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Question about E4OD in my 2003 E150.

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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 06:34 PM
  #1  
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Question about E4OD in my 2003 E150.

I'd like some ideas about the shifting characteristics of my '03 E150 with 5.4L engine.
If the transimission changes under very light throttle at approximately 30mph (I assume a 2nd to 3rd shift) there is a moment when it seems to be "in between gears" or freewheeling. This last only a second or less and only occurs around 30mph. A little more throttle causing the shift to occur at 35mph and the shift happens instantly.
I've checked fluid levels. The fluid looks good with no burnt aroma. This has been going on for at least 25K or more miles and has not gotten worse but is still somewhat of a concern to me as I plan to go many more years with this "family" van. Oh yes, the van currently has 80K miles on it and there has been no transmission service. I might also add that this will not happen if the "OD off" is activated. Also I do not use the vehicle for towing.

Thanks!!!!
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:21 AM
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The last year Ford built an E4OD was 1998. You have either a 4R100, or more likely, a 4R70W.

How many miles on the trans fluid? Shift concerns like this are often caused by old fluid. It may look and smell fine, but that doesn't mean it is fine.

If you have 25k or more miles on the fluid, change it. Either use the procedure in the Articles section of FTE, or take it somewhere that does a fluid flush or exchange. There isn't a torque converter drain plug, so one of those methods have to be used to change all of the fluid.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 03:12 PM
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Thank you Mark! I was hoping that you would weigh in on the issue as your knowledge of the Ford automatics is outstanding.
The fluid has 80K on it so I'll be buying 20qt. soon and following the procedures outlined in a link you posted earlier. I have that article bookmarked as I thought you would probably recommend changing the fluid.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 03:16 PM
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Mark! I forgot to ask a question. How would I know if I have the 4R100 or the 4R70W.
The article you posted lists applications as the E4OD and 4R100. If I have the 4R70W do I follow the same procedures for changing the fluid?
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 03:59 PM
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If the van is an E150, it's a 4R70W...

Originally Posted by Pollydog
Mark! I forgot to ask a question. How would I know if I have the 4R100 or the 4R70W.
The article you posted lists applications as the E4OD and 4R100. If I have the 4R70W do I follow the same procedures for changing the fluid?
I've got an '02 E150 with the 4.6 and the 4R70W myself. Looks like the 5.4 gets the 100 trans only in the E250 and 350's:

2003 Ford F150 Specifications

I had the dealer do a full fluid change at 42k miles, and currently have 64k on the van. I figure maybe at 70 or 80k I'll have it fully changed out again.

I haven't checked Mark's procedure for a full flush on the 100 trans, but I can't imagine it being very different on the 70...maybe a couple quarts less fluid. Definitely Mercon V.

George
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 08:27 PM
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The difference is in the location of the cooler lines. The 4R70W has the cooler lines above and below, while the 4r100 has the lines front and rear. I wish I could remember which line is which on the 4R70W, but I can't.

To tell which one you have look at the blue tag in the driver's door opening. Under TR will be either a U or an E. If it's a U it is a 4R70W, an E means 4R100.

For either trans use MERCON V. The procedure is a bit out of date, MERCON has been discontinued.
 
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