Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Trans line pressure question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 04:32 PM
  #1  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
Trans line pressure question

Hey guys, I'm working on a 96 powerstroke with an auto trans. . . E40 D I think? Going through the service manual. . .it says line pressure at idle is supposed to be between 75-99 psi in manual 1 and reverse. And between I think 55-65 in all other selections. When warmed up. . . manual 1 and reverse the pressure imediately is at 150 and quickly climbs to 180-200. When warmed up it nearly kills the engine every time these gears are selected. it feels like the torque converted is locking up. . . When its real warm it will almost every time kill the motor. all other idlepressures in the other gears are 100 psi. So everything seems high, and especially so, where I'm having the problem. If it doesn't kill the motor. . . it bogs down real hard for a few seconds then comes back to normal. Any thoughts? Thanks so much.
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 07:38 PM
  #2  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
There is probably an transmission error code stored in the PCM. That will send the trans into limp home mode, which includes high pressure. Get the codes read.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 10:38 PM
  #3  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
I'm having some difficulty with AE loosing its connection with this particular machine. . . I havn't done much tranny stuff with AE. . . will that read the codes I need?
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 10:41 PM
  #4  
c00nhunterjoe's Avatar
c00nhunterjoe
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,606
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
it should, tranny codes are stored in the pcm
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 10:56 PM
  #5  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
I'll check codes again tomorrow. . . but I don't recall any codes being thrown for the tranny. What does limp mode do. So far I have seen no signs of limp mode. Thanks.
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 11:00 PM
  #6  
c00nhunterjoe's Avatar
c00nhunterjoe
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,606
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
all "limp mode" means is the pcm saw something it did not like, whether it was a clutch slipping, the tc slipping, or a loss of signal. when that happens the pcm reverts to a default program which maxs line pressure to prevent any further damage to the internals until you get to a dealer. your abnormally high pressure readings are why mark suggested this theory.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 11:07 PM
  #7  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by c00nhunterjoe
all "limp mode" means is the pcm saw something it did not like, whether it was a clutch slipping, the tc slipping, or a loss of signal. when that happens the pcm reverts to a default program which maxs line pressure to prevent any further damage to the internals until you get to a dealer. your abnormally high pressure readings are why mark suggested this theory.

If this is the case. . . there certainly should be a code then correct? The pressure is controlled by that "proportioning valve" for lack of better words. . . right? Its just wierd how only in manual first and reverse the pressure gets so high. And its so consistant how immediately after putting in either of those two gears. . . its instant 150 psi and quickly climbs to nearly 200 psi. Hmm. . .guess I'm just throwing out thoughts, just want to learn the systems more. Thanks.
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 11:18 PM
  #8  
c00nhunterjoe's Avatar
c00nhunterjoe
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,606
Likes: 13
From: Belair md
the pressure is controlled by the pcm, it ground the 12 volt circuit that travels through the electronic pressure control solonoid. it varies pressure from roughly 5-12 volts depending on how much pressure the pcm feels the tranny needs based on gear selection and torque. the higher the voltage the lower the pressure. as far as why only those 2 gears have high pressure i cannot tell you off the top of my head. i would have to go get the service manuals out and its a little late for that tongiht....lol
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-3

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-6

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 13, 2009 | 11:25 PM
  #9  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
What would other symptoms be of high line pressure? Will that cause a load on the motor that could kill it? What actually activates the torque converter clutch?
timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2009 | 06:31 AM
  #10  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
Pressure from the transmission pump activates the torque converter clutch. If the trans has a high pressure demand at idle there isn't enough pressure left to send to the torque converter. The converter will operate at zero pressure as long is it is filled with ATF. The torque converter clutch uses pressure to hold it off, and if that pressure isn't present the clutch can drag, putting a lot of load on the engine at idle.
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2009 | 11:22 AM
  #11  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
So two things. . . one i'm not getting any indication from the trans as far as codes. When AE asks me if I want all systems codes. . . i click all. . . and it loads 1 of 1. . . enhanced powertrain. Is that where the tranny codes will be stored? None found so far. Two. . . What is "electronic pressure control" and "electronic pressure control volts" in the AE? Is that for the back pressure valve or is that for the trans? Next. . . the overdrive switch appears to be doing nothing. When pressed. . . the light comes on but i get no indication from the coast clutch solenoid or torque converter clutch that its actually working. I have more to update. . . but I need to go test a few more things first.
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2009 | 11:38 AM
  #12  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
What is "torque converter clutch ctrl internal circuit mon" and "torque converter clutch-modulated?" Neither of them have changed at all during operation. The TCIL shows on or off on AE. . . but the overdrive cancle/hold switch whichI assume is the same thing. . . does nothing. The switch operates fine on the road. . . coast clutch does come on and overdrive does come off. trans fluid temp volts is around 1.39 warmed up. . . and at this temp is acting up in manual 1 and reverse almost 100% Any thoughts? Thanks.
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2009 | 12:02 PM
  #13  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
Getting a P1111 system pass on KOEO and KOER tests.
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2009 | 05:46 PM
  #14  
Hiflyer746's Avatar
Hiflyer746
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 0
bump. . . New test results. . . when warm. . reverse and manual one pressures while moving... run up past 210 PSI. . . under very light throttle.
Timmy
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2025 | 07:49 PM
  #15  
MacVains's Avatar
MacVains
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Hiflyer746
bump. . . New test results. . . when warm. . reverse and manual one pressures while moving... run up past 210 PSI. . . under very light throttle.
Timmy
Did you find out this issue?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kendogg
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
8
Nov 22, 2023 05:07 AM
c2z4s9
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
73
Feb 29, 2016 07:14 AM
Ford Guy 72
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
2
Feb 17, 2014 10:53 PM
zer0321
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
6
Sep 12, 2007 12:54 AM
mpeoples
Aerostar
10
Mar 15, 2005 04:46 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:49 PM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE