Hello all, I just purchased a 2004 E-350 with a 5.4 with 157kmiles and like the title says it’s got a hard shift from 2 to 3.
I’ve read a bunch of posts and there doesn’t seem to be a general consensus on a fix for it.

All the other gears are working fine and the fluid looks fine as well.

Here’s everything I’ve found related to the 2-3 hard shift issue for the 4R100 transmission along with a few questions in bold:

1. Fluid flush and filter change
   
2. Check all plugs for moisture, clean and grease as this thread shows a plug on the passenger side leading to the “solenoid pack?” Was causing the 2-3 hard shift issue.
   
3. Install the TRANSGO E4ODHD2 {#T36169E} Not sure if it is the kit that SuperDutyScaler says he installed in this post but it’s the one with the most parts that states transmission removal is optional. Also, he states that Brian gave specific instructions for hole sizes and part not to install. I plan to just install as the kit advises unless you all have better instructions for installing it.
   
4. Install the
   Transgo E4OD 4R100 Steel replacement 2-3 Shift Valves E4-VL-23
   Transgo E4OD 4R100 Steel replacement 2-3 Shift Valves E4-VL-23
   since the above 4R100HD2 kit doesn’t seem to include this. Found https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1212302-hard-shift-2nd-to-third-gear-only-4r100-2.html#post12744841 with some notes and instructions on the 2-3 shift valve install. The above kit does include it, not sure what I was looking at.
   
5. Install the Transgo Ford E4OD/4R100 Steel Accumulator Valves (Set of 3) E4-VL-LR3 since the above 4R100HD2 kit doesn’t seem to include this. Mark Kovalsky states in this post that it may be the 2-3 accumulator. Above that post pirschwagon states: “I would suspect the accumulator. Specifically, the early gen has a bore Tech Service Bulletin requirement for the 2-3 up-shift which bores the 2-3 Accumulator for smooth movement as it binds in some instances.”
   -Do I need to get a tool to bore out the accumulator cylinder? Is this something I can even do?
   
6. In this post jk080 states that “I have never known the Line Pressure Modulator valve to be the reason for a harsh shift in this transmission, it does say intermittent harsh shifts in the description for the valve but I have never used it. The valve train located next to this valve is called the intermediate clutch accumulator valve, this is where the harsh shift problem can be found in most cases. I have seen that the small valve in the bottom can stick and cause the harsh shift, Transgo has a shift kit that addresses this problem.”
   The shift kit I have listed above includes this kit and some... BUT I’m curious about the Line Pressure Modulator valve. Is that the same as the Line regulator valve in the kit I’ve listed? Also worth noting, they are chasing down a 1-2 hard shift issue in that thread.
   
7. Mark states in this thread that “When you are checking for codes do you have the engine off? It should be off. If you do have the engine off and it won't output codes the PCM may be the cause of the harsh shifts.”
   I’m still a little iffy on checking for codes as it seems it isn’t as simple as connecting an OBD2 scanner. Is this something that must be done at a transmission shop?
   

If anyone has any other ideas or can point me towards some additional resources I would greatly appreciate it.
Also, if there is anything else you would suggest I do while I’m working on the transmission as far as preventative maintenance or general upgrades I’d love to hear it.
Thanks for any help!

 

What fluid did you use?
It takes a high end scan tool to read Ford transmission codes. The cheap readers, such as the ones that auto parts stores use to read codes, will NOT read what you need.

You can download Forscan free at www.Forscan.org. You'll need an adapter to plug into the OBDII port. They tell you exactly what you will need on their webpage. I bought my adapter for less than $30 from Amazon. This will read all the codes that your truck can set.

 

Haven't done the fluid change yet, I believe I should only use Mercon and NOT Mercon V.
I'll get the scan tool ordered today.
Thanks for the help!

 

I believe MERCON has been obsolete for 15 years now and that you should use MERCON V,

 

Wow, I don't know where I read that and I'm just now noticing your signature.
Good to know, thank you!

The scanner is coming in on Thursday, I'll report back with any codes it throws at me.

