2003 E350 Transmission trouble

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Jul 30, 2012 | 04:56 PM

surfref32

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From: Pawleys Island, SC

2003 E350 Transmission trouble

This started Saturday night 7/28 towing back from the races. This is an E4OD. If this truck shifts 1,TC lock, 2,3, OD, it has an intermittent slip in 2nd gear. I'm not sure about the order. If anyone knows please let me know. When it slips it's major, like it never goes all the way into gear. I then release the throttle and she'll find 3rd gear and continue on. It also will go into limp mode intermittently. When it does, the shifts are firm. The OD off light on the shifter started blinking two times between service calls today. I was expecting the computer to realize we had a problem. Then the light stayed off the rest of the day. The check engine light never cam on. It didn't come on when I had a coil go bad last year but the code did show on my scan tool. When I got home, I connected my Auterra Dyno-Scan tool to my laptop but it shows no codes stored or otherwise.

If the OD off light was blinking, shouldn't there be a code stored?

Thanks,
Andy

Jul 30, 2012 | 10:06 PM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

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From: SE Florida

Yes, there is a code stored. You need a better tool to read it.

Your trans is a 4R100, not an E4OD. 1998 was the last year of the E4OD.

Jul 30, 2012 | 11:19 PM

surfref32

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From: Pawleys Island, SC

thanks, I've ordered the Ford enhanced OBD II add on. I was very familiar with the E4OD in my '93 E350 back in 1998 and I didn't know about the change as it "looks" the same and luckily I haven't been inside the one in my '03 except for filter changes. I've been reading a lot of conflicting info about the 4R100 but I'm getting the idea it's basically an updated version of the E4OD. What do you say?

Since my first post I went on another service call and a beer run and it's shifting quite normally. I'm thinking it's not a major internal malfunction.

Jul 31, 2012 | 07:19 AM

Tom

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From: Isanti, MN

I don't think the check engine light will come on for a transmission related problem, that's why the O/D off light comes on and starts blinking at you.

Subscribing for the solution!

Jul 31, 2012 | 09:01 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,717

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From: SE Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfref32

I'm getting the idea it's basically an updated version of the E4OD. What do you say?

The 4R100 is an improved, stronger E4OD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy001

I don't think the check engine light will come on for a transmission related problem, that's why the O/D off light comes on and starts blinking at you.

The check engine light will come on for certain transmission problems, but you're right, the OD OFF light is the main transmission fault indicator.

Jul 31, 2012 | 09:51 AM

95e150CW

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From: Outside of Memphis, TN

The check engine light is supposed to indicate an emissions issue. Fortunately, just about every major engine issue is an emissions issue, and the CEL will come on for many codes. There are a huge number of 'silent codes' the ECU has, and these wont set off the CEL. There are also a fair number of proprietary/manufacturer specific codes and subsystems that most setups cant read. Also, if a code is not 'active' then basic software and cheap parts store scanners typically cant read (or have very spotty coverage). If the OD light is blinking, or was blinking, there is a code stored somewhere.

Jul 31, 2012 | 08:09 PM

surfref32

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From: Pawleys Island, SC

the truck has only one code, a P0781 which is a 1-2 shift error. That's what I thought it was doing. I'm thinking it's a sticky 1-2 shift valve in the valve body. If it was a solenoid or an o-ring or something like that, it wouldn't be intermittent.