Hello All,

We have a 1995 F350 diesel with 75,000 miles which is relatively new to us (bought two months ago). Going over Raton Pass (I25 southbound) with our fifth wheel the transmission front seal let go. Fortunately it let go at the top so we could coast into Raton. We're reworking/upgrading the transmission in Trinadad. The transmission guy confirmed that the unit has been worked on several times in the past which maybe one reason the unit was sold. He also was adamant about NOT using the four way flashers on hills as this causes intermittent disenagement/engagement of the torque converter. I found another thread in another group which eludes to the same fact. Turns out we weren't doing this at the time of failure although I would have if our speed had decreased below 40 mph.

Given that its a good idea to announce yourself as a slow vehicle (an law in several areas) by turning on the four ways when speed drops this leads to several questions:

1. Why did Ford program the unit that way? On hills wouldn't you want the transmission always engaged independent of braking?
2. How can this "feature" be elminated so you can announce yourself as a slow vehicle and still keep everything under control?

Thanks

Greg Garlow
1995 F350 7.3L Diesel Dually

 

1. It is not designed that way
2. If you are going that slow the TC is not locked up anyway

If your hazard flasher IS affecting your TC it has a wiring problem.

 

It WAS designed that way due to an oversight. Somewhere after 1995 (I forget exactly which year) Ford changed the programming to ignore the brake circuit input over 10% pedal.

The torque converter WILL lock at pretty low speeds if the go pedal is on the floor. In those trucks built before the change in programming the four way flashers would cycle the torque converter on and off and create A LOT of heat.