1997 F350/ 460/ E4OD / 2WD 65k miles. 2WD.

Symptoms:

• In D, shifts from 1,2 and then OD - and goes into some mode where it bogs down. This is completely reproducible... every time.
• I can manually shut off OD and manually shift 1,2, 3rd in D w/out OD (ie- the OD off light is illuminated), and then if I get up speed, turn OD back on and go to 4th.
• Speedometer and Odometer work fine.

What I've done so far:

1. I've tested the MLPS and resistance is good at all shift positions.
2. Checked the fuses and they are all good
3. I've tested continuity from the computer to the MLPS on pin 30 and 46 and there is continuity from the computer to the MLPS harness.
4. Sent the PSOM in to Cluster fix and they tested the PSOM and it is fine.
5. Initially I threw some parts at it, new VSS and also a new wiring harness for the solenoid pack. There was tranny fluid in the solenoid connector, but as I understand from the internet, that isn't the issue if the solenoids click., Using the discarded wiring harness I connected power to the pins for solenoid 1 and 2 and got a click from both of those. Also the resistance tests checked out on the solenoid pack.
6. tranny fluid level is good, but reading how many "doh!" have been on that one, I'll double check that at temp once I start it back up again. I'm sure I've checked it and I actually had a shop look at this thing at one point as well.

My understanding of the 1997 model year is the VSS goes to the main computer and the computer feeds the PSOM and tranny. Since the speedometer and odometer are good, I'm ruling out problems between the computer and the VSS. I think I've adequately ruled out the MLPS with one more test (see below).

I don't have high hopes in my next tests, but here's what I'm checking next:

• I've got the wiring harness disconnected from computer (it's a bugger to get unplugged) Next on my list to check is continuity between the computer and the tranny- running a wire from the tranny harness back to my multimeter connected to the main computer. I've got a Chilton manual that goes up to 96... I'm hoping pinout didn't change between the computer and the tranny between 96 and 97, else I'll just stab all 60 holes with the multimeter till I see continuity to each hole on the tranny harness.
• I'll check the voltage going TO the MLPS (just to be super sure I can rule that out)
• Although the check engine light is not on (nor is the OD light blinking) I'll check the ODB dash board blinky using the jumper trick. My understanding is there MIGHT be codes thrown which don't set the light off.

I'm considering doing a stab test on the wires and try and get a bulb on the Solenoid 1 and 2 to see if there is a change, but not sure on that one- it's a ton of work though might tell me if the issue is at the computer or in the solenoid pack... let me know if there is an easier way to make that determination.

Anything else to check? I'm trying to NOT randomly throw anymore parts at this, even though it is tempting to replace the solenoid pack given the seepage into the harness. I know this is a super common problem, but I've never seen a single cause that fixes it, though the wire harnesses are the usual culprits. I've looked around for TSBs and for these symptoms, they point to the tranny wire harness or the MLPS or the MLPS harness.

 

Yes, it is. What's really happening is that immediately after the 2-3 shift the torque converter locks, which feels like a double shift. It's programming, not a bad sensor or solenoid.

You could have ruled out the MLPS before you started since it could not cause this issue to happen. It could prevent it from going to a higher gear, but not make it upshift too soon.

That looks like a lot of fun, but it isn't going to show you anything that will help. If there is a wiring problem your OD OFF light would be flashing.

I'd be REALLY surprised if you can get the jumper trick to work on a 1997.

You do need to check for codes, but the jumper trick is not the way to do it. I prefer Forscan, but a good independent shop or a Ford dealer can read these codes. The auto parts stores that read codes free CANNOT read these codes.
A bulb on the torque converter clutch solenoid (even better an LED) would probably show you where the problem lies.

The only way to fix this is a custom tune.

 

Does the TCC solenoid within the tranny need to be ruled out or is that the component impacted by the failed programming?

I didn't put power on that solenoid to see if it clicked, I only put power on shift 1 and shift 2 solenoids. I checked the resistance on all

On the tune- is this an issue on the main computer where I can pop it out and send it in - or do I need a local shop to do it in body?

 

I don't know of a main computer. The tune is in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) which controls both the engine and transmission. I think you need to pull out the PCM and send it somewhere, or buy a chip that plugs in to the PCM.