This is a wildass guess - maybe the tranny fluid temperature sensor is flaky? The PCM won't allow lockup till the fluid reaches a certain temperature.

 

Speed sensor could be going kerfuddle on you also... long shot guess too... I am baffled at the moment. Easier if I were hands on with it lol

 

well jay, its been everywhere.

ford can't solve it, but acknowledge the problem. so does 3 other shops.

Its been norrowed doen to most likely the computer. this is where the fingers of about 6 people are pointing.

The patterns of the wrong torque converter operation are far to pronounced. it seems like its programmed to do what its doing.

i can get it to lock and un-lock about 5 times before it won't lock back up.

if i get off the highway, and go right back on it.....the same thing happens.

5 times is about all i get before no lock up.

its going to another ford dealer tomorrow. But now i must go and try this transmision range sensor the friendly tranny man gave to me. its mint. he said its off a practically brand new tranny with far worse issues TRS.

gunna try it now.

I'll keep this post updated on what happens.

i got 6 mechanics dying to know what it is too when it is found.

i'm gunna start before i find it....

 

no luck with the TRS....

I'm getting sick of this ****.

see what the next ford dealer says tomorrow.....
and if no straight answers, the computer is getting replaced.

 

The truck is at ford now.

I took the Tech out and showed him exactly what its doing.

He is stumped as well, but is saying he's not going to quite till he finds it.

He's awaiting a call from ford engineering.

It has a patteren. the TC will unlock or lock about 5 times before it acts up.

this is really random.

again, I'll keep you poseted.

 

Do you happen to know the computer cach code for your truck? mIne is an SVB2 for example.

Darrin

 

Darrin,

No i do NOT know the cache code.

How do i find it, and why do you ask?

Are you on to something?

 

Not onto something, just wanted to look through the program and see what does what.

The code can be found on a white sticker about 1x2 inches usually on a door jamb and/or on the computer itself.

Darrin

 

the sticker says "TFB1"

Thanks again darrin for any input.

still awaiting a call from ford.

I have my truck, but its not fixed, they are contacting an engineering department.

 

I didn't see your post glc,

its not the temp sensor. its output is accurate.

 

If it were me, I would have my scan tool in hand and be watching the inputs from the MLPS, OSS, ECT, TFT, MAF, TPS and maybe even the brake switch.

I wouldn't think it's a PCM issue since it does have a lockup command that works and you have been told that when the problem happens that the computer isn't commanding lockup.

I would be looking for intermittant glitches via a datalog and watching to see exactly what changes when the computer calls for the TCC to lock or unlock the converter. I would look to see if it was a sudden unlock and relock or normally modulated.

A datalogging scan tool would be invaluable here for a tech and Ford has that ability. I don't know why engineering would need to be involved unless the data showed no reason at all for lockup misbehavior. Even then, my first move would be to reflash the PCM if the locks and unlocks were normally modulated and maybe a PCM swap if they were sudden and unmodulated.

They can also watch to see what called for an unlock. The hardware has that capability.

In other words, with the right tools and understanding of how to use them, this shouldn't take a battery of degrees to sort out. One good tech should be able to handle it. The problem here is that this is the internet. Several of us may have the right tools and understanding, but without the vehicle we are totally guessing.

Best of luck with it and I hope they resolve the problem quickly.

Darrin

 

I think this is the issue. I've induced the misbehavior of the TC while the tech had his scan tool hooked up. its been flashed......they know something is wrong, but not sure what. This dealer in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada seems to be the most promising so far. Atleast they aren't trying to get me out the door by saying its fine, like the others.

they have spent hours on it.

I'm actually getting a deal, because thay are stumped.

3 dealers now.

I'll let you know what happens........

 

So ford got back to me about the reply from engineering.

They stated pretty much everything that has been checked.

I give up.

I'm just going to drive er'...

**** me off that these dealers can't find whats wrong, but acknowledge the problem.

B.S if you ask me.

 

Biggoldie:

How ironic I should stumble upon your post. I've been having the SAME problem with my vehicle since last year. I've already put 30,000 miles on the thing even most tranny shops said "replace it". The really odd part is mine is NOT a Ford but a Honda. I have the exact same symptoms that you are experiencing. I can't get the TC to lock-up after the engine warms up. I can "trick it" into locking up for a few seconds by shifting from Drive to Neutral then quickly back to Drive. It locks up for 2 seconds then pops out. I've had it looked at by 3 transmission shops and all they say is "replace the transmission". I'm NOT going to replace something that works fine 99% of time and has this problem. My ECM is telling it not to lock up for one reason or another and I can't figure it out, grrrr...

I know this isn't a solution to your problem, but just wanted to let you know you aren't alone in this matter. I've almost given up and I just dealing with the loss of MPG on the highway.

 

I wish you were closer.

Darrin