Me again guys. Now, before everyone pops off let me say - this is my first experience with a 9th gen automatic truck. My other truck is a 5-speed. So I'm not entirely sure what to expect when it comes to these older automatics, outside of its way more convenient than a stick shift!!!

So here's the deal: I've got a '96 F-Superduty with the 460/E4OD combo. It has 88,000 miles on it; however, it's on its 2nd E4OD. PO did not know why the trans was replaced, but he did give me the paperwork (original owner replaced it I think). Since I've had the truck, it's always had nice, firm shifts. Not uncomfortably harsh, but not lazy enough to make me feel there's an issue. It does shift early, but I understand that's the nature of the beast (the 4.63 rear end probably contributes to this too - I can rock OD at 40mph with no issues).

Recently though, the nut-behind-the-wheel/butt-in-the-seat diagnostic meter has noticed that something feels different. It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. Basically, it seems that the trans takes a second or two longer to shift into OD. Before, it would drop in from 3rd to OD, RPM would drop and that would be that. No tach, so I'm guessing by ear. Now, it feels like the truck will rev just a bit before shifting into OD. Almost like maybe TC is unlocked longer than it should??? Not sure. So far, this "issue" hasn't affected driveability at all. Once it's in OD it's fine - no slipping, shuddering, or anything. I can still kick it back to 3rd by goosing it or by locking out OD, then it will shift back. Ordinarily the truck is unloaded and I drive like I'm afraid to crush an eggshell.

Here's what I did to establish a baseline health check on the truck:

- ATF was checked with trans hot/engine running, on level ground. Fluid was red, didn't smell burnt, and was as full as it should be.
- NO blinking OD light, pulling codes got me a system pass (111). NO CEL. NO stored codes either (surprisingly).
- Speedo is not bouncing, is outputting the correct speed, so I'm tentatively ruling out a PSOM issue.
- 3rd brake light is functional, and it's the OEM incandescent light so no weird LED light issues.
- All the plugs on the trans are firmly seated, I checked each one for corrosion (none to be seen) and gave 'em all a spritz of electronic parts cleaner. I didn't see fluid in any plugs or any place fluid isn't supposed to be.

Like I said before, I really don't have much experience with HOW an E4OD operates normally, how it feels going down the road, and what it ought and ought not do. I'm basing this "issue" on how the truck felt/drove when I first got it vs. how it is now. This may turn out not to be an issue at all. Feel free to pat me on the head and tell me it's ok, just drive the d*** thing.

 

Oh, and here's a pic of the rig while we were in the process of moving firewood from the wood pile up to the house:

 

do you know when the trans was last serviced?
it should be done every 30-35k miles.

 

Glad to see you weighing in Tom. According to the paperwork, the trans was replaced at 78K. So, there should be only 10K on the "new" trans. This would have been years ago, though. It may be relevant for me to discuss what I know about the truck's former life.. It used to be a bucket lift truck - it was used by a family friend for their sign business until 2015-ish. Trans was replaced BEFORE the family friend owned the truck. Then, it was sold it to my grandfather. After that, it wasn't really used on the road ever - just used when we needed to clear trees occasionally around the property.

Do you think that sitting had an adverse effect? Should I go ahead and do a service? To me, I would view a service as fully draining fluid (pan, TC) and putting in a new filter. Just not sure if its necessary, long as sitting doesn't hurt them in any way???

 

if it wasnt synthetic fluid the last change, its probably due. if it was synthetic, i cant see it needing it becuase of mileage or time wear. but you also have NO idea what is in it. for that alone, I would replace the fluid.

 

agreed. first thing i do with a new to me vehicle is trans service. unless i have proof it was just done.
the 2018 explorer had no proof of trans service at 53k miles... dealer salesman said it is good for 100k miles. i said i dont care, 35k miles max. do trans service.
service writer agreed with me that 100k is to long and the reason for that is to sell transmissions.

 

Sounds more like a sensor issue. Like the ECU thinks the engine or transmission is too cold, so it's keeping it in gear for a few more seconds. I'd break out the multi meter, disconnect the wiring harness from the ECU and start checking the sensor circuits to see if any of them are out of tolerance. Especially the tot, ect, and iat.

 

Agreed changing the fluid out is a good idea. Are you comparing the shift points in loaded vs. unloaded? When you are loaded it will most definitely hold each gear longer because of the weight.

 

Agreed. I should have done that when I first got the truck - but everything seemed "OK" then..... Am I right in thinking 14 qts with TC drain? Should I do a filter as well? I'm guessing the answer is YES, so I can inspect the pan for any unwanted hitchhikers

 

I'll bet it's something to do with this. With that said, I know I didn't do the best job explaining what I'm feeling but it isn't like the truck's holding 3rd gear longer than it should - just that it seems to take a second (or so) longer in the shift from 3rd to OD.

Either way, it's probably time to test the sensors like you said.

 

I'm ashamed to say that I've only ever really driven the truck fully unloaded. The one time I hauled a trailer with it (around 7000lbs) it didn't seem to care. I can see how hauling my trailer it would definitely hold each gear a bit longer. The particular issue I noticed isn't WHEN it decides to shift, just that it seems (to me) that the shift from 3rd to OD seems to take a half-second to a second longer than it used to, and that it doesn't quite go into OD with the same "authority" that it used to. If that makes sense?

 

yes I think I know what you mean, you might be getting close to replacing your torque converter in a few thousand more miles. Mark K taught me a trick. When you are in OD like around 50mph plus-keep your foot steady on the accelerator and tap on your brake and see if your TC unlocks

 

technically as long as the shift time is short there is no issue, infact, you would prefer a softer transition to overdrive since thats the most fragile gear. But if your shift time is increased, as in, its in the middle of changing gear, thats not good. because thats wear + heat. To me, a delay like that sounds like... as we said.. fluid or maybe even passage cleanliness. Put some sea foam trans tune in your trans when you change your torque converter + case fluid, 14qts for a 4wd sounds close, but be sure to buy extra. If you have the trans pan with an elastomeric reusable gasket (and a flat ridge around the perimeter where the seal goes), excellent. If you dont (like my 96 f150 doesnt) then you can get a 4r100 pan and factory gasket to have a reusable gasket, a drain bolt included factory, and its the right capacity. just buy the right filter of course(4wd e4od or all 4r100s), and you need new pan bolts for a 4r100 or a e4od with the new style gasket if you change, because the cork gasket bolts are too long.

 

Wonderful I'll check out that trick this weekend, though. Let you know what happens.

Yep, it's definitely the shift time that seems longer. Not by much, but enough for me to notice it.

I'll take care of changing the fluid out ASAP. My pan's already got the drain plug, so it's possible someone already changed it out in the past..... I'll drain pan and TC and put some fresh stuff in, then make a note to do it again at 120K. I'll use either that seafoam stuff or some Lucas along with the ATF. Let's see what happens.

 

Performed that test this past weekend. Got the truck to about 50, stayed steady on the gas, and tapped the brake pedal. TC unlocked (RPMs went up) and then relocked within a few seconds. What's that all mean?