Has anyone found the answer to this problem. My erratic shifting comes and goes. It seems to happen after I come off the highway. When it is doing this, the transmission also sounds like it has a motor or something running in it that you can hear from quite a distance.

I love my truck but this is driving me nuts. The transmission guys just yes sirs me to death and after I get it back it keeps doing it.

Thanks for any replies.



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1994 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT V8 5.0, AC, PS, PW, PL, Tilt Wheel, Cruise, AM/FM Stereo Cassette, ABS, Bed Liner, Optional Fuel Tank, Towing Pkg, Green/Beige Two-Tone Paint, Premium Wheels

 

Tim_1911,

From experience and agreeing with other members I would bet on the shifter poisition senor/switch whatever you wish to call it.

Its on the drivers side of the tranny. My 94' model had the same problem. It would bark the tires changing to second gears it got so bad.

Luckily a buddy I work with had a buddy who owns a transmission shop. ( Thanks to Betsiill Transmission Service, Forest Park GA !! ) These guys hooked up a code scanner and within one day I was fixed and had my filter and fluids changed for less than $135.00!

Doing it yourself my prove difficult if the code is not cleared. I also remember something about the new unit's wiring was slightly different from my older one. ( Maybe the wiring caused the failure...Just a guess ).

Hope this helps!

 

So Pre-Runner, can you explain what it was that they replaced? What trans did you have?

 

Mike,

What the part does is let the computer know what position the trans is in. I just read something in a consumer reports type book in a local book store. It spoke of a bulletin on this but did not list any numbers. If you look on the driver's side of the transmission where the shifter cables connects you'll see this switch. My trans is the E4OD.

Later
Pre-Runner

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94 F-150 XL, 4.9L, Ext. Cab, 2WD, 3.08 limited slip, towing package, HD Cooling (ex-fleet vehicle) Upgrades: Leveling Coils, Extended Length Shocks, 30x9.50 BFGs, Powerstroke Front Bumper, Custom Front Seats - console, Side Steps, Extang Tonno cover, Bushwacker Extend-A-Fender flares, AVS-Side Shades: Hood Protector: Step Guards: Rear Visor: Vent Shades, Bedliner. 130K and still going strong!

 

Pre-Runner,
Thanks for the info. As my shifting has gotten better, for the moment, I haven't had it checked yet. When I do get to the tranny shop, I'll ask them to check that sensor.

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1994 F150, 302 V8, Flowmaster, K&N FIPK

 

Hey Tim,

I took my truck into the transmission guy again today. He took it for a ride and says that maybe, JUST MAYBE, that I need a new valve body to stop the bumping into second gear. Did you ever get yours straightened out? I will let you know about mine as soon as they put the new valve body in.

I will scan in a picture too.

On another note, what do you guys think about the super chip. I can buy one here in Massachusetts for $300. Is it worth it?



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1994 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT V8 5.0, AC, PS, PW, PL, Tilt Wheel, Cruise, AM/FM Stereo Cassette, ABS, Bed Liner, Optional Fuel Tank, Towing Pkg, Green/Beige Two-Tone Paint, Premium Wheels

 

You guys might also check the Rear Wheel Speed Sensor, if RABS-equipped. My '92 just had the sensor go bad. Before really becoming noticible (speedo went berzerk!) the shifts from 1st to 2nd were harsh. After the speedo went berzerk, none of the shifts were too spiffy. The wheel sensor tells both the ABS computer and the main computer how fast the rear axle is going. This info is passed on to the E4OD, which will malfunction if it gets erratic speed sensor readings.

Just another thing to check...Good luck!

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Tom Kenney
WORK: tomk@bearcomp.com
PLAY: tom@fluxtech.com

My truck, Sparky, is a 1992 F-150 XLT SuperCab shortbed 4x4, 302, 3.55 LS, 31"x10.5" Dunlop Radial Rovers, silver-on-black two-tone paint. MODS: K&N Filter, Rancho Steering Damper, Duraliner

Sparky's Page

 

So has anyone had there problem fixed? Still looking to get to the root of the problem. The valve body or the transmission range sensor???

 

Well I dropped my truck off this morning and they are supposed to be putting in a new valve body. Can someone tell me if they have to drop the transmission to do this. I will let you know the results after I get the truck back.

On another note, what is the criteria for having a tow package. How can I tell if I actually have it. I put in a transmission cooler myself and a reese hitch. I didn't see any heavy duty wires anywhere in the back of the truck.

Thanks, Joe Harris

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1994 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT V8 5.0, AC, PS, PW, PL, Tilt Wheel, Cruise, AM/FM Stereo Cassette, ABS, Bed Liner, Optional Fuel Tank, Towing Pkg, Green/Beige Two-Tone Paint, Premium Wheels

 

I finally took my truck to the shop on Monday. So far they say all the sensors/electronics check out fine and it set no codes. Today they are going inside to check a shift solenoid and something else. If that's the problem, it still should be small dollars. After all this time a new symptom developed last week that prompted me to get to the shop. Driving about 55 it downshifted or went to neutral for just a split second. Did it only once and then was fine. I'll post the results as soon as I get the bill.

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1994 F150 XLT Supercab, 302 V8, E4OD, MSD 5200, Flowmaster 40 series, K&N FIPK

 

Got it fixed. When they dropped the valve body they found the 1-2 shift spring ( not sure if that's what they called it or not ) in four pieces. One new $4.95 spring and it shifts like new. I got out for around $200 including a new tranny filter and fluid.

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1994 F150 XLT Supercab, 302 V8, E4OD, MSD 5200, Flowmaster 40 series, K&N FIPK

 

I got my truck back last night from the tranny guy. He said they sent him the wrong valve body so he took my out and cleaned (sanded) it up and put it back in until they send him a new one. I just drove it home so I don't know if that fixed it or not. Will know more after this weekend because I will be towing my boat and camper on the highway. I will repost on Tuesday. Have a nice long weekend.



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1994 Ford F-150 4X4 XLT V8 5.0, AC, PS, PW, PL, Tilt Wheel, Cruise, AM/FM Stereo Cassette, ABS, Bed Liner, Optional Fuel Tank, Towing Pkg, Green/Beige Two-Tone Paint, Premium Wheels