Ive got a 96 F150 4x4 with a 302, dont know what tranny I have. It shifts really hard from 1st to 2nd also seems to go in and out of overdrive. Check the fluid it looks really good, clean and full. I've got no idea so any help would be very nice. Also wondering how to reset check engine light.

 

I've had the truck for 2 weeks now and didnt know their was a overdrive button, duuh. I took it out of overdrive now it shifts better, but still a little hard from 1st to 2nd when I step on it. Maybe its normal though because it dosen't seem too bad. I haven't had a truck with auto in about 10 years and it was a dodge with a bad tranny. It slipped really bad and finally wouldn't move. Man I hated that truck, never own a Dodge again.

 

Does your speedometer work OK?

 

Yes it does.

 

disconnect positive battery cable to reset check engine light, most likely a very temporary fix

 

I would but I cant because I have a interlock device on my truck. Is that the only way.

 

No you can do it while pulling codes.
Your scanner will have a button or some way to reset the codes.
I do not know if disconnecting the battery will reset them or not, but I do not think so.

You can also get codes for your transmission with the scanner while driving.

 

Where can I get a scanner and how much are they.

 

They start at about $100.00 and go up to a few thousand for a Snap-On with all the bells and whistles.
Try eBay or an auto parts store, you are looking for a scanner for the OBD II system.

Make sure it has the capability to do what you want. Like resetting the codes, and maybe setting the timing.

 

Thanks, you think that will help tell me why its shifting hard. Hoping its just a sensor not tranny going.

 

mine shifted hard from 1st to 2nd and also shifted alot , got the tranny overhauld and seems fine now.. take it to a good tranny shop and they will usually take a look for free.

 

If you do a search, you may find an answer to your problem.
I was doing some searches last week and came across a few posts and the concensus in those posts was that the hard 1st to 2nd shift is caused by a weak or broken spring in those older tranny's. If I remember the control body has to be removed to get to it.
There is also a part update you can do to fix the soft 2nd to 3rd shift.

 

It could be any number of things. Could be the MAF sensor or any sensor on the engine, or anything sensor related on the tranny.

The thing you want to look for at this stage in the game is a flashing OD OFF light. If it flashes, your transmission has recognized a problem and has stored a code in the PCM, which can be checked for free, without a scanner, at Auto Zone.

Another thing, are you sure it's going in and out of overdrive, or is the torque converter locking and unlocking? If you take it out of overdrive, does it still act like it's goin in and out of "gear" or "overdrive"?

I've seen the transmission temperature sensor in the solenoid bodies go bad and cause these types of problems. It will unlock the torque converter if it gets hot, and will shift harder because the harder it shifts, the less slippage on the clutches. The less slippage on the clutches, the cooler it stays.

For now, have the codes pulled and see if anything comes up.

On a side note, everyone please notice that his speedometer works fine, thus the VSS is not the culprit. However, if the PSOM (Programmable Speedometer Odometer Module) is not sending the correct information to the PCM, the PCM will not know how to control the transmission, also causing similar symptoms.

Like I said, it could be multiple things! Pull the codes. That light could be a transmission related problem!

One more thing I almost forgot. Look on the information sticker inside the drivers side door and tell me what the Trans Code is. Should be U or E.

 

Thanks handyman that was helpful. The sticker is U. I think you are right about the torque converter locking and unlocking. Took it out on the highway today and when I went up a hill the rmp's would go up for an instant then go back down it only did this in OD. It felt like it was slipping a little. The hard shift is worse when in OD. There is no Auto Zone near here but I did buy a scanner on e-bay, had it sent Priority Mail so it should be here soon. I think it will be a handy tool. I dont know anything about transmissions so if anyone can explain what a solenoid body is please do.

 

O and no blinking off light on the shift lever.