HELP possible trans issues!

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Feb 13, 2021 | 11:15 AM

Corp

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HELP possible trans issues!

Hello, im a fairly new owner of this van, its a 2002 E350 superduty with the 5.4 L and the 4r100 auto transmission. Its doing something weird when at about 60 percent throttle, it feels like power going in and out, almost like the torque convrter is slipping in and out BUT rpms did NOT go up and it felt like it was bogging in and out, Zero engine codes or misfire (this van always throws codes when misfiring, trust me i know). I cant get it to happen every time but it almost feels like when you are in wayyyyy too high of a gear (lurching back and forth, BUT happens above 35 or so) When it starts doing this, if i let out of throttle and go back in it starts working fine.

ANy ideas??? I just bought this and all my money is in it. Thanks. Please respond quickly because its worrying me and im thinking about just selling as is at a loss.

It was below the part on the gas gauge where is says to refuel (not the low fuel light) maybe it was a pump issue?

Feb 13, 2021 | 12:48 PM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

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From: SE Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corp

BUT rpms did NOT go up and it felt like it was bogging in and out,

If the RPMs did not go up I am confident that this is not a transmission issue.

Feb 13, 2021 | 12:57 PM

Corp

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thanks, im attempting to do a fuel pressure test, i hooked the adapter to the valve on the fuel rail and hooked it to my tester. When turning the key to ON i hear what sounds like the fuel pump but i have exactly 0 PSI. The van runs. Am i forgetting something here?
Edit, when removing the fitting there is fuel in it.

Feb 13, 2021 | 01:48 PM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Some fuel pressure gauges require removal of the shrader valve internals as the gauge doesn't have anything to depress the needle and open the valve.

Feb 13, 2021 | 01:56 PM

Corp

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Conanski

Some fuel pressure gauges require removal of the shrader valve internals as the gauge doesn't have anything to depress the needle and open the valve.

Alright, would it still let fuel through if it has nothing to depress it with? It does let fuel in

Feb 13, 2021 | 02:27 PM

Corp

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It definitely has full pressure. I can't get MPH over 60 it starts shaking and stuttering. It has low power on Acceleration and about half throttle. this wouldn't be an issue if I had engine codes. It has zero codes. I drove it about 40 miles and nothing for codes. I do notice a possible exhaust leak where the header connects to the exhaust pipe right next to the trans. It almost seems like it's down 4 cylinders when it happens. Would this cause such a severe misfire?

Feb 13, 2021 | 04:50 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Low fuel pressure would limit engine power. Try testing fuel pressure with a simple tire gauge, a little messy perhaps but it would confirm the other gauge isn't faulty. You could also connect the fuel pressure gauge to a tire to verify it's function and accuracy.

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Feb 13, 2021 | 07:10 PM

NICKSAN

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Have you had basic maintenance done, Fuel filter, air filter, Plugs, wires, cops if you have them? Sounds like TPS but your confident there are no codes.
Do you have a reader or was this done by a shop?

Feb 13, 2021 | 07:28 PM

#10

Corp

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New filter, 4 new plugs 2 new cops. Im 1000% positive there are no codes, which is what has me stumped. That scanner i have is a decent one and it helped me repair this van when i first bought it about 1 month ago. I thought TPS too but that would throw code

Feb 13, 2021 | 07:55 PM

#11

NICKSAN

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Im in the same boat, No codes, but different issue.
Have you seen this website, This may help you with diagnosing the problem.

https://easyautodiagnostics.com/ford/main-index

Feb 16, 2021 | 06:52 PM

#12

z31freakify

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Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Las Cruces New Mexico

TPS could have a dead spot and not throw codes just FYI but very unlikely in a 5.4 2v. I have a feeling you have a COP going bad that the PCM is not detecting the misfire. Is your scanner equiped with mode 6?

Feb 16, 2021 | 10:15 PM

#13

Spaznaut

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 1,276

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From: NE Tennessee

If its driving that bad it should still have a pending code on the faulty CoP. Usually it is fuel pressure or bad plugs. Plugs usually throw a code though.