I’m looking to buy a 93 F350 IDI with a E4OD transmission. Test driving most everything seemed normal except while going about 50-60mph I put the accelerator to the floor and got very little response? Prior to this it did shift normal through the gears and I was able to cycle in and out of overdrive just by pushing the button on the shifter. What are some of your thoughts as to why the engine didn’t rev up higher rpm’s and or the transmission didn’t jump down to 3rd when I put the accelerator on the floor? Thanks

 

Check for codes. That may tell you why. Here is how to do it: www.troublecodes.net/ford

 

That’s good info, I did just order a code reader this am too but that’s good to know how to do it without the reader. I had read some internet information that indicated possible sensor issues and the code would indicate where to look. Other than that do these set ups have a shift cable from the throttle linked to the transmission that gets out of position, any possibility’s like that? Other information on this one, truck starts and idles fine but the seller did indicated that the truck had new mechanical pump and injectors recently “could be bs” but just adding this information in because I don’t know if it could be a power issue? I do hear the idi’s are not fast. Last note water in fuel light was blinking during test drive. How does it detect that and I guess this is an obvious question but does that effect performance? We did drain the fuel filter and restarted truck. Started easily but didn’t re drive or think to check the water in fuel light. Appreciate y’all’s input, thanks

 

There is no cable to the transmission. The transmission is electronically controlled.

 

Oh ok thank you.

 

This tranny is controlled electrical. Check your throttle position sensor. I know that sounds plum stupid but it controls the shift of the tranny.

 

I was new to diesel and especially the 7.3 idi. When I purchased this rig it had a constant “water in fuel” light on. Once I got home with it I changed the fuel filter. Immediately had more power and the shifting was responsive when accelerating and down shifting. I believe the engine was starving for power.

That being said, since then I have found that good batteries and good connections are crucial in this set up for maintaining shift patterns, glow plugs & glow plug controller and overall starting/cranking ability. If you have weak batteries and bad connections, this setup will not perform well.