I had more difficulties with my truck coming up to school last night. From my research I want to confirm and maybe expand on what may need to be looked at.

Truck: 94 F-350, 96 460/E40D

Problem:
When driving (last night 2000rpm @ 63mph) the transmission will slip out of gear, with no apparent reason, nor does it sound or feel like it shifts out, the engine will just be free of any load, I can press the accelerator but no responce. On one occasion it occured going through a small town so I shifted down from D to 2, and was able to continue driving. I tried shifting up agian into D and it would clunk into gear like normal, but then there would be a slight thud and it would just free spin as I assume it came out of gear.

Now so far I have been able to remedy this problem, if the truck sits for a couple minutes, even idleing, and then turn it off and turn it back on agian. After this it will shift smooth with no problems.

Also ive noticed that with the speedometer, the tach will remain fine, but the speedo will go beserk. I've had it happen before for up to 4-5 seconds where the needle is just bouncing all over the place.

So on my list of things to look at are the MLPS and VSS, should I replace them, can I clean the contacts? The MLPS is the black part on the left side of the E4OD by the shift linkage that has some wires coming into it correct? And though I havn't looked the VSS sensor is one of the few wires going into the rear axle?

thanks for the help... im trying to remedy this at school, so im short on parts and tools, and without the help of my brother(mech)
-myers

 

i would start with the mlp.it is the black box/sensor on the drivers side of the trans.the trans will have to be in neutral to set the mlp right.you might also have to replace the hard shell connector to a updated on if you buy a ford sensor.fallow the directions and you shouldnt have a problem

 

l-m tech has the right idea for the drop out of gear problem. If while you are driving the sensor value changes the computer may see a lower gear command and shift down accordingly.

Speedometer fluctuations are likely to be caused by a problem in the speed sensor system. The sensor in the top of the rear end is the place to check. If the sensor has any physical damage pull the cover off the rear end and check the reluctor behind the ring gear. Many times the ears on the traction lock clutch plates break off and get in the oil. I have seen many damaged sensors and reluctor rings caused by that piece of metal getting between the sensor and ring. If there is no damage to the sensor try a new sensor.