Not shifting correctly
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From: Rome usa
Not shifting correctly
92 Ford F-150 5.8 E4OD
Can reset the computer and the truck will take off and shift fine, 2nd, drive, overdrive great(it shifts). Go a mile down the road, stop and take off again, will not shift to next gear until I get above the 20 mph( by then rpms are high) and let off the gas, then it will shift.
Can reset the computer and it will shift fine again, then same old story, not shifting until I let off the gas. If I take off going up a hill, it's a nightmare, have to get above 20 mph let off the gas it shifts, but then if I give it to much gas after that, it down shifts, so you have to let off the gas so it will shift to the next gear. The little Actron code scanner is not picking up any error codes, service engine light does not come on. Not sure if it could be a transmission thing, speed sensor, I thought if its a TPS it would pick up a code, had battery voltage tested, that looks OK.
When I have to get it above 20 to let off the gas to shift let it shift the rpms alway seems to be higher then when it would shift in a normal mode.
Also if I pull out and if I keep the rpms real, real low, it may shift to the next gear, but try pulling out in traffic going real real slow and see what happens.
Thanks for any input.
Ron
Can reset the computer and the truck will take off and shift fine, 2nd, drive, overdrive great(it shifts). Go a mile down the road, stop and take off again, will not shift to next gear until I get above the 20 mph( by then rpms are high) and let off the gas, then it will shift.
Can reset the computer and it will shift fine again, then same old story, not shifting until I let off the gas. If I take off going up a hill, it's a nightmare, have to get above 20 mph let off the gas it shifts, but then if I give it to much gas after that, it down shifts, so you have to let off the gas so it will shift to the next gear. The little Actron code scanner is not picking up any error codes, service engine light does not come on. Not sure if it could be a transmission thing, speed sensor, I thought if its a TPS it would pick up a code, had battery voltage tested, that looks OK.
When I have to get it above 20 to let off the gas to shift let it shift the rpms alway seems to be higher then when it would shift in a normal mode.
Also if I pull out and if I keep the rpms real, real low, it may shift to the next gear, but try pulling out in traffic going real real slow and see what happens.
Thanks for any input.
Ron
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From: Rome usa
Not shifting correctly
I have done a couple differant ways,
last couple times, disconnecting the negitive cable and turning on the headlights for about 30 sceonds, then turn the lights back off and reconnect the cable.
Other way is to disconnect the cable for about 15 minutes and then reconnect.
One other time was pulling and looking at the fuses and the hood, it must of reset something, becauseit started drving normal, the nsmae oled story.
Ron
last couple times, disconnecting the negitive cable and turning on the headlights for about 30 sceonds, then turn the lights back off and reconnect the cable.
Other way is to disconnect the cable for about 15 minutes and then reconnect.
One other time was pulling and looking at the fuses and the hood, it must of reset something, becauseit started drving normal, the nsmae oled story.
Ron
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: LA and CO
Not shifting correctly
Sounds like you could have a bad MLPS (manual lever position sensor). It mounts on the side of the tranny where the cable hooks to it. It tells the computer what gear the tranny is in so the computer can tell the tranny what to do with the solenoids inside to make it shift.
I'm no expert, but it sounds like it could be your problem. My AOD has similar shifting problems. Mine didn't register any codes either. I believe this would be the cheapest thing to try first.
Also, my Haynes manual has a procedure for adjusting the MLPS. You need a special tool to do it. Maybe it's out of adjustment.
I had to post my question on here about mine 2-3 times with different subject wording to get good feedback from the people who experienced my problems. You might want to try this too.
Hope I helped you
John
I'm no expert, but it sounds like it could be your problem. My AOD has similar shifting problems. Mine didn't register any codes either. I believe this would be the cheapest thing to try first.
Also, my Haynes manual has a procedure for adjusting the MLPS. You need a special tool to do it. Maybe it's out of adjustment.
I had to post my question on here about mine 2-3 times with different subject wording to get good feedback from the people who experienced my problems. You might want to try this too.
Hope I helped you
John
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From: Rome usa
Not shifting correctly
Thanks John, but I don't think the 92 with the E40d has cable. This threw me off for a long time, because I read archives where adjusting it would help. I fainlly was able to ask the shop foreman at he local Ford place and he confirmed that the E40D with a 5.8 does not have a cable. Your also right about asking two or three ways, because I'm not sure if it is sensor related or transmission related etc.
