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AODE/4R70W shifting problems

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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 08:10 AM
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AODE/4R70W shifting problems

Having shifting problems with a 1995 F150 with the AODE tranny. The other morning, backed out of my driveway and drove down my road. Got to a stop sign, went to leave it and had no forward gears. Was able to back up my road and back in my driveway. Got home later and started the truck again, still no forward gears. Pushed the 4x4 button, and my forward gears all returned. Put it back in 2wd and drove up and down my road. Punched the gas and it peeled out all the way down the street. Got back to driveway, came to a stop, lost all forward gears again.

So by process of elimination, if it moves and drives I would think I could rule out mechanical breakage in tranny. I would say the pump, torque converter, and clutches are fine because when it does work it shifts good and there is no slippage. I'm thinking something is sticking or plugged in the valve body. And yes, I checked the fluid level first.

Any input from the tranny gurus before I pull the valve body out?
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 08:20 AM
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When you lose your forward gears will it hold or roll when in park?
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
When you lose your forward gears will it hold or roll when in park?
Park holds normally. Thanks for the quick reply, I was hoping you would chime in
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 09:42 AM
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If park works when you don't have forward gears that rules out the transfer case.

There is nothing in the valve body that could cause the loss of all forward gears. I suspect a major pressure leak inside the trans. The next step in the diagnosis is to put a pressure gauge in the test port and see what the pressure is when you don't have forward gears.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
If park works when you don't have forward gears that rules out the transfer case.

There is nothing in the valve body that could cause the loss of all forward gears. I suspect a major pressure leak inside the trans. The next step in the diagnosis is to put a pressure gauge in the test port and see what the pressure is when you don't have forward gears.
Hmm... any ideas what could leak pressure, but then work again temporarily like that?
And at this point, if it's going to be an internal pressure leak, the trans is coming out anyway, correct?
 
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Old Jun 25, 2018 | 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by hickf150man
Hmm... any ideas what could leak pressure, but then work again temporarily like that?
A worn clutch seal.
Originally Posted by hickf150man
And at this point, if it's going to be an internal pressure leak, the trans is coming out anyway, correct?
That's correct.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2025 | 03:14 PM
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Partially clogged EPC solenoid?

I have the same issue with my 95 f150 5.0l rwd with a 4r70w tranny. I suspect it is a partially clogged EPC solenoid. I ran line pressure tests that increased with filter change, valve body change, TCC/shift solenoids cleaning/testing. The EPC was in resistance range, but I forgot to clean it, test it for movement. The servos were seated properly, snap rings were intact so I didn't fuss about them. I know my Torque converter is worn and contaminated the fluid since why I think the EPC solenoid could be an issue. When you WOT it will not slam back into gear and go, complete lack of movement in forward, but reverse moves albeit slowly. My pump is fine because the pressure increased at WOT a lot when the filter was clogged but the range is still too low for the forward gears. I need my vehicle to be well again ASAP. Any suggestions? Could this be from a completely dead torque converter? Would that cause a significant drop of pressure in the forward gears only? Also when I first had the valve body changed I was able to drive it for a mile then I came to a stop sign and then nothing, back to square one.
 

Last edited by Rock123; Dec 24, 2025 at 03:26 PM. Reason: Too vague
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Old Dec 24, 2025 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Rock123
Any suggestions? Could this be from a completely dead torque converter? Would that cause a significant drop of pressure in the forward gears only?
A torque converter problem causes a problem in all gears. It can't work in reverse and not in forward. You have a major pressure leak inside the trans, It needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
 
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