I've got a 1993 E-350 non-turbo diesel bus conversion. I use it for road trips with the whole family. The transmission was rebuilt about 2 years ago but it's only been driven 3000 miles since. Every once and awhile the overdrive light will start blinking and it'll shift kinda weird. I can usually tell when it's going to start blinking by a "jerk" in the drivetrain, usually after driving for about and hour at 65 MPH. Sometimes it goes away on it's own, sometimes I just let it go and don't worry too much about it. Should I be worried?

 

There should be a stored trouble code. Might be worth getting a $30.00 OBD1 code reader and checking for trouble codes. May be something simple like a speed sensor but may be more serious.
Just my opinion.

 

Being on the blink means exactly that.

Read the codes, it might be something simple..

 

you can read the codes by using a voltmeter or test light. research how to do it online. plenty of info available. the only computer on that vehicle is the one for the trans and more than likely its either the tps on the side of the injector pump being out of adjustment, the tach sensor needing cleaned or replaced (does the tach go to zero when this happens?), or a wet connector on the passenger side of the trans.
your best info would be to visit the idi diesel forum on this site.

 

doing same, rpm jerks only around 40; took 2 aamco trouble shooter said torch converter is bad. gear ratio is bad but it does it only after driving 4 while but then not always does it at all. they said 2500 2 rebuild it .trans is a e40d now should i look 4 better place 2 take 4 2nd opinion. please help?

 

What specific codes did AAMCO pull? If an "incorrect gear ratio" code shows up, I am afraid you will have little choice, but to overhaul.

E4ODs are tricky when rebuilding -- because there are several variants out there, the real trick is to match the new Torque Converter to the overhauled unit. I am speculating that this is what happened the first time around. I ended up using the same TC on mine.

Independent transm shops charge around $ 2k for rebuilding it.

You can try 2 things:

1- Check the fluid (level, color, odor). You can try to change the fluid.
2- Check the electrical connectors at the transmission. (this probably will not help you if you have the "incorrect gear ratio" DTC.

 

That van won't have a tach, but will have the sensor on the IP to tell the transmission what the RPM's are.

Usually when the O/D light flashes and gives a weird shift/jerk, it's either the tach sensor, or speed sensor. Could be many other things, but those are the 2 most common.



It is said NOT to drive these when the OD light flashs, can cause futher damage to the transmission.

 

E4ODs received many updates through the years to improve its questionable reliability. The later years (95-96) would have the updated components.

The shop that overhauled your transm 2 years ago must have used the updated parts. Many people give AAMCO techies grief. I think they may be right on the money this time -- your Torque Converter might be bad, because it was not matched properly the first time around. Keep in mind that E4ODs keep many transm shops in business, so shops are familiar with them.

One more thing -- E4ODs cannot be left sitting for a long time. 3000 miles in 2 years: have you used the van periodically, at least quarterly? Highway run?