I just picked up a 2000 Expy with the 5.4L / E40D (51K miles) and have noticed that it occasionally makes a quick "shudder" when dropping into the overdrive gear - almost feels like I'm quickly running over a rough patch of road, which is what I thought at first.

I have owned Fords for years, but this is my first 4x4, with this size engine, so I'm still getting used to it... I've noticed this shudder when the OD is on and I'm going about 45-55 and it shifts into OD (although I'm now leaving the OD off at that speed). I tend to take it easy with heavy vehicles (not a lead foot)and this is not just happening under heavy acceleration - it has happened when I'm just cruising along.

From other forum appends, I would guess it could possibly be the torque converter clutch (?). Doesn't always do this, and I'm trying to pin it down. When the OD is OFF it seem to be fine - it seems limited to the OD. I hauled my boat (about 4000 lbs) in hilly country with the OD-OFF and it did great... I'm still jumpy about buying it used, so I'm paying lots off attention to how it behaves. Its in very good shape and seems to run very well otherwise.

Thanks for any ideas!

KHaga in NC
- 2000 Expedition EB, 5.4L/E40D, 4x4
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It's the transmission fluid. Change it, and not just what's in the pan. Change the fluid in the torque converter, too. There is an excellent article by a very good writer in the Tech Articles area of this site that tells how to do it yourself.

You could also go to a place that has a machine that changes all the fluid.

The last year for the E4OD was 1998. After that there is the 4R70W and the 4R100, but no E4OD.

 

Mark, thanks for the tip! Now I feel like an idiot about the tranny model I have... I was looking at the code for the vehicle and based on some info I saw, it looked like I had the code for the E40D.

How can I find out which model tranny my 2000 5.4L matches?

Thanks!
KHaga in NC
- 2000 Expedition EB, 5.4L, 4x4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I'm fairly sure you have the 4R70W. Even my 7700GVWR F-150 has one with the 5.4L. I think the 4R100 was found in the superduties.

-Kerry

 

There is a blue sticker in the driver's door opening. There is a column that says TR at the top. Right under the TR is either a U or an E. If there is a U it's a 4R70W. If it's an E you have the 4R100.

 

Spend the hundred bucks and take it to a reliable Ford dealer for diagnosis. I like to think I know a fair amount about the E4OD and 4R70W. I had a torque converter shudder problem on my '95 TBird 4R70W. Had it replaced, shudder gone, for a couple of weeks, then it returned, only this time, a bit rougher, like an engine misfire. It stored no codes, and my Auto Tap scan program showed no codes. It only happened in 3'd and 4'th, when the TC clutch was engaged. Would not happen in 2nd or with light brake pedal pressure, ( no TC clutch ). "Had to be the new torque converter", says I. I took it back to the dealer. the diagnostic tech said, "Sounds like an engine misfire to me". I says, "I doubt it, but you're the pro, do what you have to do". Well, he put it on the scope, and sure enough, # 1 cyl had a high tension lead that would fire to ground under heavy load. New set of high tension leads, no more problems, other then a bunch of egg on my face. This may not be your problem, but, then again, it could be.
Robert

 

Well, I checked and I have an "E" under the TR column of the door sticker, so I guess that I have the 4R100. I'll be getting the dealer to replace the fluid, so thanks to everyone's help! I want this vehicle to last a LONG time.

KHaga in NC
- 2000 Expedition EB, 5.4L, 4x4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Make sure they retorque the valve body as this is a common problem that causes the shudder. Also replace fluid with synthetic makes a big difference.

 

 

Don't be surprised if the fluid change doesn't work. Mine was doing the same thing. I found that it ended up being a misfire. Replaced spark plugs and it solved the issue.