1990 E40D
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
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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
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From: SE Florida
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
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What codes are stored in the PCM? Here's how to read them: www.troublecodes.net/ford
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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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
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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: 10,501
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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
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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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.
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Fleet Owner
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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
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
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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: 10,501
Likes: 2,651
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: 10,501
Likes: 2,651
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
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 6
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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: 10,501
Likes: 2,651
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
