neutral. I took it out of overdrive and it still does it. It drives fine in 1st and 2nd. I am hoping it is a sensor and not the tranny but Im far from an expert. Any help would greatly be appreciated! Thank you!

 

It is a auto with overdrive. thanks

 

I am guessing that you are talking about a E40D automatic 4spd transmission.

First you probably are more than due for fresh tranny fluid and tranny fluid filter. The fluid can get gummy after a while and make the valve body stick and not want to shift the tranny.

2nd, Get a code reader b/c there are sensors for the E40D and if one is bad it can cause shifting problems... You need to pull the codes and see if your computer can tell you anything. I don't have a E40D b/c I hate automatics with a passion but others on here can help you with figuring out codes for the E40D sensors.

 

I agree 100% about the flush and new filter but the fluid looks really good. Almost too good as if the person I bought it from new it was bad. I just got back from my mechanic and I asked if he could hook it up to his reader and he said that it wouldnt show anything. I will ask him again. Do you know what sensor could be causing this. The truck has 125,000 mi and is in really good condition and doesnt leak a drop of anything. I really hope I didnt get a lemon! Thanks for helping me!

 

Worst case is needing a $1700+ rebuild... But that is worst case and I know for a fact that your computer can spit codes for bad tranny sensors. Other senior users will tell you plenty of people do expensive rebuilds over a bad sensor not knowing any better. And plenty of shops will be more than willing to take your money for a rebuild you probably don't need. Good thing you came here 1st to get the low down... I'm sure other users will stop by to add more specifics...

 

I will definitely check with all you guys before I do anything! It is really great that this is available for people like me who lay brick for a living and dont know much about engines and such! My next step is to get it hooked up to a scanner and see what the codes are. I will share them and maybe someone can help me decipher them. Thanks again!

 

...is the "Overdrive" light on the end of the shift stalk blinking?
Roger

 

I have the same issue occassionally in my '94 F150 5.0/E40D. I kinda had in mind it was probably the shift control solenoid or TCC. I was pretty much gonna play Lego with parts until it behaved. I'll be watching this thread.

 

Ford Fuel Injection » How To Run a Self-Test Here is a link on how to get any trouble codes without a code reader.
Not an expert but if I had to guess I would say that the TRS (Transmission Range Sensor) is bad (also called a MLPS and a Neutral Safety Switch).
However always worth checking for codes.

 

The overdrive light doesnt blink and it only seems to do it after a longer trip of about 40 or so miles. Maybe it is when the transmission is getting warm. I am in the process of getting a scanner put on because that code reading may be a little too much for me since my patients is at a low. I starts out fine in 1st or 2nd and reverse works great.

Hopefully I can get it scanned tmrw and I will let you all know what comes up. Thanks again for the great comments!

 

I picked up a neutral safety switch from advanced auto parts. It is a borg warner so I hope that is a good one. I am thinking about putting it on myself because a shop will charge minimum 1 hour labor and that is $80.00. I have located the part on the trans. and It doesnt seem too difficult to change out but I would like to see if there is any advise before I start. I heard that it needs to be removed in neutral and installed in neutral. Any help would be great! I am praying this helps or I will be about $1100.00 poorer. I found a trans. that was rebuilt 2000 miles ago with all the paperwork and a mechanic I know that will put it in for $400.00. Not bad but Im hoping this $45.00 part will fix the problem. Thanks!

 

Your truck has the new style MLPS connector already so the R&R should be a plug-n-play. Set the e-brake, shift to N, get underneath, loosen the 2 mounting screws, and align the marks before tightening the screws.


Courtesy of Steve83

 

Thanks for the pic! Very helpful I am ready to climb under and get to work. I hope this works! Thanks again