 

Alright, so I got the scanner and ran all the available test and there doesn't seem to be anything in here regarding the transmission:

Adapter: vLinker FD v2.2.42 MIC221 v1.2 (ELM327 v2.2)
Min.delay: 7 ms (Excellent)
Errors:
- DATA ERROR: 1 ( 0.3% )
- CAN ERROR: 3 ( 0.9% )

Model: Ford E-Series
Engine: 2V
Capacity: 5.4L
Year: 2004
Generation: 2004 MY
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission gear: Automatic
VIN: 1FDSE35L74HB23666

OBDII - On Board Diagnostic II
Bus: PWM

IC - Instrument Cluster
Bus: PWM
Part number: 4C2T-10849-AK
Software version: 2003-11-12
Odometer: 252657.5 km

PCM - Powertrain Control Module
Bus: PWM
Part number: 4C2AFC
Strategy : TAND5RF
Hardware type: MLC-498A / MLC-498
Copyright Ford Motor Co. 2003
VIN: 1F**************66

RCM - Restraint Control Module
Bus: ISO
Part number: 4C24-14B321-CE
Software version: v10 2004-01-12

ABS - Antilock braking system
Bus: ISO
Part number: 4C24-2C346-BC
Software version: v6 2003-08-09

=== Log ===
(ERR) [14:58:06.468] Key On Engine Running On Demand Self-Test has been cancelled by operator
(OK) [15:06:17.156] Key On Engine Running On Demand Self-Test has been started
(WARN) [15:07:33.988] Test completed, found DTCs: P1000, P1127
(OK) [15:11:04.404] Key On Engine Running On Demand Self-Test has been started
(WARN) [15:12:51.089] Test completed, found DTCs: P1000
(ERR) [15:14:56.952] Key On Engine Running On Demand Self-Test has been cancelled by operator
(ERR) [15:18:29.018]
It seems the test is not supported
(OK) [15:18:48.682] Key On Engine Off On Demand Self-Test has been started
(WARN) [15:18:59.312] Test completed, found DTCs: P1000
(OK) [15:19:41.294] On Demand Self-Test has been started
(WARN) [15:19:49.727] Test completed, found DTCs: B1327, B1319
(OK) [15:20:44.231] Read system monitor status has been started
(OK) [15:20:44.273] Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Status: Off
(OK) [15:20:44.274] Misfire monitoring: Complete
(OK) [15:20:44.274] Fuel system monitoring: Complete
(OK) [15:20:44.274] Comprehensive component monitoring: Complete
(WARN) [15:20:44.274] Catalyst monitoring : Incomplete
(WARN) [15:20:44.274] Heated catalyst monitoring : Not supported
(WARN) [15:20:44.274] Evaporative system monitoring: Incomplete
(WARN) [15:20:44.274] Secondary air system monitoring: Not supported
(WARN) [15:20:44.274] A/C system refrigerant monitoring: Not supported
(OK) [15:20:44.274] Oxygen sensor monitoring: Complete
(OK) [15:20:44.274] Oxygen sensor heater monitoring: Complete
(WARN) [15:20:44.275] EGR system monitoring: Not supported
(OK) [15:21:29.396] Test completed successfully, no errors found
(OK) [15:22:07.919] Mode 6 - Test Results for Specific Monitored Systems has been started
(OK) [15:22:08.004] Misfire monitoring: Complete
(OK) [15:22:08.017] Fuel system monitoring: Complete
(OK) [15:22:08.033] Comprehensive component monitoring: Complete
(WARN) [15:22:08.050] Catalyst monitoring : Incomplete
(WARN) [15:22:08.050] Evaporative system monitoring: Incomplete
(OK) [15:22:08.067] Oxygen sensor monitoring: Complete
(OK) [15:22:08.067] Oxygen sensor heater monitoring: Complete
(OK) [15:22:10.733] Test completed successfully, no errors found
===
=== Results ===

Oxygen Sensor Voltage Amplitude, Bank 1, Sensor 1
TID: 1
CID: 11
Value: 0.78 V
Limit: >= 0.50 V

Oxygen Sensor Voltage Amplitude, Bank 2, Sensor 1
TID: 1
CID: 21
Value: 0.81 V
Limit: >= 0.50 V

Oxygen Sensor Switchpoint, Upstream
TID: 3
CID: 1
Value: 0.45 V
Limit: >= 0.00 V

Oxygen Sensor Switchpoint, Downstream
TID: 3
CID: 2
Value: 0.45 V
Limit: >= 0.00 V

Oxygen Sensor Heater Current, Bank 1, Sensor 1
TID: 4
CID: 11
Value: 1.00 A
Limit: <= 3.00 A

Oxygen Sensor Heater Current, Bank 1, Sensor 1
TID: 4
CID: 11
Value: 1.00 A
Limit: >= 0.46 A

Oxygen Sensor Heater Current, Bank 2, Sensor 1
TID: 4
CID: 21
Value: 1.02 A
Limit: <= 3.00 A

Oxygen Sensor Heater Current, Bank 2, Sensor 1
TID: 4
CID: 21
Value: 1.02 A
Limit: >= 0.46 A

Oxygen Sensor Heater Current, Bank 1, Sensor 2
TID: 4
CID: 12
Value: 0.61 A
Limit: <= 3.00 A

