Transmission hard shift
 

Hello all, I have a 93 Bronco XLT, 160K miles 5.8 L. Tranny was replaced at the dealer at 50,000 (previous owner)

Last week, the Check Engine Light come on and it starts shifting REALLY hard. Slamming. Especially bad Park to Drive, but even 1st-2nd is a jolt. No prior warning, no missed shifts, no slips, absolutely no indication that the trans was failing, just wham, one day.

I do have an oil leak, maybe valve covers or rear main, that blows oil back onto my undercarriage and trans on the highway. Is there any chance this is some sort of fouled sensor causing bad shift signals? Anything I could look at before I drop $800 on a trans or, more likely, sell my Bronco ?

Any thoughts would be great

Thanks,

Chad

Have you pulled the codes yet?

No, I haven't. I don't have a code scanner. But if there are other things, hopefully less sinister than a full trans, that might cause this, I'll find a mechanic and pay him for the codes.

Sorry, pretty obvious first step I guess... Thanks.

Fords shift hard when certain trans codes are present. Ford does this so you will take it in and get it fixed before the hole thing goes bad. most part stores can scan them, try AutoZone it you have one. It probably is just a sensor.

..........

Pulling codes
 

If you have patience you can pull codes with a papaerclip. http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13

I bought a thirty something dollar DIGITAL code reader that performs lots of tests.

Why pay someone to read the codes? What would they charge to do this? An Equus 3145 costs $35 and you can keep it forever. Leave it in the truck so when the Fault light comes on and you're away from home you can find out the cause in an instance. Search for 'codereader' on google - you'll find it.

But going back to the problem, yes pull the codes and take it from there... 'let the codes be your guiding light' LOL.

Actually, I was just about to post to ask about that exact unit. I googled "Ford code reader" and it was the first hit. So that unit does work well? I'll have to call around and see if anyone has one locally and if not I'll get one ordered.

My wife is gonna be angry with me....

And you can check the fluid level for free!

THAT, I already did, and it was good and clean. Although if this turns out to not be a full rebuild situation then a full fluid change and filter will be in my future for sure

trust me your wife will be much happier with a scanner purchase then a tranny rebuild which by the way for this e4od runs in the area of $1800-2500 depending on the shop and damage.

definatly pull codes like everyone has said. also go to the rear diff and remove the sensor thats sitting on top of the pumpkin, clean it real good and reinstall it. this sensor talks to the tranny and helps it know when to shift. your abs light isnt on by chance is it? is your speedometer working properly still?

You mean I will be much happier if a scanner points to a cheaper solution i.e. sensor. My wife won't be because she's already decided I should sell it for parts.

ABS light is not on and speedo is working. At least as far as I recall... wasn't looking at that specifically but I probably would have noticed.

Yes this reader works very well indeed. I suggest you buy the extension cable for it so you can use it in the cab as some tests require you to press buttons or peddles on the vehicle. Also means you could sit in the dry if the vehicle breaks down in the rain!

Its the best $35 I've spent so far on my truck.

Simon

Funny you should mention the comments at the end but that is exactly what my truck is doing now. I did replace the sensor on the differental and still have the same problem, ABS light is on, speedo and OD not working and hard shifting.

Besides that sensor (searched for the transmission mounted sensor the parts store thought I needed for an hour and could not locate) what else should I be looking at for these same symptoms?