This is a 1997 E-150 5.4 ltr. van (conversion). We have taken it to get a new torque converter and now have another tranny prob.. The "transmission" shop we took it too specifically for the orange light on the end of the gear shift (overdrive indicator) begins blinking while driving and then once that happens and you come to a stop and take off again, it shifts really hard. The only thing that stops it is turning off the ignition & starting it over. Then, if you drive it a while the same speed (it seems) it happens all over again. This current shop replaced the electronic solenoid pak for $389 total with labor!! The problem is that it is still having the exact same problem. Now we took it back to him to try again to resolve it (after cancelling our check the 1st time) and now we paid him $200 (which he made sure to electronically debit!!) and all he did was "drill a hole in a plate" to make the "flow" better to 3rd & 4th. And after picking it up a 2nd time, it still is doing the exact same thing. We are completely broke and need advice. Does anyone know what the problem could be? And if anyone knows whether this guy has the right to our $$ even though the part he replaced didn't solve our problem and in my eyes, didn't need to be replaced?! HELP Anyone!!!

 

Okay, the reason the light is flashing the computer has a transmission code stored. It sounds like you may need to reset the computer. Pull the negative battery cable, turn on the headlights, wait five (5) minutes, turn off the headlights, reconnect the battery, and then go on a good 20 minute drive at varrying speeds. This will allow the computer to relearn all the operating parameters. If it still does it take to autozone and tell them your "CHECK ENGINE" light is on.. Don't tell them about the O/D indicator. It's the same comptuer that controls both and the code scanner will tell you/them exactly what is going on.. It sounds like your transmission shop is full of parts changers. They get big bucks while you get frustrated..... I'm sure Clubwagon will chime in here too. He's our tranny guru.... You've got the 4R100 trans, the hard shifts indicate low line pressure. I'd think the pump is gone not the solenoid packs.

 

your tranny has gone into default, or 'limp home' mode. The computer has to be checked, and or repaired. Take it to a Ford dealer, it's an easy, albeit expensive, fix. I believbe it is less than $350 though, call your Ford garage, they'll know exactly what you need, and can quote you a price. Ken

 

Without reading the code nobody can tell you exactly what's wrong. The first step must be getting it to someone that can read the code.

Autozones have a really bad track record about being able to read Ford transmission codes. It takes a reader with Ford specific software and most Autozones have generic readers. They can read most engine codes and very few transmission codes. A very good independant garage should have the correct reader. All Ford dealer have one.

 

Thank you all for your replies. I trust you "strangers" more than so called professional mechnics. We are no mechanics, so we have to pay! Here's the UGLY update. Get ready, you'll probably cringe! After giving the trans. shop a 2nd try to fix our problem. We picked it up and drove it and it was STILL doing the exact same thing. Then the next time we drove it today, not only was it doing that same overdrive bucking thing, but as we pulled into a gas station to fill up the gas gusling tank, we notice that tranny fluid was gushing out of the bottom of the van!! We took it straight home. Now, we don't know what to do. We are gonna call this brilliant trans. shop first thing monday (meanwhile it's ruining our weekend) and see what happens. Any advice would be appreciated. Otherwise, wish us luck. We'll need it!! Thanks again.

 

Call a lawyer. You've given them plenty of time, and chances to fix it. It's time to scare them a little.

 

Casey is correct, the blinking O/D cancel light indicates a trans Diagnostic Trouble Code has been set. You will need to have the codes read in order to know what is going on. My guess is the code is a TCC slip code due to the fluid pouring out the front seal. Replacing the torque converter is treating the symptom not the problem. There is no "hole to drill" that will fix these kinds of problems.

Do not go back to the original tranny shop. Instead, go to either the dealer or another trans shop and have the problem diagnosted. Then before any work is done ask for a copy of the diagnostic report and get back to us.

I hate to say it but I suspect you will be needing major trans work. Where are you located, I may know a shop in your area. Otherwise, have a Merry Christmas.


Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

 

In most of these default mode or limp home mode transmission problems, a Ford dealer will replace the circuit board in the tranny. It is a very common malady, it isn't clutch packs, or torque converters or any hard mechanical part inside. The computer has to be replaced, they're not fixable, at least not by a mortal man.

This shop has no idea of what is wrong and are giving you band-aids to stop heart failure. They've gotten into parts that don't need repair, and are doing damage. If it's a national chain I would be on the phone to their corporate offices. If it's a local yokel I would retain a good attorney who specialises in cases like this. Do not take your truck back. You should be able to recoup the cost of a rental car so no more of your plans will be ruined.

The definition of insanity; "doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result".

