Ok, so tonight I was driving home and after about 20 mins of driving, I noticed a vibrating and noise especially when the cruise was on, going up a steep incline (when it was under a steady load). And then, when I was almost home (after about 30 mins of driving), the overdrive light on the shifter started flashing. Well that scared me a bit so I pulled over and when I came to a stop with it in gear, she idled down low- to maybe about 350-400 RPMs. It felt like the torque converter had locked up, but Im not really sure. So I babied her home and it made it fine and the light stopped flashing. After I got home, I went out to start the truck again so I could check the trans fluid (which looked fine) and when I turned the key to start it and the horn beeped. Turned it again and it beeped again! I was able to get it started, and I don't know if that part has anything to do with the trans acting up, but it doesn't seem like just a coincidence. Anyway, sorry for the lengthly post, but I would really appreciate any feedback you guys have for me.

 

Dang, never heard of that one before. Curious, post back when/if you get it figured out.

Before checking the transmission fluid, yea the fluid has to be @ operating temp and with the brake applied, you run it thru every gear , up and back down again pausing a few seconds in each gear. Then you stick it. Do all this with it running and after at-least 10 miles of warm up, - 20 miles is better.

That's if you want an absolute true reading on the stick.

Good Luck

 

Btw- Mine was acting up at about 185,000 miles. In fact, it would no longer move the truck. I installed a Trans-go "tugger" shift kit and flushed the trans, - refilled w/Amsoil synthetc after cleaning the accumulator body spotless.

Trans now has 310,000 miles on it and haven't had a problem since.

Cost me 90 bucks for the kit, -I can't recall what the Amsoil was. That wasn't cheap, - cheaper than a trans that's for sure.

 

Thank you for the quick reply jbrew, I really hope my problem could be resolved the way yours was. About that shift kit, what exactly does that consist of and could someone with a moderate amount of mechanical knowledge install it (I'm no mechanic but I know my way around this truck pretty well). Also, when you had to replace your fluid, was there any discoloration or sludge on the dip stick because mine seems healthy but I'm 99 percent sure its never been changed, so I guess it could be part of my problem.

 

You need to get the trans codes read. When the OD light flashes, it sets codes. The scanners at the parts stores can't read them, you need a high end reader. You may just have an electrical issue.

 

Update: I went outside this morning, and in the day light, I was able to see a trail of transmission fluid in the snow that leads all the way down my driveway. I haven't had a chance to find the exact source of the leak but I'm pretty positive that its coming from a cooling line that goes to the radiator. So is it possible that I can repair the line, fill it with fluid and be on my way? Or is my tranny most likely shot?. Another question, is the fluid that runs to the small radiator the same fluid that is checked with the dip stick?

 

You may just be able to repair the line, fill it with fresh fluid and be on your way. If you are lucky! The tow package includes the extra in line trans cooler. Maybe other packages.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, I found the leak and it was a cooler line that I had fixed previously and my "hodge podge" repair failed. Go figure. It doesn't seem like it ever overheated, since I didn't drive it that far. So I'm hoping I will be able to just replenish the fluids and be on my way. Although I have now decided that I want to replace the original trams filter. I don't plan on flushing the fluid because its n good shape and a portion of it will be new when I fill it. So what I'm wondering is how much fluid will drain out if I just pull the pan? I obviously want to waste as little fluid as possible because as I just found out, it ain't cheap.

 

Pan holds 5 quarts.

With 185k, I'd highly recommend you replace it ALL - the torque converter has a drain plug. 14 quarts required for full change. The fluid may LOOK fine, but you can bet that after that many miles and years, it's no longer doing the job.

 

Ok, that does sound like it would be the smart thing to do, I know the transmission has been worked hard a its life. Now will all of the fluid drain out through the pan and drain plug or is there another method for removing all the fluid?

 

Dropping the pan and removing the TC drain plug gets all but about a quart out. Close enough.

 

Ok, cool, I'll try to get to that tomorrow and hopefully finish over the weekend. Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice!

 

Use only Mercon V fluid, and reuse the gasket when you drop the pan.

 

Ok, but I have the E4OD which calls for regular Mercon.

 

You can't get Mercon any more, it's been replaced by Mercon V. E4OD/4R100 takes 16 quarts.