my 1993 f150 351 has been locking up the trans going around 30 to 40 after a deceleration and some times it will lock up accelerating in and out starting at about 38 to 40 for a few seconds. I also have a shudder too when i accelerate especially the first gear. CANNOT be the tires being unbalanced.... its always shuddered a little about 30 to 45 when i first got it about at 48000 miles, now has 58000 miles. And not a misfire...

 

i know this will sound strange but have you replaced the tail light bulbs with LED bulbs? or have you had a issue with tail lights not working? several years ago i had a 92 F150 4.9 with E4OD. i built a flat bed on it and installed LED tail lights. as soon as i did that i had the same trans problem as you. it was purely by chance that i found the cause when i had to replace the lights with incandescent bulbs and when i drove it next it drove like new. i am not sure how the system works. but i do know if there is not enough resistance in the tail lights it affects the transmission.

 

Thanks this makes sence but i check my STOCK lights regularly and they are not burnt out. you can blow out the transmission by leaving the 4 way flashers on

 

Id like to have the AOD from my old truck into this truck, no problems with that one with 250000miles on it

 

i think i would do a full fluid and filter change on the transmission.

 

the shuuder was my drive shaft and my front seal has always leaked and i was in the cold fluid level when the transmission was warm. took out the rear drive shaft and put it in 4x4 and the shudder was gone, rear joint is shot but i checked a while a go while i had the same vibration and all joints checked out good. going to replace the joint and if the shake is still there, i will replace the front one even tho it is good and send the shaft in to get balanced., has a newer carrier bearing and a middle u joint.
my qusetion is now, could low fluid cause the tranny to lock up at that low of a speed? I use motorcraft LV transmission fluid and will not add any additives, i do no believe in mechanic in a bottle...

 

i recently got a flush with new filter and pan gasket, used motorcraft LV with the flush about 3000 miles ago

 

You are using the wrong transmission fluid, E4OD takes Mercon V

Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

• Premium-quality ATF for Ford and Lincoln transmissions
• Provides excellent performance in electronically controlled automatic transmissions
• Manufactured with high-viscosity index, premium-quality, hydroprocessed base oils and specially designed performance additives
• Provides excellent shifting characteristics at high and low ambient temperatures, and guards against transmission shudder
• Offers excellent thermal, oxidation and shear stability, as well as good low-temperature fluidity
• Provides wear protection and inhibits the formation of gum, sludge, lacquer and foam
• Helps prevent rust and corrosion
• Dyed red for easy leak detection
• Not for use in applications where MERCON® V, MERCON® SP, Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid, Motorcraft® Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid, FNR5 Automatic Transmission Fluid or Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended
• Not for use in transfer cases
• Recommended by Ford Motor Company
• Available in cases of 12 one-quart bottles

 

I been using that Vavoline Max Life Full synthetic Multi Vehicle ATF // Mercon LV for about 2 years now. Should I drain that out? Just curious....

 

Probably should see if Mark comments to that but I wouldn't run anything in either of mine but Mercon V.

Using the specified fluid, there has to be a reason for it or it'd all be the same formulation and marketed for use in all transmissions, regardless of type or manufacture.

 

Its basically synthetic mercon 5, i know a mechanic thats been using mercon lv in all vehcles even gm and they all have been awesome.

 

I think I have the same problem with mine. It has that slip feel when its cold but once it gets up to about 70-80 degrees it seems to all ways be locked.


I could never figure the issue out. Been like that for about 10 years now. Hard to explain. No codes...All lights work. I never have driven another vehicle with a E4OD in it so not sure how it is suppose to perform. I guess I need to watch some videos on You-Tube.

 

One of the major contributors of shudder in these transmissions is incorrect fluid. You're using the wrong fluid. If LV was "basically synthetic Mercon V", it'd say as such, and it'd say it was compatible with Mercon V vehicles. Ford specifically says not to use it in vehicles that require Mercon V.

 

http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf

Valvoline letter

Technical Director, Valvoline Brand

To Whom It May Concern:
MaxLife ATF is a full synthetic automatic transmission fluid designed to meet the needs of the broadest range of
transmission designs. MaxLife ATF recommendations are based on a combination of formal OEM approvals,
field testing and laboratory testing.
Valvoline MaxLife ATF carries the following formal OEM approvals:

Valvoline and the respective transmission/vehicle manufacturer.

Valvoline recommends MaxLife ATF in a broad range of transmissions beyond those for which we have formal OEM approval. The list below is just a sample of applications where Valvoline supports the use of MaxLife ATF. Valvoline has conducted in-house testing, independent lab testing and field-testing to support MaxLife ATF performance in these transmissions; however, it is important to note that the respective vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor approved MaxLife ATF in these applications.

•

 

It looks like Valvoline is trying to make a universal transmission fluid. My take on anything "universal": It's equally bad at everything.

I would not use it in any of my vehicles regardless of what the marketing hype states.