Posted 2009-08-09 12:00 AM (#109167) Subject: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
New User
Posts: 4
Location: lesage, wv
I have '97 Ford F350 7.3 powerstroke 2 whl. dr. with auto transmission. When I put it in gear it goes harder than it should. It feels like the torque converter is always pulling. When setting at stop lights you have to really hold the brakes , because its always pulling. You can unplug the computer and plug it back up and it runs fine for about 10 - 20 miles, then starts pulling again. The overdrive light on the shifter is always blinking , could this be causing this? Or, could someone ( previous owner ) have put a chip in the computer and caused this problem? Also it take awhile to get into overdrive. The previous owner said it was a computer problem because the elecric selenoids in trans have all been changed. What do you think?
Posted 2009-08-09 6:19 AM (#109171 - in reply to #109167) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
When I bought our Ford SD, I was told that the torque converter was the "weakest link" in its drive train durability when towing a trailer. I installed a shift kit which changes the spring tension and two of the valves in the valve body. This firms up the shifts and reduces the amount of slippage during shifts. I also installed synthetic transmission oil and a Bully Dog engine module. The module also changes the shifting schedules, and reduces the amount of torque converter usage. With these additions and using moderate driving techniques, I have been fortunate to enjoy absolute drive train reliability.
If you are having a flashing OD light, erratic shifting, and a torque converter that isn't slipping, I would suspect that the electrical controlling of the transmission is faulty. It is computer controlled, and is affected and changed by a module exchange. The module controlls the solenoids which control the transmission. These can wear and occasionally can be faulty.
We have some experts in this forum that can probably help you with trouble shooting . Hogtownboss is our resident expert, checks in often and is deeply into the truck repair business. Retento has more knowledge than most of us combined. Many of our forum members are also members of specific truck groups, which specialize in these problems. I'm sure you'll get some specific information shortly.
When was the last time that the pan was pulled, and the filter and fluid were changed?
Posted 2009-08-09 7:55 AM (#109173 - in reply to #109167) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
First off, when the OD light on the end of the shifter starts to blink, that means the computer has senses a problem and has set a "code". The trans is going into a "limp" mode in which it raises hydraulic line pressure in order to prevent slipping. It is common for the convertor clutch to go bad.
How many miles?
I'd really recommend bringing it to a trans shop, or a dealer and have them diagnose the problem. Be warned though, a full high quality rebuild on the E4OD is minimum of $3000...Ford offers a rebuilt with a 100k warranty in the $3k area. Other high performance rebuilds, like BTS are $4k and up.
The torque convertor in my "96 started slipping at about 100k miles. I purchased an aftermarket convertor and installed it myself...for about $700. It was still going strong when I sold it with 200k miles.
It could be something as simple as the solenoid pack being bad...but you'll need to have a professional look at it.
Posted 2009-08-09 12:17 PM (#109175 - in reply to #109167) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by stacyj on 2009-08-09 12:00 AM I have '97 Ford F350 7.3 powerstroke 2 whl. dr. with auto transmission. When I put it in gear it goes harder than it should. It feels like the torque converter is always pulling. When setting at stop lights you have to really hold the brakes , because its always pulling. You can unplug the computer and plug it back up and it runs fine for about 10 - 20 miles, then starts pulling again. The overdrive light on the shifter is always blinking , could this be causing this? Or, could someone ( previous owner ) have put a chip in the computer and caused this problem? Also it take awhile to get into overdrive. The previous owner said it was a computer problem because the elecric selenoids in trans have all been changed. What do you think?
Only 2 things cause this problem! Have you had someone put a scanner on your truck? If not get it check for codes and you are going to find either the selenoide pack in the transmission or the abs sensor on the rear end housing. Since you said the pervious owner has done the selenoide pack I would see if they have the papers to confirm this and find out when it was done..... The abs sensor is only a $15. to $20. part and there is a 8/10mm bolt holding it on the top side of the read end housing above the drive shaft. The code will tell you for sure what to check. I have had a few trucks with the same problem and they all have been the same results, either pack in tranny or abs deal..... Both act the same way when going bad. The tranny fix is about $350. or so and the other is under $25. down here!
BEWARE of people who want you to do a full transmission job!
This is is NOT NEEDED! I have been messing with these type trucks for some time now and have NEVER had to do a full transmission, even putting a mild chip or programmer on them!
Posted 2009-08-09 1:43 PM (#109177 - in reply to #109167) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
This will may not fix your problem, but I would get the codes read and then add an extra quart of oil to the pan. If your getting some internal leakage somewhere it may not be supplying enough oil to release the converter. I have also had a cam sensor code in engine cause me trans problems. Cleared the codes and the problem went away. If the extra quart works you may get away with it for a while, but start doing your homework. I recomend Brians Truck Shop in Lead Hill Arkansas.
Posted 2009-08-10 9:13 AM (#109214 - in reply to #109167) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Veteran
Posts: 198 Location: Iowa
Head over here and post your problem. You will get tons of answers from people who really,, really know these trucks. It is the most helpful Power Stroke forum I've ever been too. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums Scroll down to "Diesels" and click on the forum for your specific truck year.
Posted 2009-08-10 10:33 AM (#109215 - in reply to #109167) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Like I said in an earlier post! I know these diesel trucks VERY WELL!
They need to get the codes pulled and will find out that more than likely they will need an ABS sensor or worst case the pack in the transmission. They stated that the pervious owner had replaced this! But who knows for sure, without talking to the actual person that done the work.(they could have done a patch job to get it down the road and told the customer that the replace the pack) There is now way to tell since the pack is covered with tranny fuild, so pulling the pan will show nothing!
Posted 2009-08-10 12:23 PM (#109222 - in reply to #109221) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Right now nope! I have a few coming in Friday, 1-99 Ford F-250 regular cab 7.3L, auto, air with 149-k miles, 1-00 same truck with 95-k miles, and 3-04's same trucks with the 6.0's with 125-k to 138-k miles. All run and drive great, but they are all plain GREEN color! Should have a couple of 97 and 99 X-cab with higher miles in white also.
Posted 2009-08-14 4:36 PM (#109393 - in reply to #109167) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
I ended up buying 4 total, sold 2 right away to a guy I was bidding against, so I have 2 left.
The 2003 I have on ebay now with a 125-k miles, the 2004 with 136-k miles I am driving for the weekend at least! (it is full of fuel).
Posted 2009-08-16 11:56 AM (#109440 - in reply to #109417) Subject: RE: POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by hounddog on 2009-08-15 7:15 AM
Guy bidding against you bought the 7.3s didn't he? Avoided the 6.0s? Wonder why.
No actually he bought the 99 with the 7.3 (149-k miles) and one of the 2003 with the 6.0L's with a 105-k miles and no tail gate! He did not avoid the 6.0 motor so that rules out the 6.0 wondering! But he did give as much for the 99 as he did for the 2003! ($5000.each)
Then on Friday the same guy (dealer) bought a 2004 crew cab F-250 that I bought on Friday at another auction. It also had the 6.0 engine with 181-k miles and it brought $6000.!
POWERSTROKE TRANNY PROBLEMS