Oxygen Sensor Heater Current, Bank 1, Sensor 2
TID: 4
CID: 12
Value: 0.61 A
Limit: >= 0.22 A

Rear to front switch ratio, Bank 1
TID: 10
CID: 10
Value: 0.00 :1
Limit: <= 0.95 :1

Total Engine Misfire Rate & Type B Threshold
TID: 50
CID: 0
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 1.43 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 1
TID: 53
CID: 1
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 2
TID: 53
CID: 2
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 3
TID: 53
CID: 3
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 4
TID: 53
CID: 4
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 5
TID: 53
CID: 5
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 6
TID: 53
CID: 6
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 7
TID: 53
CID: 7
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Misfire Rate & Type A Threshold, Cylinder 8
TID: 53
CID: 8
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Highest Type A Misfire Rate & Threshold
TID: 54
CID: 0
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Highest Type B Misfire Rate & Threshold
TID: 55
CID: 0
Value: 0.00 %
Limit: <= 0.00 %

Cylinder Events Tested
TID: 56
CID: 0
Value: 0.00
Limit: <= 4000.00

Unknown test
TID: 61
CID: 0
Value: 32768.00
Limit: >= 32768.00

Unknown test
TID: 63
CID: 0
Value: 32768.00
Limit: <= 32768.00

Unknown test
TID: 64
CID: 0
Value: 32768.00
Limit: <= 32768.00

Unknown test
TID: 65
CID: 0
Value: 32768.00
Limit: <= 32768.00
===

(OK) [15:23:04.782] Output Test Mode (OTM) has been started
(ERR) [15:23:45.386] Test completed, malfunction detected
(OK) [15:23:57.919] On Demand Self-Test has been started
(OK) [15:24:05.189] Test completed successfully, no errors found
(OK) [15:24:22.549] On Demand Self-Test has been started
(WARN) [15:24:27.489] Test completed, found DTCs: C1185
===
=== DTC ===
C1185 - ABS Power Relay Output Circuit Failure

Diagnostic Trouble Code details

ABS Power Relay Output Circuit Failure


===

There is probably more I need to do with this so I'll tinker around with it more tomorrow and see if it gives me anything else.

 

Have had a lot going on and finally digging into this again.

Just wondering if anyone knows how to read the transmission codes with the FORScan tool.
I searched the documentation on the website, but didn't see anything specific to transmissions.

I'm going to get out there shortly and start messing around with the scanner again to see if I can get any transmission codes.

if I can't pull any codes do you all have any suggestions for best next step?

 

I did not know forscan could read transmission codes either. Now someone might be able to interpret the PID's (Graphs)..IDK. but here's a link to some transmission readers https://obdstation.com/transmission-diagnostic-tool/ But honestly if it were me you'd probably be better off having Ford scan the codes for you or a transmission shop. Get the codes and either try to fix it yourself or have them do it for you.

 

When I use Forscan it reads codes in ALL of the modules, including the transmission. There is only one button to press to read all of the codes.

 

Ok, gotcha. Yeah, I think I've read the codes and there's nothing transmission specific.

I just tried clearing the transmission adaptive tables but every time I try Forscan just disconnects.

I went ahead and cleared all adaptations hoping that that would clear the transmission adaptive tables as well. I will research it a bit.

Driving it afterward it did seem to not be shifting as hard into 3rd but that might be placebo.

I'm looking up the best way to do a flush on the transmission now. I'm wondering if I can remove the transmission cooling line and let it pump all the fluid out. I think that was a way to get all the fluid out of the TC on a 4runner as opposed to just draining the fluid which left the old fluid in the TC.

Edit:
Found this: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...and-video.html
Just need to determine what size clear tubing I need

 

Here is a good way to flush it: https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...-transmission/

 

Yes sir, found your method and edited my last post. Now figuring out what size lines I have...I will probably just go out and measure with a caliper.
Thanks for all the help!

 

Looking at Rock auto I have the choice between a deep pan and shallow pan filter...anyone know how to tell the difference?

Edit:
Found my answer:
Thanks again Mark! You're making my life so much easier!

Edit 2:
After getting everything pulled apart I came to realize that I have the shallow pan.

 

Ok, so the working plan now is to order the TRANSGO4R100HD2(different than the E4ODHD2 kit that I listed in the OP) shift kit and the TRANSGOE4VL23 and do the upgrades while I'm doing the flush and filter change.

If this doesn't sound like the right move to anyone please let me know.

Edit:
Should have gone with the E4ODHD2 kit. It includes the 2-3 shift valve and doesn't include as many extra parts that require transmission removal and is much less expensive.