I have a 2002 E350 Quigley 4WD van. 5.4 gas w/ a 4R100 .Approx 160,000 miles.I am the 2nd owner.The transmission has developed a Whine in all gears except when the torque converter locks up.I think it has
been like this since I bought it 4 or 5 yrs ago.but I thought it was "normal" at the time.The whine seemed to get more pronounced the last trip.I don't know of maintenance history.The last trip I did in June,( I only use it for long trips/vacations) it seemed to be more pronounced. After reading many posts here, it seems to come down to the pump, or torque converter. Either of which would necessitate a rebuild.At this point I have not even pulled the pan.So I don't know if there are any metal particles in it. The fluid is normal/not discolored or burned.It shifts fine.So my questions would be; what years were the 4R100 used? What upgrades did Ford do over the life of the transmission? Is there a difference in the gas applications vs diesel?Any recommendations as to a local rebuilder vs Ford rebuilt? my local dealer wants about $2400 for a factory rebuilt,which I think is excessive.I am capable of R&R myself,but even though I have rebuilt auto trans in the past,I don't have the time or ambition to do it again.Thanks for any advice. rick

 

The diesel version has stronger internals. It also will not bolt to your engine.

 

Thanks for the reply Mark.Would the whine only occurring when the torque converter is not locked up,indicate wether the TC is the problem,or not? Or something else?rick

 

I'm not very good at diagnosing noises, especially ones that I can't hear in person.

 

I have had converters make noise and the noise stop when lockup is engaged, that is a sign of a failing converter. I can't say I have experienced this with the 4r100 but most converters are all pretty much made the same way.

I would pull the pan and inspect for debris, if there is a lot of debris I would go through the whole transmission if there is very little you might be able to get away with just replacing the converter, however when a converter creates debris this can damage the pump and the only way to know for sure the pump is good is to remove it and take it apart.

 

Thanks to both of you for the replies.