Ron
Ron
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Not shifting correctly
No cable??? There has to be a cable to connect the shift lever to the tranny. Both of my E4OD's have cables, and the MLP sensor. The Ford manuals talk about adjusting the MLP sensor on the E4OD trannies as well. That could definitely be a cause, as well many many other things.
I know this sound basic, but have you checked the tranny fluid? If it's too low, it can cause delayed shifts. Also, when it finally shifts, is it a hard shift or does the shift feel normal?
I would also check the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor), as they can go bad and not produce any codes. I found this out from experience. They are cheap and take 5 minutes to change, I think around $12 from the dealer. Check you speed control, if you have it. If it doesn't work, it can also indicate a bad VSS sensor.
It could also be a bad shift or pressure solenoid inside the tranny too, but they usually produce fault codes. They aren't too difficult to change, but can be expensive. Other things to go wrong are check *****, stuck valve plungers, all inside the tranny.
I know this sound basic, but have you checked the tranny fluid? If it's too low, it can cause delayed shifts. Also, when it finally shifts, is it a hard shift or does the shift feel normal?
I would also check the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor), as they can go bad and not produce any codes. I found this out from experience. They are cheap and take 5 minutes to change, I think around $12 from the dealer. Check you speed control, if you have it. If it doesn't work, it can also indicate a bad VSS sensor.
It could also be a bad shift or pressure solenoid inside the tranny too, but they usually produce fault codes. They aren't too difficult to change, but can be expensive. Other things to go wrong are check *****, stuck valve plungers, all inside the tranny.
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From: Rome usa
Not shifting correctly
I double checked and no cable. There is a module bolted to the side of the tranny and a big disconnect that is on top of it, there is a rod taht hooks to the module that turn into a cable that goes up to the shifter on the column. I always thought of this module as a Safty Neutral Switch(SNS). The connector that fits on top of what I call the SNS goes up to the fuse box under the hood. Unless we are talking the same cable, just sounds like a different setup. What I don't understand is why does it shift fine when I reset the computer. Does it go in some type of limp mode when I get going or could it be a bad speed sensor. Called Advanced Auto, the have four different part numbers depending on if it has cruise, not cruise, etc.
Thanks
Ron
Thanks
Ron
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 11
From: LA and CO
Not shifting correctly
These trucks don't have cables connecting them to the throttle anymore. All of them have a cable connecting them to the gearshift. That module is the MLPS. It's not a neutral safety switch anymore. The MLPS tells the computer which gear it's in so it knows how to shift the tranny. Check this first. Maybe bad or out of adjustment. The Haynes manual tells how to adjust it.
The speed sensor is located on top of rearend. Trucks with digital odometer have this. Could be this also. Mine went bad and didn't make any codes but wasn't the tranny problem, just an ABS light problem.
I think check the MLPS first, it seems to be the cheapest. The MLPS for the AOD was only $90 at my dealer.
Hope this helps,
John
The speed sensor is located on top of rearend. Trucks with digital odometer have this. Could be this also. Mine went bad and didn't make any codes but wasn't the tranny problem, just an ABS light problem.
I think check the MLPS first, it seems to be the cheapest. The MLPS for the AOD was only $90 at my dealer.
Hope this helps,
John
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Thread Starter
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From: Rome usa
Not shifting correctly
Thanks,
I know I replaced the speed sensor once before because of the ABS light being on, but had got it off a earlier model truck from the junkyard, thought I'd spend 5.00 to see if that's what it was instead of buying one for 50.00 a couple years ago( it cured it). That's what made me wonder about this one. I knew it also controls the speedometer, just didn't know if it could also conrol how the truck shifts, especially if the one I have came from a earlier model and not being a 4x4 or a 5.8 liter.
So a person could reset the computer and the truck drive fine until the computer senses the MPLS is not functioning right, then make it own adjustments?
thanks again and will pick up a manual tomorrow.
