Has anyone installed a Baumann transmission controller for an E40D transmission?

I just got one and looked over the instructions, I have some questions and was hoping to get started this weekend.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ft-module.html Read the post in this thread by david85. Maybe send him a PM?

 

RIKL,
Will you keep us posted on how this goes?

I have also been debating myself about the TCS. I've recently had to replace my PCM with a reman and have some concerns about the longevity and reliability of these 15 - 20 year old computers, even refurbished. I have no idea how thoroughly they test and replace parts.

So I've been looking around for a newer way to control both the tranny and the engine. For the tranny I've been considering Baumann, and for the engine I've been looking at MegaSquirt, tho there looks like quite a learning curve with that. But it does look like it might provide some advanced capabilities like sequential injection and the ability to use coil packs. Need to keep my cruise and A/C, tho.

Anyway, good luck and I'm curious to see how it goes.

Rob

 

I have not yet installed the trans controller but I am pretty sure I know enough about it to talk about it.

First off, I was told that this is the best controller out there. I am not sure what makes it the best but I can tell you it seems very easy to run the software and program, there are also a lot of things that controller can be configured to do (for example, you can set it up so that you can manually shift your auto transmission, you can also set all the shift points and line pressure with the software).

The controller is a small box that must be mounted inside the cab to protect it from the weather. The installation of the wires from the controller to the transmission can be done in one of two ways. First, you can buy the standard wiring harness. With this harness you will need to make all your connection to the transmission from the controller. So there will be some wire cutting, wire splicing, and/or soldering. The other option is that they offer a wiring harness that has plugs on it to fit into the factory wiring so you will only need to connect a few wires on your own. The second harness is a huge time saver and I like it because things can be easily reversed. The manual is here - http://www.becontrols.com/tech/bectcsinstall.pdf

I would consider the installation instructions for the first harness to be adequate but not easy. I have not seen the installation instructions for the second harness but from what I have read, it seems A LOT easier.

One really cool thing about the controller is that you can easily switch between different settings. When you have the controller connected to a PC you save what are called tables, each one has its own settings that tells the transmission how to operate. With a simple toggle switch located at arm's reach, you can switch between the two profiles.

I ordered the new harness to make my install easier and with that and the information I have read (which came from the instruction manual and their web site) I am MUCH more confident about doing this. It may take a couple of weeks for them to get me the harness so I might not post back for a while but if I find out anything interesting I will let you know.

Another thing, if you are like me and don't have a laptop to program the controller while it is in the truck, you can also connect it to a computer in your house. The only thing is that you will need to either buy the optional power supply or make one for the controller. The controller gets its power from the truck and when you remove it there is not any power. I was able to make a cable from spare parts and works just fine, just something I wasn't prepared for.

 

I tell you what, the extra harness I ordered is easier to install but still confusing. I don't like it at all but its much better than the first harness.

For example, the new, easier harness has 3 plastic connectors and a few loose wires. Some of the lose wires are also connected to one of the plastic connectors and there are no instructions to say, find this connector on the transmission, disconnect it and connect the one from the harness provided. Worse yet, while the guy at Baumann is knowledgeable he did not tell me this. Had I know this there would be a lot less confusion. Another thing, with the new harness, there is a connector labeled H3, I am not able to find a corresponding connector on my truck for this and there is no mention of it in the instructions. If there is, I have yet to find it.

Installation is not difficult but confusing. I installed the mass air system (which had A LOT more to do) with less confusion.

If all goes as planned, I will install it this weekend.

 

how did this work out for you? anyone use this or now US-shift Quick 1 ?

 

Actually this worked out well, it has been very stable. I used one of the shifting profiles that came with the software, it was for an E4OD lightning. I can chirp the tires into second and third without any problems.

I hear the company that made my controller has a new system to replace the one I have, does the same thing from what I understand but connects to the computer via USB.

 

Have you ever heard of the transcommand shift controller by banks?

 

I have a 91 with this partially done, I'm restarting this project after 8.5 years. Can you tell me about the resistor that needs to be installed on some apps, I can't find the info anywhere.
thanks

 

I quickly scanned over the instructions document (let me know if you need a copy) and I see my notes about the resistor but not where the instructions talk about needing it. I do remember I had to replace it just recently as it broke when I was moving the wires around. For my setup, which is E4OD, I cut the #3 wire from the PCM and inserted a 47k ohm, resistor. It can be either 1/2 or 1/4 watt. They said both would work. If I remember correctly, the resistor wasn't mentioned in the instructions and I learned about it on a phone call with Baumann a while ago.

 

anyone know what the resistor does?
And thanks for the info, Off topic,,,I don't think my neighbour likes the fact that I've got my truck up and running.

 

I installed a Baumann in my F350 about 8 yrs ago and love it. Best upgrade I've done. Thinking about adding one to my Lightning.

IIRC, the resistor connects to the PCM where the trans "range switch" used to and tricks the PCM into thinking the trans is in neutral? I might be confusing something particular to the Diesel...

 

Now that you bring this up, I seem to remember it is used for certain PCMs. A resistor is needed to reduce the current because the PCM I have can't handle what the Baumann sends it. I'm sure if you call Baumann they could tell you exactly why, they are pretty good about answering the phone.

 

Sorry, I can't remember what a "PCM" is, thanks

 

The truck's computer