bought the truck about 3 weeks ago and still having problems with the transmission. Replaced the VSS and it didnt help. My problems are it shifting hard from 1st to 2nd, it feels like it falls out of gear ( i can floor it and the speedometer creeps up then shifts hard.) Now i read having the 3rd brake light out is a problem with the trans too, my 3rd brake light is out along with the interior dome light ( doesnt go on when doors open) i plan to replace the TRS on the tranny tmw is there anything else i can do? how do i solve the brakelight problem?

 

Why the TRS? I don't see anything in your message that would indicate it's bad.

Fix the lights before spending money on the trans. The lights may be the cause.

 

Any idea on how to fix it? Bulb and fuses are good

 

Also cant really find much on people having the same issue with the 3rd brake light. Any help would be great! thanks in advance!

 

Process of elimination - starting with the cheapest was my plan when I bought my truck a little over a month ago with the same problems.

I found the 3rd brake light was out and I tested the socket and it was shot so I went to the pick-a-part and snagged one off a 95 F150 and it snapped right in. Afterwards the problem persisted.

I replaced the VSS and the problem still persisted

I ran the codes to find that it was reading an issue with the VSS and a voltage issue with the TRS.

I purchased the TRS and before installing I dropped the transmission cover and did a fluid change to include a filter change, and changed the fluid in the transfer case while I was under the truck. When I went to replace the TRS it was barely plugged in. I cleaned the plug and plugged it back in. I started the truck back up after refilling the fluid and the OD light stopped blinking and was shifting like a new truck. That was Saturday and knock on wood after driving it 150+ miles over the last 3 days the issue has not returned. Now I know after sharing it will as soon as I drive it next with my luck it will return to its old ways!

I will say that the gear oil in the rear diff is gross and I will be changing that over the weekend as well as installing a Ford VSS because the speedo is now jumping all over the place. What I read this could be from the fluid being dirty and the sensor being bad so I know the fluid needs changing and while I have my tools out might as well put a new VSS in that I can trust.

 

yeah i think it will be the TRS. was it hard to put on? However, my OD light was never blinking but it does seem to be a throttle issue. Thanks for the input. Been following your post as well because it seems we have the same issues.

 

The TRS is easy to change.

Block the wheels and set the parking brake. Put the trans in neutral.

Remove the nut that holds the shift lever to the side of the transmission. Don't remove the cable from the lever. Unplug the wiring from the TRS. Remove the two bolts that hold the TRS to the trans. Remove the TRS. Often it rusts to the shaft so it may take some force to get it off.

Install the new TRS. There is an alignment mark on the rotating part in the center that aligns with the mark on the TRS housing. Once they are aligned tighten the two bolts. Plug in the harness, put the lever and nut back on and you're done.

 

TRS very easy to change won't take but a few minutes.
Mark,
Could the gear oil in the rear diff cause the VSS to malfunction if it was too dirty? Could it also cause the speedo to jump around? Before I put the new VSS from the local aftermarket store the speedo didn't jump around so I'm thinking the fluid needs to be changed to help the sensor. Am I way off here or is this a reach?

 

I think it's possible. If there is enough metal in the fluid it will affect the sensor.

 

I notice it only jumps at higher speeds, over 40mph usually.

 

Is there and chance the 15mm bolt is welded to the lever? Can't seem to get mine apart from it(the main bolt)

 

Sure, there's a chance the nut is welded to the lever. There are plenty of stupid people out there, and some of them have welders. It wasn't welded at the factory, but who knows what happened to it in since then?

 

not sure if its welded or just really rusted. It almost looks like the bolt and lever are one piece. how do i detach the shift cable from this? if i can get it off the truck i may be able to pry it loose

 

Definition of TRS? I'm troubleshooting an E4OD and just reading up on cause and effect through other peoples' experience.

 

Transmission range sensor