Hello, I have a 2001 E 350 box truck with the 7.3. I was driving earlyer, and the truck ran fine, shut it off to load up, and started again, the truck would not shift out of second. It would go first gear, to second, then back down to first. Tranny fluid is good, and does not smell burnt. Just wanted to get a general idea if it could be a sensor.. or if the tranny needs a rebuild. Thanks again. Tim

 

2001s had the dreaded diode in them that were prone to fail -- sounds like that's what happened to yours...

 

Call BTS or John Wood's or go to your nearest transmission shop (not AAMCO) do not pass go or collect 200 bucks. Reverse will go next. Been there, done that, twice.

 

So it looks like im lookin at a rebuild? the truck only has 54,000 miles on it

 

Maybe not at only 54k, it may just be the diode. As mine is not an '01 I suffered from the same symptoms but my first made it 96k and second another 107k. Can you play with the throttle and get it to go into 3rd? Or come to a stop and put it in low and work you way up shifting manually and force it into 3rd then OD?

 

No, i just kept it in second gear and limped it home. The tranny hasnt given me a lick of problems till today.

 

I am not speaking from knowledge here, but I suspect that if the diode is the problem a tranny shop will have a code reader that will spot that and they usually do not charge for checking tranny codes.

 

My friend's truck lost his diode a couple of days ago at 107K ....I verified it for him last night.

$970 (not incl. TC) and I'll have him up and running again with the 45 element sprag.

 

If I were younger and planned on keeping my truck for a real long time I would spring for the BTS before I spent a grand to just patch one back together again.

 

It took me a couple of minutes but I had burnt fluid by the time I could pull over. What you described was exactly what happened to me. Diode broke at 55K so no surprise there. I would give BTS a call and have them build you a trans. It will be the last one you pay for.

 

Well, if I couldn't build them, then yes, I'd spring for a reputable shop to build mine as well. However, my friend has zero money.

 

He must be someone I know. Good thing I bought my truck when I was still able to work, and have friends and 3 children willing to help me keep it going or I would be walking myself.

 

Thanks every one for the advice. I have an apoitment tommorw morning. Ill let every one know how it goes. Thanks again