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Hard Shift and Speedo Problem

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Old Nov 28, 2007 | 06:29 PM
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Hard Shift and Speedo Problem

Well, reading about others makes me think I'm headed for the tranny shop but figured I'd give this a try...

'98 F-250 V10 4WD just started (last week or so) shifting real hard from 1st to 2nd. At the same time, noticed that the speedo doesn't appear to work in 1st gear but kicks in once I get into second/third and get up to around 35 or 40. All other upshifts are ok. When coming back down to first (rolling stop), it seems to slip when I get going - not sure if it's dropped to first and I'm still going too fast for it to "catch" or not.



Had the tranny flushed today - fluid was "darkish". Was hoping the flush (and maybe a couple of days driving) might help (not so far).....
 

Last edited by IB Tim; Nov 29, 2007 at 06:22 PM.
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Old Nov 28, 2007 | 06:45 PM
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Hard Shifts

You've got to find your speed sensor. On the newer 250's & 350's it located in the rear end at the top of the center section. I'm not sure where it is on yours. On my 91 Bronco, it was in the same fitting that the speedo cable attached to at the transmission end. The symptoms you give are indicitive of a speed sensor that has gone bad. If you do a scan on the computer system, I'm sure that there will be a code stored there, even if the check engine light is not activated.


RON
 
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Old Nov 28, 2007 | 06:58 PM
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Check the speed sensor on the rear diff. It is located on the top of the pumpkin. Carfull not to break the clip when you pull off the connector though.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2007 | 06:52 AM
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Thanks! As I read about the speed sensor, I see there is an ABS sensor near there as well(?). The ABS light started coming on about the same time (though it was sporadic at first). Guess I should have mentioned that too but I didn't think they'd be related. I'll replace it (< $20) and report back.
 

Last edited by jon42long; Nov 29, 2007 at 07:35 AM.
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Old Nov 29, 2007 | 09:49 AM
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I had the same exact problem with my 99 F-250. Turned out to be the speed sensor. I had the dealer fix it and they charged me $70-$80.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2007 | 09:56 AM
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Yeah tis is usually the speed sensor. it will also trick the ABS system so that is why you may also see the ABS light come on.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson
 
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Old Nov 29, 2007 | 10:52 AM
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Yep...mine did the same....speedo dead until about 37mph.....ABS light on.....Turned out to be the sensor on the rear diff. about 3 minutes to fix. Gotta love those easy fixes.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2007 | 05:36 PM
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ok... I went to the local parts dealer and got a speed sensor - truck was at home so I didn't have it to look at. When I got home tonight and crawled underneath, the part I have isn't what's on the pumpkin. So.... should I be replacing out the sensor on the diff housing or should I be looking for the part I got (which looks like: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/pr...sor+Motorcraft

and has a connection for what looks like a speedo cable)?

Thanks!
 
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 01:37 PM
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Thanks to all - it turned out to be the ABS speed sensor (or VSS as some called it) on top of the rear diff. $25 at the local parts store (NAPA wanted $35). Took about 10 minutes an a 3/8" socket. I'll be returning the other speed sensor I got yesterday as the original is working just fine.

Thanks again!
 

Last edited by jon42long; Nov 30, 2007 at 02:36 PM.
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 02:40 PM
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I have to ask, a 1998 V10 F250? Is it REALLY a 1998? See, the Superduty came out as the 1999 model-year, and only the Superduty got the V10.

Just curious.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 02:51 PM
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Good catch... '99 F250SD CC SB XLT V10 4x4 auto 3.73 (though I *ordered* it in Dec '98 <g>). Must have fat-fingered that one.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 03:10 PM
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Just wanted to see if there was an exception to the rule No problem.
 
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