Hey,

I've bought my '98 F150 4x4 5.4 about one month ago and it spend 3 weeks since then sitting in the shop.

When I drive about 30miles or more (with stops in between) the transmission suddenly doesn't change in reverse! The gearshifts between 1st and 2nd feel delayed and into third it only shifts when I really let go of the throttle for about 2-3seconds and then suddenly it changes into 3rd. There's no way of getting it into shift in overdrive.

When I let cool it down for about 3 hours I can drive again about 20miles without problems (that was the trip to my dealer).

Transmission fluid and filter are new, fluid levels are ok and nothing smells burned.

I checked the error codes with my ScanGauge 2 but none were found, I'm assuming that's because it only ready the error codes from the engine?

The original windows sticker lists a tow package as an option, I don't know If that helps. I don't know exactly what transmission I got, I could provide a VIN if that helps. Can't look for the transmission code in the door because truck is sitting at the dealer.

My dealer already replaced a part but I have to call him on monday in order to ask him what they exactly replaced, fact is that it didn't cure the problem and after sitting about 3 weeks at the dealer I'm starting to lose my patience when I'm being told that they don't "find anything".

Any suggestions what might be the root of that evil transmission that's ruining my nerves are welcome.

Greets from Germany!

 

Hello John,
My suspecioin is the valve body has a spring broken on one of the valve pintels or sticks when hot.
Since this is not electrical a code likely may not be set.
Only way is to take the pan down, remove the valve body and take a look by a transmission shop.
A shop that just tells you they can't find a trouble is not wanting to look into it very far.
Of course it cost money/labor to search but the only way to get a repair or let it set for scrap.
Good luck.