Hi guys, I'm have a problem with me 97 Crew. Its got the 7.3 powerstroke in it. I will try my best to describe what's going on. It is effecting at lease three things. This isn't all the time. once in a while. First is the trans shifts hard sound like it trying to come threw the floor. Next it idle higher when this is going on. And next it the brake feel different like it is a little harder and is like it wants to run away. If first can tell it is messing up when I start it and then really tell when I put it in reverse and so on. Again this doesn't happen all the time. I have been told I need to change filter and fluid in trans and then been told its my PCM starting to go out. I tried to have it scanned when this happens. I stopped at auto zone and they came out but there scanner wouldn't connect to my trucks computer. So then I tried to buy a cheap hand held one nope same thing. Going to try in the next couple days to take to a friend that has scanned it before see if his will connect. So what does everyone say could be the problem?? Thanks Tony

 

Anyone have any idea whats happening???

 

Once you get some codes report back, it's difficult to help diagnosed problem like your experiencing because does sound like it might be something electrical.

 

Do your brake lights work, including the center stop light in the cab roof?

 

Ok if I get any codes., yes my break lights. And also it seams like the ac doesn't work when everything else is messing up too. Know someone said it may be my CPS is bad

 

Hard brake pedal could be low vacuum.

AC not working-do you mean it isn't cold or it quits blowing out of the vents, and starts blowing out the defrost vents also pointing to vacuum leak.

Does your red brake light on the dash come on at bulb check when you first start the truck? Is the ABS light on?

These trucks don't talk regular OBDII language even though they have the same port.

An Android phone with Car Gauge Pro and a better quality Bluetooth OBDII adapter can read the codes from these trucks. You need the $15-$25 adapter not the cheap $10.00 ones.

Also the brake lights including third brake light can't be newer LED style unless resistors are used.

Kevin

 

Thread highjack....what do you suggest for the adapter? I've seen TONS of them. What one works best with that app?

As for your issues, definitely get more diagnostic information. If you can't, then you need to take it to a shop. It sounds vacuum related to me. And vacuum issues can cause a WIDE range of weird issues.

 

I have the older version of this for the '95 7.3,
BAFX Products® - Bluetooth OBD2 Reader for Android
I have used it with my Samsung and LG phones. I run Torque Pro to monitor ICP, IPR, battery voltage, Transmission temp and gear. I use Car Gauge Pro to pull codes and run buzz test and contribution test.

I used to use this one for the '95 but moved it to the 2006,
https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Int...rds=vgate+OBD2
When I used it in the '95 I used a Samsung phone with it and both Torque Pro and Car Gauge Pro. I now have a 7" RCA tablet I use with this one and this is the one I also use with my 2004 Expedition, or any other vehicle I need to read codes on.


Pic is of my '95 going 70MPH on the Interstate.

Kevin

 

Remember guys this is all the time when this happens . And all brake lights work and no lights on dash are on when running. The strange thing is I changed with a moter craft part the CPS and it still done it then started to run fine like it should then the next day started back with all the problems.

 

And a rewind back to November of last year truck wouldn't start one day it sat for a couple weeks until a friend could come with a scanner and I got coded and one was low oil pressure so in February I got a new not rebuild HPOP and the sensor that's on it. Installed it and it started and ran fine for a little while then slowly started with all the problems and seems like it's getting worse.

 

Update.. I haven't found anyone near me to get it scanned. There is a new problem know. Ok when you first start it and drive it like it has bee. But once it warms up and you stop and try to take off in Drive it acts like you have your foot hard on the brake but if you pull it down into 2nd or 1st it takes off fine. As soon as your moving you can put it back into drive and it changes threw the gears. I asked a couple mech. and they say it might be my torque converter locking up??? What do you all say??I really need help and Really need to figure this out This is the only transportation we have and my wife and son are using my truck to get to work. Its like its getting worse since all this started

 

You might have answered this already but where are you located?

 

Spend the 20 bucks and get a scanner is your best bet. Location? maybe another could scan it


With out the scanner you might be tossing in 100s to 1000s of dollars of parts on guesses.

 

Wow.. 97 and I bet the OP never changed the tranny fluid or filter and I bet it's nasty inside.......

 

$20 scanner or do you mean the one they talked about above? I live near Mocksville,N.C. Just hope the truck doesn't go completely down.