I have a 1995 E350 motorhome chassis with a 460 and E4OD. It seems that at anything over in town speeds (30 MPH??) the torque converter will not unlock. Most auto trannys I have had lately will unlock the converter in 3rd (or even 4th) on a hill. This one goes directly to the next lower gear when a downshift is called for. at low speeds I can feel (and see in the tach) the converter locking and unlocking like I'm used to, but not at higher speeds. It almost acts like the old AOD that was always locked up in 3rd and 4th. Was this done intentionally to prevent the slipping converter from creating heat, or is something wrong here? Thanks in advance for anyone's ideas....

 

It was done intentionally. Unlocking the torque converter at higher speeds just reduces efficiency, creates heat, and guarantees a downshift. So the smart way to do it is just skip the unlock and go right to the next lower gear.

 

Thanks - that's sort of what I suspected - just not quite the way my other rigs work. This rig has 58K on it - if I drop the pan to change the fluid and drain the torque converter is there anything else I should do do help ensure it's longevity (either maintenance or driving habits)?? Thanks again!!

 

I was re-reading the manual the other night for my van and came across the E4OD section, it said to tow with the OD on and only turning it off when going down a hill for additional engine breaking.

I will say that towing with it off is what I've always done. I do have 179000 miles on my '92 E350 7.5 4.10. and it get HOT on the floor between the seats and that high engine RPM makes me cringe.

What are your thoughts about leaving it ON while towing on generally level terrain? OH NY mostly.




100th post I'm on my way no baby

 

I would leave the trans in OD.