Hi guys,
have picked up a 98 F-150 4x4 5.4L with 130K miles. On 'D', 1st gear will get the truck moving if I rev to 2500-3000 rpm. I only drove the truck once a few days ago and had to change the PS pump so it hasn't been out since - so, I'm not 100% sure if it needs 3000 rpm to engage or if it needs a few seconds to build enough pressure to finally engage - either way, something is very wrong. Same thing with 'R' - long to engage, wasn't sure if it would engage or not actually. Also, on highway at about 50 mph, stuck in 2nd gear at 4500 rpm or so. Transmission oil level seemed very high and doesn't smell like popcorn or look black but PO may have swapped it recently. Not sure.
I know that it most probably needs a rebuild but I was hoping that I could find a minor miracle and get some more miles out of it.Any ideas are appreciated and welcome.
Thanks

 

sounds internal leakage, possibly the pump, first step is drop the pan and inspect

 

Ok, thanks for the help. What will I be looking for?

 

fine metal filings , a silver like glow to the oil, metal chunks on the magnet inside the pan, from what you wrote IMMO it could be the pump, or a worn out torque convertor . good luck

 

I wasn't 100% sure so I checked - my transmission is a E4OD.

 

still check them out the same ways, road test, pressure test, pan inspection ,

 

Ok, so after work last night I finished the power steering pump installation and took the truck for a drive. One good thing is the negative battery cable has been unplugged for 6 days, so the ecu codes may have reset.
Much to my surprise Drive and Reverse worked just fine. No slipping, smooth shifts at the right time. Nice driving transmission. But....when I sped up to 30 mph or so, there still was no 3rd gear to be found. Stuck in 2nd gear. Also, after 15 minutes of driving, I got a few rough 1-2 shifts that sounded clunky. I ran out of time and daylight, so that is as far as I got.
Maybe the first time I drove it home it was in limp mode. Performing like it was last night, it doessn't appear to be a transmission that NEEDS to be changed. I hope that I can salvage it. Thanks for any help that you can offer.

 

From my research, I believe that I may have a 2-3 shift valve issue. Coulnd't find one locally, so I ordered one online. Will be here some time next week. Does anyone agree/disagree about my thinking the 2-3 shift valve may be the issue?
Thanks

 

You need a scanner to check for trouble codes and check to see if the computer is commanding the shifts before you attempt any repair.

 

Cool, how advanced does the scanner need to be for a 98? Are we talking basic OBD2 scanner or do I need Super-duper Ford dealer level scanner? Thanks.

 

98 is obd 2 yet i would use a more advanced scanner , the cheaper ones MAY not be capable

 

Do I need one that gives me live data or am I looking for stored codes? Thanks

 

Forscan will do what you need. Download it free at www.forscan.org.

 

Will my truck have a separate module to control the transmission or does that happen from the main ECM?

 

There is one module, called the PCM, or Powertrain Control Module. It controls both the engine and transmission.