1994 xlt shifts eratically
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Freshman User
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1994 xlt shifts eratically
Help!I just bought a 1994 xlt f150 4x4 with a 5.0 engine.It seemed fine,but now shifts eratically.It was only doing it when It tried to switch into 3rd gear (auto trans)Now it tries to shift at different speeds and also slams into gear sometimes.AAMCO says I need a rebuild to the tune of 3500.
Unemployment prevents that.Anything I can do that won`t cost a fortune?And what is a MLPS?
Thanks a bunch!
Unemployment prevents that.Anything I can do that won`t cost a fortune?And what is a MLPS?
Thanks a bunch!
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 52
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Get a second opinion. I had the exact same problem, and my local transmission shop fixed it for $70. Seems there is a sensor module of some sort on the transmission that they replaced. I'll dig through my receipts, and see if I can find out what it's called.
A little bit I found using a quick Google search:
Q: "My E4OD transmission neutrals out intermittently in Overdrive and 4th gear. It seems to be very erratic, sometimes you can make a 300 mile trip witout any problems, and other times it will neutral out 3 or 4 times on a 10 mile trip. When the problem is not present it works perfectly. What could cause this problem?"
A: "The most likely cause for the problem you describe is a bad manual lever position sensor (MLPS). The MLPS is also called a transmission range sensor (TRS). The problem is mainly related to water intrusion from a poor connector seal. Ford sells an update kit that comes with a new Range sensor, and an updated connector with an improved seal. The Ford part number for the update kit is F5TZ-7A247-AA. Your local Ford Dealer will sell this for around $100.00."
A little bit I found using a quick Google search:
Q: "My E4OD transmission neutrals out intermittently in Overdrive and 4th gear. It seems to be very erratic, sometimes you can make a 300 mile trip witout any problems, and other times it will neutral out 3 or 4 times on a 10 mile trip. When the problem is not present it works perfectly. What could cause this problem?"
A: "The most likely cause for the problem you describe is a bad manual lever position sensor (MLPS). The MLPS is also called a transmission range sensor (TRS). The problem is mainly related to water intrusion from a poor connector seal. Ford sells an update kit that comes with a new Range sensor, and an updated connector with an improved seal. The Ford part number for the update kit is F5TZ-7A247-AA. Your local Ford Dealer will sell this for around $100.00."
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Transmissions don't wear out erratically they progressively get worse, so with this or any other computer controlled trans the FIRST step when troubleshooting a problem should always be to check for codes.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,703
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
I would check on the other two suggestions first... Although I would ask the previous owner if they ever changed the tranny fluid... If you can't ask them, I would probably change the tranny filter and fluid... You wouldn't believe the problems some fresh lubricant would fix. If you have really old fluid that is getting sticky/gummy it can make the valves stick in the valve body. This will make the truck shift at "erratic" points. You can also try Lucas Transmission Fix with the new tranny fluid. A few of my friends have had luck with the Lucas brand helping out and saving them from very expensive rebuilds. Usually I don't believe in the "liquid cure" but I've seen it work a few times.
A good shop shouldn't cost over $2000 for a E40D rebuild... $1400-$1800 seems to be the common price. Oh and the E40D takes like 15-16 quarts of tranny fluid but that is with the torque converter too... You'd have to pay a shop for a "Tranny Flush" to get a 100% fluid change...
A good shop shouldn't cost over $2000 for a E40D rebuild... $1400-$1800 seems to be the common price. Oh and the E40D takes like 15-16 quarts of tranny fluid but that is with the torque converter too... You'd have to pay a shop for a "Tranny Flush" to get a 100% fluid change...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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Conanski, as usual, hits the nail on the head. You should get the trouble codes before you start throwing parts at it, can often narrow the problem down.
You should be able to get an OBD1 code reader for around $30.00 or if you go to fordfuelinjection.com and from the list on the right, click on Self Test you will get instructions on how to get the codes without a code reader.
If you look on the drivers side of the trans at where the shift linkage connects to the trans you will see the MLPS.
You should be able to get an OBD1 code reader for around $30.00 or if you go to fordfuelinjection.com and from the list on the right, click on Self Test you will get instructions on how to get the codes without a code reader.
If you look on the drivers side of the trans at where the shift linkage connects to the trans you will see the MLPS.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
If you have already done the fluid change the Lucas is less likely to help at all. I would do the codes before anything...
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Oh and welcome to FTE! You'll find a ton of very knowledgeable guys on here to help and fix almost anything on that truck...
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We don`t have an O`Reilys here in Pa,but I have a local service station,and they can probably help.And I will definately let everybody know what a great source this is for info,and absolutely second to none for friendliness and courtesy!
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
any natioal parts chain (Napa, auto zone, Advanced, CarQuest or any local parts store too) should have a code reader and do it for free for you. If you don't have a national parts chain or parts store with a code reader, and your shop wants to charge you for the code read... You can do it yourself as mentioned above.
If I were you and plan to keep the truck for a while... Spend the $30 for a Equus 3145... The reader will pay itself off the second time you use it.
http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3145-For.../dp/B000EW0KHW
If I were you and plan to keep the truck for a while... Spend the $30 for a Equus 3145... The reader will pay itself off the second time you use it.
http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3145-For.../dp/B000EW0KHW
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