Won't Downshift
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Central Kansas
Won't Downshift
I have a 97 7.3L with an automatic transmission. Transmission is an E4OD, rebuilt in 2008 with larger torque converter and tranny cooler, has less than 20,000 miles on it. Recently while pulling my camper (6,000lbs) it started having trouble downshifting. When first started, the check engine light came on and the OD light flashed, then both shut off after a minute or so. The truck ran fine but would not downshift, I had to manually do it, then had to take off from a stop in a higher gear. Haven't driven it without a load-am afraid to til I get it fixed-could this be a sensor? or something bigger? Thanks for the help!
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
Yes it could.
Yes it could.
You have to get the codes read to find out. The places that read codes free won't be able to read Ford transmission codes. You'll need either a good independent shop or a Ford dealer to read these codes.
Yes it could.
You have to get the codes read to find out. The places that read codes free won't be able to read Ford transmission codes. You'll need either a good independent shop or a Ford dealer to read these codes.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Central Kansas
Started it up and drove it around yesterday without a load. check engine light never came back on but now it is dying at random times. would run fine for a few minutes then die and start right back up and run fine again. no troubles downshifting this time either. a buddy of mine has an auto repair shop and we plugged his code reader into it and it didn't show any-apparently the check engine light has to be on to pick up a code on his and it never would come back on, even when it died. it's kind of acting like it did before i replaced the icp sensor last year but would that cause shifting problems also?
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
The check engine light DOES NOT have to be on to read a code. The codes are stored in memory for about a month after the last time the light was on. Your buddy doesn't have the right tool to read these codes.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Central Kansas
Yeah, I figured that. Unfortunately the closest Ford dealership to me is about 50 miles away and I didn't want to try to take it that far if I can avoid it. Trying to diagnose it myself (with the help of this forum!) You guys are usually great at this!
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
Likes: 75
From: Plankinton, SD
If its randomly dying now, the cps is a good place to start with the motor problem. Of course, you only want a ford or ih one, so unless you order one, there's that 50 miles again..
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New User
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From: Central Kansas
OK, so after thinking on it I decided that since the truck only died after hooking up the code reader, then died randomly while driving with it still hooked up that it may have been the code reader making it die. Sure enough I drove it all around today with no problems so obviously that AE was not compatible with my truck although I've never heard of them making a vehicle die. Went ahead and got a CPS from Ford and replaced it anyway, threw the other one in the glove box for another spare if it's still good. Also had no problems downshifting so I'll hook it up to a load this weekend and see how it does
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
Likes: 75
From: Plankinton, SD
I've heard of code readers killing the truck. I didn't know you had it hooked up when it died. AE is a good setup, but I believe it needs the enhanced ford setup in it and if it doesn't, maybe it would kill it like a generic code reader sometimes does.
Let us know how it goes.
Let us know how it goes.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
It can be done without the codes. We will list all the parts that can cause this. You'll buy them and keep installing them until it's fixed. I'll bet we find the problem in less than $5,000. But maybe not...
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Central Kansas
Yes, a few that may have a code reader that would work but none with a diesel mechanic close by. Anyway, hooked it up to the camper and pulled it about 30 miles without any problems. Ran terrific and no trouble downshifting this time! Not sure what the problem was but it seems to be fine now without any real intervention. Wondering since the roads we travel to the lake are barely paved and full of potholes if maybe a wire or something knocked loose? Going to leave well enough alone for now I guess. Thanks guys!
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