Ron
I know I replaced the speed sensor once before because of the ABS light being on, but had got it off a earlier model truck from the junkyard, thought I'd spend 5.00 to see if that's what it was instead of buying one for 50.00 a couple years ago( it cured it). That's what made me wonder about this one. I knew it also controls the speedometer, just didn't know if it could also conrol how the truck shifts, especially if the one I have came from a earlier model and not being a 4x4 or a 5.8 liter.
So a person could reset the computer and the truck drive fine until the computer senses the MPLS is not functioning right, then make it own adjustments?
thanks again and will pick up a manual tomorrow.
Ron
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Not shifting correctly
one problem I have seen in our shop is after market trans filters dropping down and letting air get sucked up by the pump. i have seen this cause similar concerns.
hope this helps,
Jim
hope this helps,
Jim
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From: Rome usa
Not shifting correctly
Meant to ask which Haynes manual. There's one I get from the Library all the time that covers 86-96 models, but it seems to cover the AOD more in debth and verily touches on the E4OD. Right now I can't rememeber if it's a Chilton's or Haynes.
Also when it shifts it shift's normal, just hate it anytime I have drop below 20 mph or have to take off. Once I'm above 20 and let it change it's ok, except for trying to go a hill at that low of a speed, because it keeps kicking back down.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Ron
Also when it shifts it shift's normal, just hate it anytime I have drop below 20 mph or have to take off. Once I'm above 20 and let it change it's ok, except for trying to go a hill at that low of a speed, because it keeps kicking back down.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Ron
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Not shifting correctly
That's the module and cable alright. Glad you found it. When you reset the computer, it has no parameters to use when it calibrated your engine. Therefore, it assumes neutral parameters until it collects data from the sensors and make adjustments for the sensor readings. It is usually recommended to let it sit idling for a couple of minutes so the engine can calibrate itself, or drive it for 20 minutes as it takes longer when driving.
If the problem is indeed a speed sensor, you have to turn so many revolutions of the rear differential before the computer has all the readings it needs.
As for manuals, I have both the Chilton's and Haynes, as well as all the FORD manuals on CD-ROM. I have to say that the Ford manuals are far better for detailed information, but the Hayne's or Chilton's are handy for when I need torque specs in the garage.
The last thing that could cause the problem is the PSOM, or speedometer. I remeber when I had shifting problems (always harsh), the transmission shop said he saw a lot of those PSOM's go bad, and cause strange conditions. They go for $100 at the junkyard here in Denver.
If the problem is indeed a speed sensor, you have to turn so many revolutions of the rear differential before the computer has all the readings it needs.
As for manuals, I have both the Chilton's and Haynes, as well as all the FORD manuals on CD-ROM. I have to say that the Ford manuals are far better for detailed information, but the Hayne's or Chilton's are handy for when I need torque specs in the garage.
The last thing that could cause the problem is the PSOM, or speedometer. I remeber when I had shifting problems (always harsh), the transmission shop said he saw a lot of those PSOM's go bad, and cause strange conditions. They go for $100 at the junkyard here in Denver.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,079
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From: LA and CO
Not shifting correctly
Eakanator,
I got the Haynes for a 86-96. It's got a section for the MLPS on an E4OD only, no AOD. I guess they forgot Ford had another tranny. I hate Haynes manuals. I recently changed my Speed Sensor in the rear and didn't help the shifting problem, just fixed the ABS light. Rule that out. As soon as I can this week I'm going to change the MLPS on my AOD. Mine just comes out of gear whenever it wants. Really aggravating, but I've gotten used to it trying to figure out what's causing it. Another thing check all of the connections on it first. Maybe it's got dirt or corrosion in there. After that do like I did and start with the cheapest part first to try to track it down.
Keep us posted
John
I got the Haynes for a 86-96. It's got a section for the MLPS on an E4OD only, no AOD. I guess they forgot Ford had another tranny. I hate Haynes manuals. I recently changed my Speed Sensor in the rear and didn't help the shifting problem, just fixed the ABS light. Rule that out. As soon as I can this week I'm going to change the MLPS on my AOD. Mine just comes out of gear whenever it wants. Really aggravating, but I've gotten used to it trying to figure out what's causing it. Another thing check all of the connections on it first. Maybe it's got dirt or corrosion in there. After that do like I did and start with the cheapest part first to try to track it down.
Keep us posted
John
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