ok i have had this problem for the 3 years ive had the truck (98 f150 4.6L 4x4 Scab, bought it with 140k miles)

my truck wont shift into overdrive unless i take my foot off the gas or i go above 70mph. Its as if it doesnt think it can maintain speed if it shifts into overdrive. My girlfriend has a 02 f150 very similar to mine adn hers will shift once she hits 40 (unless shes givin it quite a bit of gas).

Its very frustrating cause i can be drivin on a road around 60 mph for ten minutes, look at the dash adn c that im not in overdrive (runnin about 2k rpms). I then take my foot off the gas for a second and it kicks in. Its wastin my gas and really killin me.

Is this normal for this year of truck, or is something wrong?
pleas post with any ideas

btw some have told me to get a tranny flush and refill with good fluid, but i got an intensive tune up (including flush) when i bought the truck

 

First thing is to have a check for transmission codes by a shop that can read those codes. (you may not always have a CEL on for a trans issue)
The trans is computer controlled from the program depending on what conditions the sensors' input to the computer about the load conditions.
The trans is controlled electrically by operating valves that direct the fluid flow, lock up and OD plus some other functions.
Until a diagnostic is done you have no hint of what the issue is.
A good shop will have had the issue before and know what to look into.
Lifting throttle taking load off the trans suggest there is a mechanical issue such as binding. (this is after the computer issues it's control commands)
There is, in addition to load changes, a timing function before the shift occurrs.
We would like the shift to occurr at throttle lift but it's not designed to work that way unless the system is modified to do so.
I have an older AOD that is modded to work on throttle command and it spoils you when you get into a later vehichle that seems to take forever to shift. The AOD is not electric controlled.
Good luck, you need the services of a good shop.

 

i have a diagnostic tool that reads trouble codes and have never had any about the tranny, just the occasional O2 sensor.is there anything else it could be? or is there any way i can get a dealer to change the shift point?

 

Transmission codes are not part of the normal engine codes and may need special scanner to see any stored codes.
The computer is called a PCM or short for Powertrain Control Module that is designed to address other non engine functions, so has a seperate code lists and access such as B, C, P, U and other codes..
Otherwise the OD switch lamp usually flashes to alert there is an issue that needs to be scanned for fault code.
A dealer will not change shift points unless it is part of an official service TSB update that is determined to be your problem..
Only other way to change shift points is with an after market programmer.
If you spend for that, the trans issue is still present.
The trans issue has to be found and corrected as the best course of action.

 

oh ok... hmmm that sounds ugly. Is there any chance that nothings gonna show up or will a drop in performance have a trouble code? i just get the feeling that the shop is gonna say nothins wrong, but something is def not right

 

anybody else have any ideas what the prob could be? i dont see how im the only person to ever have had this problem