I have a 2002 E450 Shuttle Bus (converted into an RV). The speedometer suddenly stopped working a few days ago. Additionally, the OD light began flashing and the transmission shifts hard and continually changes gears when driving on an upgrade. I took the bus to a truck shop (they specialize in diesel pick-ups and mid-size trucks) today and they immediately suspected the sensor in the differential. After checking the codes, they replaced the sensor and the sensor pigtail. That did not resolve the problem.

The shop then changed another sensor at the transmission. This did not correct the problem.

After two hours of checking wiring and the fuse box, they are puzzled because nothing seems wrong. The shop is booked the next few days, so they asked me to return later in the week so they can do additional testing. They mentioned two possibilities, a faulty computer or a transmission problem. The shop told me I should not drive long distances because the transmission could be damaged due to the hard shifting.

My wife and I are full-time RVers, so we have changed our travel plans and are sitting at a campground waiting for the shop to fit us in.

Has anyone experienced a similar problem?

Additional information - the 7.3 engine runs like a champ with 205,000 miles. The transmission shifts perfectly (prior to this problem).

Thanks for your help!

 

Since you have plenty of time pictures of the camper conversion would be in order. Do you have scanning abilities to retrieve the transmission code(s)? If the transmission OD is flashing code(s) are stored. AutoEnginuity can read codes, I do not know what other scanners will. Our trucks don't play well with a lot of scanners so you have to be sure to get a setup that does. Where are you stranded? There might be a member close by who can assist you.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. We are 10 miles south of Bangor Maine. I do not have a scanner.

I will definitely take a few photos and post them. The bus has a compost toilet, fresh water tank with sink, sofa that folds into a bed, refrigerator, satellite TV, and a few other creature comforts. We tow a 23 foot travel trailer. The bus is a very comfortable tow vehicle and also a relaxing space for watching movies when we are parked.

 

I am curious if the 2002 E series received the same major electrical changes as the 2002 Super Duty did. Do you have a digital odometer?

 

No; it has a needle style speedometer. I also have a Scan Gauge mounted on the dash. The speed and MPG function of the Scan Gauge also stopped working.

 

I think he meant odometer, the mileage one, is it digital or do the numbers go around on cylinders?

 

sorry! They go around in circles. Old school!

 

That indicates you have the early electrical system. Starting in 02 they went to a hybrid instrument cluster, A VSM replaced the GEM and they moved the main fuse box into the cab. Maybe that's a good thing for you because the newer system is more complex. Hope to see pics of your rig and to hear what it ended up being. Getting ready to hit the road ourselves in about a year, behind a 7.3 of course!

 

Did you ever figure out the issue? I have the same problem right now with my 03 e450.

 

Speed sensor on the rear pumpkin. Not sure how those vans are set up but my truck had that issue pretty similar was that believe it's called speed sensor but basically it's the one on top of the rear axle.

 

Didn't do the trick. Replaced it, all the wiring is good. Speedo still isn't working and OD flashing. I read one guy fixed his issue with a rear diff fluid change as there was metal shavings in the diff blocking the sensor. Also heard an outputshaft speed sensor could be the culprit.

 

if your overdrive light is flashing you have bigger problems, possibly a broken or chaffed wire from the shift lever to the steering column.
codes need read and that problem found.