I know it’s tough to diagnose a problem without seeing the vehicle, but hoping to get some ideas from the community. Here goes:

Just purchased a 95 Ford f-150 4x4 (manual transfer case), 5.8, E4OD transmission for about $1000. Drove around town just fine and mechanic who took a look at the truck on a lift said it was mechanically sound, only surface rust on the frame. Problem, on the drive home (about a 100+ miles) stopped to get gas. After fueling up, I put it in drive, felt it engage no problem but when I step on this gas (problem still persists) it feels like it is dragging an anchor or tied to a tree. Once vehicle gets going functions fine, shifts fine even after stopping for traffic lights. Drives fine on the highway. It is just that initial issue with getting going. No problems in reverse or other gears. Also, fluids (color, levels, smell) all look fine with no leaks detected.

Other items just in case someone finds they may be related: Had CEL codes checked at Ford dealer before the purchase. Mechanic found 332 EGR code common and the recommendation was to replace existing aftermarket solenoid with a Ford part. Also the 542 code for constant control relay and mechanic advised to just start with the EGR first to see if they both go away. Side note, CEL does not come on until about 5 minutes into driving, and then is constant.

Fire away. Thanks!

 

Most of the time the 332 is because of a bad vacuum line or hole in the vacuum reservoir (juice can).

The 542 will come if someone tested the fuel pumps by grounding pin #6 of the self-test plug or one of the two fuel pumps are bad.

Continuous Memory DTC 332 indicates the EGR valve did not open with the engine stabilized and the EVR solenoid duty cycle present sometime during vehicle operation.

Possible causes:
-- Obstructed or cracked hose to EGR valve.
-- Icing.
-- Damaged EGR valve.
-- Damaged EVR solenoid harness.

 

So sorry, the second code should have been 542 not 543. I have edited it.

 

You have not stated if these codes are KOEO or CM codes.
The 543 is about the same as the 542 codes except dose the fuel pump run with the key off?
If so change the fuel pump relay.

Not sure on your sometimes anchor but it could be a bad TC and then when the clutch comes in there is no more slipping.
If this is the case try holding the brake while not moving and rev up the engine to see if it is slipping.

 

Also make sure your brakes are not dragging after being applied.

 

Yeah, unfortunately I didn't know enough to ask about whether it was KOEO or CM at the time (I have since learned ALOT from these forums).

Interesting ideas about the the brakes. That is exactly what it feels like when I take my foot off the brake pedal and give her gas. While at the Ford dealership they found an open recall on for the cruise control (Speed Control Deactivation Switch). I wonder.

And I suppose I should have mentioned it is the short bed with one fuel tank (didn't want the dual tank with all the issues I read about in the forums).

Anyhow, thanks for your replies. Keep them coming if you have other ideas.

 

Your truck is newer than mine, but on my '91 with the E4OD I had an issue where the truck would not go. It was not using first gear. I had codes related to tranny. Turned out to be the electrical connection at the transmission. But this went on for a while, each time I tried to drive the truck it wouldn't go. Seems similar to what you describe:

"I put it in drive, felt it engage no problem but when I step on this gas (problem still persists) it feels like it is dragging an anchor or tied to a tree."

If it is the same problem as mine you should have codes related to transmission solenoid failures. I determined mine was just the plug not making good connection at the tranny, which is very common.

 

Thanks for all the advice. Before I check transmission, going to have a mechanic look at the emergency brake. I can get it going (not stuck in park or high gear), just resists getting going. Doesn't feel like it's slipping or having difficulty shifting. Also, reverse is no problem. We'll see tomorrow. I'll update.

 

Before you give a mechanic some coin, jack up the rear of the truck and try turning the wheels by hand. If they spin easily with no dragging sound than you know it isn't the brakes.

 

Having this same issue with my 97 F250 Automatic tranny. Watching this thread...