Take care, I hope all this works out for you, Ken

 

Wow. You guys are so great! Thanks just for being here, listening & advising! Here's the update - ugly though! The last work done by this local shoP (if I can say it - without getting in trouble on this forum, D & D Trans, in WPB, FL) not only DID NOT fix our overdrive problem, have left us with a bigger problem!! We found the overdrive problem still there, then we pulled into get gas & suddently tranny fluid spewing from under the van!!!!!! Needless to say, we stopped payment again!! Not paying them a red cent!! We are furious!! They want to rebuild the tranny. That is something we cannot afford, but, if that is what needed to be done, we wish they would have said so 1st!! Anyway, now we have taken it to another tranny shop and just tonight (night before xmas eve - yeh, happy holidays!) found out that the jerks at D & D called this neutral guy and apparently told him what he wanted to about us. etc., and so now we feel like we got a tainted diagnostic! For $47!!! Said they cleared the codes that came up but couldn't duplicate the o/d problem!! We drove it tongiht & had the same o/d light flashing!!! We are literally bankrupt and at the end of our rope!
We may end up trying to get another vehicle at this point. It's a shame that our local tranny guys are complete idiots and let alone the guy who "screwed us" took it upon himself to call our "neutral" guy and apparently told him whatever he thought of us to cover his butt!! We are so mad, it is undescribable.!! This new "neutral" guy says he cleared the codes that came up (probably old codes) and charged us for the diagnostic, with no new diagnosis!! We give up!! You all on this forum have cared more than these shops we are paying to care!!1 Thank you All!!!

 

I'd say it's definately time to call a lawyer. All you may need is a letter. Have it towed to a shop at least 30 miles away from the town your in now. It's gonna cost a little bit more, but if the lawyer thinks you have a legit case the FIRST shop will pay for everything.

 

I am going to dissagree with Ken04. First, there is no circuit board in the transmission. The only electronics inside the transmission are the solenoids, aA pressure control solenoid, a torque converter clutch solenoid and shift solenoids. Your trans is most likely a 4R100W, if so all of the solenoids are in a single assembly called a solenoid block. The other electronics are mounted on the outside of the transmission. The MLP (Manual Lever Position Sensor - indicates gear selection), the Vehicle Speed Sensor (mounted either on the tailshaft housing or the rear end housing) and the Turbine Sensor (mounted on top of the case).

Yes, any of these sensors could cause a trouble code but if its pouring fluid out the front, I will bet its a converter clutch slipping problem and the damage is already done. Replacing solenoids or sensors now, even if that _was_ the problem, isn't going to fix it now.

Sorry about that, I know you wanted better news on christmas eve.

I was wondering how the first shop knew to call the second shop? How did they know you went there?

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

 

I am not even going to try to tell you what is wrong but when you say you are in
WPB Fl are you talking about West Palm Beach. I live at New Smyrna Beach. A good ways up the road from you but we have a guy up here that works out of his back yard garage yes I sead back yard. But he puts about every H P Ford EOD trans togather that the kids up here can screw up.I have never heard any one say any thing but good things about him and if needed that is where I would go. I don`t know about down there but here you do not want to go to the Ford Dealer.
Wink

 

True, there are no electronics 'inside' the tranny. My mistake, it is electronically controlled however, and I've had this computer part fail in Ford tranny's and had the trans go into default. Hearing more of this guys plight makes me think he has more problems now, but I think originally all he needed was the transmissions ECM replaced. I don't know if it's part of the engine's ECM, or a separate unit, but there is such an animal.

Ken.

 

Yep, the PCM (which is a computer) does control the transmission. However, the PCM is rarely the thing that fails. Solenoids, the MLP (manual lever position sensor), speed sensor or input turbine sensor are much more common failures.

On an E4OD, leaking out the front and setting codes, its almost always a converter clutch failure issue.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT

 

Can anyone tell me if it's possible I could do an upgrade on a e4od trans myself ? and what parts would you suggest to beef it up to handle trailer towing and playing in the sand dunes.
I have a better than average mechanical ability, and enjoy exploring new areas.
These are the specifics, currently a 302 EFI
92" F-150 4x4,(Soon to be 351-W, 365 HP), e4od trans, "metric" on bottom of pan. button on shift lever.
The engine is built for low to mid range torque, is carburated, and will have a stand alone computer for the transmission.
This is my pet project and I would like to possibly do the trans myself, since i've done it all so far to this point.
The trans functions O'K, (a little lazy sometimes going into reverse) if it sets a few days.
I just don't want to add the HP and risk doing damage since it has 130K on it.

I know this is a van section, but you've hit my interest in your replys to some of the questions.
I would e-mail some of you direct, but since I'm a new user I need to ask more ??s to qualify.
Any help will be appreciated
HOBO.LABO