Automatic transmissions
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 63
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From: Central Ohio
Automatic transmissions
This is the first auto truck I've owned so sorry if the question is stupid but I'm tapped out. So here is the problem: When I'm driving and I step off the fuel paddle (like going down a hill or slow down for traffic etc...) the rpms drop down to about 500 and it feels like the truck is either in natural or pops into a lower gear as soon as I let off the fuel paddle. When I get back on and try to pick up speed, the rpms go up to 2500-3000 and it takes a few seconds to get back into gear. It does this at all speeds except when I'm going about 65 or 70 mph but even then when I let off the paddle I can feel the truck slowing down. Also the O/D light is flashing the whole time the truck is on. One more thing, I'm not sure if it's related or not but my speedometer also stopped working. It's a '97 HD power Stroke and as I said this is the first automatic but I don't want to pay for someone to look at it if I can do something about it with a little help from you all. I think that's all. Thanks for any help you can give me. Zoltan
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
The issue with the speedometer and the flashing OD light is most definitely related. The VSS sends a signal to the ABS, the transmission, and the speedometer. It sounds like you have either a blown fuse somewhere or a bad VSS. That will definitely have an effect on the way the transmission shifts. That's where you need to start.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Central Ohio
the odometer just stopped. Also Nate, I hate to ask this but what is VSS? I'll check on the fuses first thing in the morning. The truck (Molly as my kids named it) still starts just fine because of the help I got from here. Thanks a lot guys. Zoltan
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From: Central Ohio
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Nampa, ID
Sometimes, a simple cleaning of the VSS will correct the issue. Small metal particles become magnetically attached to the VSS and interrupt the signal.
Disconnect the wire. Remove the VSS. Wipe it off. Do NOT use any cleaner or solvent. Reinstall the VSS. Reconnect the wire. I've done this and it helps if you're unable to buy a replacement right away.
Disconnect the wire. Remove the VSS. Wipe it off. Do NOT use any cleaner or solvent. Reinstall the VSS. Reconnect the wire. I've done this and it helps if you're unable to buy a replacement right away.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
How is the odometer in a '97 not a digital one? Are you sure of the year of this truck? I thought the analog ODO didn't start until the Super Duty trucks of 99 came on the scene and that will change things as that's a different transmission.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Central Ohio
Yeah it's a 97. The vin came back to 97 titled as a 97 but small things I noticed so far like the wiper blade on a 97 supposed to be 22" but mine takes an 18" on the driver side like a 96 does. So I don't know maybe they changed stuff around for one reason or the other. Honestly, I just don't know.