I bought a 1997 ford f350 in February this year. In May this year I noticed the overdrive light flashing and it shifting hard. (Later learned it went to limp mode) otherwise was shifting fine beforehand. I took it to a transmission shop and they called me a week later to let me know I would need a transmission rebuild. I was shocked. The transmission rebuild I got cost roughly 5 thousand. This shop had a reputable reputation and a two year warranty. At end of July I received my truck back with the rebuild complete and after about 50-100 miles the OD light was flashing again, back into limp mode. I took it back to the shop, they told me it was a transmission slip code and they told me that it was a faulty torque converter. Two weeks later they called said they put in a heavier duty torque converter and they it should be good to go. Well… that same day on a short drive about 30 minutes later the light was flashing again. Took it straight back to the shop and it was the same transmission shop code. After a month of the shop having my truck they said they have now narrowed it down to an electric issue. Thinking it was my computer, they decided to order a computer for the truck which took weeks to arrive. I went in there today October 1st. In western NC. To make sure my truck was not caught in a flood from the hurricane. They told me that they changed the computer but the OD light still flashes and the code is still showing transmission slip. But no limp mode. After talking with the two owners today one stated I should take the truck with the light on as he don’t think there will be any problems. I respectfully declined that. The other owner wants to go threw it a third time. My original problem in May 2024 was a transmission slip code, 5 thousand dollars and 5 months later….. still a transmission slip code. I am not sure what to do at this point. Any advice would be appreciated, and I apologize if I posted this in the wrong spot.

 

I am afraid you are working with parts replacers versus mechanics. I am glad they seem to still be working on it. I understand your frustration about how long this has taken.

 

Check your brake lights specially the one on the cab.
Check for shorts in the wiring going to the trailer connector as that to can cause slipping problems (don't ask how I know)
Also check the wiring going to the transmission

When it goes into limp mode turn the key to the KOEO position press brake pedal and release immediately turn the key to off position and repeat step one again 3 times this should reset the TPS and cause it to work back to normal for a short period while you figure it out.

Tell the shop to focus on the electrical (wiring) as with age wiring becomes brittle.

 

Interesting..I do feel like is an electrical issue. I felt like that when I brought it into to them. They did say they found metal chunks in the pan. They say they have worked on hundreds of e4od transmission but this one has them scratching their heads.

question, I’m I telling them to check if the brake lights light up?
also I can tell them to check the other wiring your mentioned as well.

thank you for the info.

 

Specifically the third brake light. If it doesn’t work or it the wiring is dorked up it can cause issues with the trans.