My 97 F350 threw the P1728 code.... Been reading the numerous threads on this issue and would like advice on just where to start troubleshooting since I'm on an extremely limited budget.

Here are the issues I have:

-Constant blinking OD light in all gears including Park and Nuetral. It starts blinking as soon as I start the truck. I cleared the code but it started blinking immediately after starting the engine.
-Hard shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. Occasionally notice a hard shift from 2nd to 3rd. It also requires more speed/rpms to shift into 2nd.
-Decreased gas mileage and typically higher rpms.
-Speedo works fine.
-The blinking OD light stopped blinking once for about 2 minutes while driving on the highway at aprox 60mph, then resumed. There was nothing noticeable about the performance.
-I have no issues getting up to speed. The truck runs great otherwise.
-I have not noticed any slippage issues... at least slippage as I know it (being that it feels as if the truck slipped completely out of gear).

Here is what I have done:

-Changed the fluid and filter. No metal shavings or debis in the pan.
-Inspected and cleaned all wiring harnesses and connectors.
-No noticeable fluid leakage, level is always good. I check it constantly!

The truck has 260,000 miles and I'm sure a rebuild would be just be the best bet but being tight on cash precludes that right now...

Also I have access to another vehicle and a shop so pulling the tranny isn't an issue for me.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...odes-help.html Have a read here, unless you have already.
I am not an expert but my guess would be that the torque converter is not locking up, hence the code and the drop in gas mileage and so I would think you need to replace it.
Problem is if you fit a new one and the trans lets go you will need another new one along with the new/rebuilt trans.
Hopefully some of the experts will give an opinion soon.

 

Lazy, thanks for the input...

I have read that thread and probably all the others on this and other forums and I guess I'll just park the truck and start saving up for another tranny. I can get a rebuilt tranny from Ford with a 3 yr/100,000 mile warranty for just under $2G.

I'll still take any other opinions though...

Thanks again

 

I think there should be more codes stored. P1728 can't set until the trans is in overdrive and the torque converter commanded to lockup. That can't happen as soon as you start the truck. The OD light flashing as soon as you start indicates something else is wrong. There is a code stored to tell you what that is.