1990 E40D
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1990 E40D
Hello, I’ve been having an issue with with my transmission shifting. The truck is a 1990 with a 4.9 and the transmission is an E40D. Everything works as it should, except shifting to second gear. It will shift late to second gear at around 20mph.
When testing I found that if I unhook the battery and plug it back in, it will shift normally for a while before late shifting again. I have tested my VSS and my ABS sensor in the differential and all appears good. I also replaced my MLPS with no change in shift pattern. The only thing that changes it is unplugging and plugging it back in. My next thought is something is confusing the computer but I’m not sure what would cause that. Any pointers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
When testing I found that if I unhook the battery and plug it back in, it will shift normally for a while before late shifting again. I have tested my VSS and my ABS sensor in the differential and all appears good. I also replaced my MLPS with no change in shift pattern. The only thing that changes it is unplugging and plugging it back in. My next thought is something is confusing the computer but I’m not sure what would cause that. Any pointers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,700
Likes: 2,620
From: SE Florida
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
What codes are stored in the PCM? Here's how to read them: www.troublecodes.net/ford
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,345
Likes: 802
From: Mi'kma'ki
Right, it's important to scan for the code, while the trans is causing the issue, not scanning, while the codes are clear and the trans is operating correctly. Also, to nitpick; there should always be a system pass code.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 1,009
I know checking the codes manually is not that hard, but I eventually got a scanner. Basically, it does everything for you. You take the codes and look in a book to determine what they are. I think it's worth the extra money for the scanner, but that is just me.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,326
Likes: 2,585
From: Near Salt Lake City
Use a NGS scan tool for quick, easy scanning, live data PIDS, and active command mode
There is NO substitute
There is NO substitute
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 1,009
Yes, you are right, but when all you want is to check/clear codes, nothing is faster than a cheap scanner.
I have three laptops dedicated to three different manufacturers. Each one takes a good 5 minutes to boot up and a few more minutes to scan all the modules to check for codes. Many times, I forget to plug in a sensor before I turn on the ignition. When this happens, the cheap HF scanner clears the codes faster than me hooking up the factory test equipment.
Each way has benefits. Especially on how much money is left in your wallet.
I have three laptops dedicated to three different manufacturers. Each one takes a good 5 minutes to boot up and a few more minutes to scan all the modules to check for codes. Many times, I forget to plug in a sensor before I turn on the ignition. When this happens, the cheap HF scanner clears the codes faster than me hooking up the factory test equipment.
Each way has benefits. Especially on how much money is left in your wallet.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,345
Likes: 802
From: Mi'kma'ki
haha you sure love that tool. If everyone tried to take your advice, I'm afraid they wouldn't be able too. There isn't enough of those to go around to every truck owner who could use one.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,551
Likes: 848
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Hello, I’ve been having an issue with with my transmission shifting. The truck is a 1990 with a 4.9 and the transmission is an E40D. Everything works as it should, except shifting to second gear. It will shift late to second gear at around 20mph.
When testing I found that if I unhook the battery and plug it back in, it will shift normally for a while before late shifting again. I have tested my VSS and my ABS sensor in the differential and all appears good. I also replaced my MLPS with no change in shift pattern. The only thing that changes it is unplugging and plugging it back in. My next thought is something is confusing the computer but I’m not sure what would cause that. Any pointers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
When testing I found that if I unhook the battery and plug it back in, it will shift normally for a while before late shifting again. I have tested my VSS and my ABS sensor in the differential and all appears good. I also replaced my MLPS with no change in shift pattern. The only thing that changes it is unplugging and plugging it back in. My next thought is something is confusing the computer but I’m not sure what would cause that. Any pointers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,326
Likes: 2,585
From: Near Salt Lake City
Where else you gonna get the information out of that 1990 E4OD?
ONLY the NGS or a will talk back and forth to a 1990 E4OD (superStar2 will output codes) NGS will activate the shift solenoids
** That's why I say to find someone that has one
I know guys on the mustang sites that hate them and offer to just about give them away
Once you get into the 2005s the NGS is worthless
There are updated cards like mine, but the platform was no longer supported line the old SuperStar2 when the NGS came out in 1992
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,326
Likes: 2,585
From: Near Salt Lake City
OP
Correct format for 1990 is 11-10-11 for a system pass
Your trans either does not have a problem or there should be a code in there
With the NGS you could command the 2nd gear shift solenoid to operate SS2 PID and watch the pid while observing whether the trans shifts or not
Correct format for 1990 is 11-10-11 for a system pass
Your trans either does not have a problem or there should be a code in there
With the NGS you could command the 2nd gear shift solenoid to operate SS2 PID and watch the pid while observing whether the trans shifts or not
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
OP
Correct format for 1990 is 11-10-11 for a system pass
Your trans either does not have a problem or there should be a code in there
With the NGS you could command the 2nd gear shift solenoid to operate SS2 PID and watch the pid while observing whether the trans shifts or not
Correct format for 1990 is 11-10-11 for a system pass
Your trans either does not have a problem or there should be a code in there
With the NGS you could command the 2nd gear shift solenoid to operate SS2 PID and watch the pid while observing whether the trans shifts or not
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,326
Likes: 2,585
From: Near Salt Lake City
Right, stands for new generation star
its a OBD1 and OBD2 scan tool / tester
it does way more than just powertrain though
It can run the wipers and 4x4 on a 1995 Bronco
It can do a power balance test on a power stroke diesel
Right, very few can afford to buy one, mine was given to me by the dealer I worked for
Google 1990 ford code 49 and read what it says about spark output and the 1-2 shift
I would be deep into a PCED looking into the pinpoint tests for code 49 myself
You need no NGS for that, maybe a breakout box
Google that too
its a OBD1 and OBD2 scan tool / tester
it does way more than just powertrain though
It can run the wipers and 4x4 on a 1995 Bronco
It can do a power balance test on a power stroke diesel
Right, very few can afford to buy one, mine was given to me by the dealer I worked for
Google 1990 ford code 49 and read what it says about spark output and the 1-2 shift
I would be deep into a PCED looking into the pinpoint tests for code 49 myself
You need no NGS for that, maybe a breakout box
Google that too