E4OD won't move from stop in D

MikeT68

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Hello all, this is my first post here. I have a 1992 F250 4wd w/ 7.3IDI and E4OD. The transmission has developed a problem in that it will not start from a full stop in "D" If I shift to 1 or 2 it will start and I can immediately shift to D as soon as it is rolling (as in <5mph) and it runs fine, shifts fine. Just last week I took a trip over a 1000 miles almost all interstate and it ran perfectly, other than not starting to move in D. I had it in a transmission shop that I have used before and trust and the mechanic tried to hook up the ODB I reader to get codes and he could not get it to connect. He told me that the port was not grounded properly and he could not do anything without being able to read the codes. He sent me to a diesel shop that has a very good reputation and the electrical guy there told me that the OBD connection was working fine. Haven't been able to get the truck back into the transmission shop because they are too backed up. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with the E4OD or has any ideas/suggestions.

Thanks
 

Brian VT

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I have no experience with the E4OD but I recently had to replace the neutral safety switch on my C6.
Might be that? Easy fix (on the C6). It might even only need adjusting.
 

quickster

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Like Brian said, check the neutral safety switch. While down there check the linkage You never know.Welcome!
 

MikeT68

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Thanks for the responses.

The shifter is tight and the brake lights work. I may have misstated a little when I said "will not start in D" What I meant is that it will not move from a standstill in D.

I thought the neutral safety switch prevented the motor from being started if the transmission was not in park or neutral. What function does it play after the engine is already running?
 

yARIC008

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Never heard of this problem. Could it be the torque converter somehow? Does the fluid look and smell ok?
 

MikeT68

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I checked the fluid just after the problem developed, it looked clean and did not smell burnt but it was down about a quart. I topped it off and it did not make any difference
 

Greenie

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There's not much of a computer on these trucks - I used a Walmart purchased reader that plugs in under the hood and the flashes of the LED are counted for diagnosis. Is that what the transmission shop used?
 

quickster

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when you put it in D, it might not be engaged. check the linkage for slop or bad bushings.
 

captain720

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How is the needle alignment? Did the needle slip and somehow it’s off to where D is now neutral? Just a thought
 

trackspeeder

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OD OFF light dimly lit? If so check the TCM for power. The tranny is trying to start in a higher gear. Most of the time its a failed TCM relay.
 

Nero

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And in worse case scenario, a shorted out TCM. Make sure it hasn't gotten wet from a rain water leak.
 

david85

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OD OFF light dimly lit? If so check the TCM for power. The tranny is trying to start in a higher gear. Most of the time its a failed TCM relay.
That was going to be my guess, but it sounds like he still has all 4 gears and lockup. I almost wonder if it's a line pressure issue.

@MikeT68 :

1. Can you confirm that all 4 gears and torque converter lockup are still working normally, once you're above 5mph?
2. Does the transmission try to drop into 1st gear if you add some throttle while stopped and in "D"?
3. Can you confirm that you have manual 1st and 2nd gear?
4. Is engagement from Neutral or Park normal? (harsh or soft?)
 

MikeT68

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1. Can you confirm that all 4 gears and torque converter lockup are still working normally, once you're above 5mph?
Yes, once rolling I can immediately shift into "D" and it will work fine, seems to shift through all four gears, doesn't over rev at highway speeds and I can slow down to a slow roll and then accelerate again, as long as I don't come to a complete stop

2. Does the transmission try to drop into 1st gear if you add some throttle while stopped and in "D"?
No, just revs if I give throttle while stopped in "D"

3. Can you confirm that you have manual 1st and 2nd gear?

Yes, both 1st and 2nd gear work properly if I shift manually, truck will move with shifter in 1 or 2 and then shift through gears fine

4. Is engagement from Neutral or Park normal? (harsh or soft?)

Not sure what you mean by soft engagement, it is definitely not harsh, but I can feel a solid engagement

The OD light on the shifter is not on, however if I press the button on the end of the shifter while driving it does shift out of OD and back in with another press. The comments about the TCM are interesting. That is something that I can check.


thanks for all the comments, a lot to look at
 

trackspeeder

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That was going to be my guess, but it sounds like he still has all 4 gears and lockup. I almost wonder if it's a line pressure issue.

@MikeT68 :

1. Can you confirm that all 4 gears and torque converter lockup are still working normally, once you're above 5mph?
2. Does the transmission try to drop into 1st gear if you add some throttle while stopped and in "D"?
3. Can you confirm that you have manual 1st and 2nd gear?
4. Is engagement from Neutral or Park normal? (harsh or soft?)


It could be a line pressure problem. There could be internal issues going on if the line pressure is good.
 
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