E40D Question

RANOVRU

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So Im about two weeks into having my truck and so far so good for the most part.

The guy I bought from told me the only "issue" with the truck was that you had to start out with OD off, and manually take it in and out from there as needed. Basically if you try and start out in OD it acts as if you were trying to start out in 4th gear and it obviously wont move. Hit the OD Off button and you feel it nudge a little like bumping into gear. From there and throughout any driving with or w/o load its fine, no problems whatsoever. The guy had it for a year and claimed to have been driving it in its current condition towing a lot more than I am. He also said he had changed the trans fluid/filter the day before I bought it.

Also, the OD light on the end of the column has been blinking since day one, which he said was because of the OD issue. According to him he checked with a mechanic friend who claimed it was a mechincal sensor in the tranny and that to pull it out and replace it you might as well rebuild the whole thing. Just keep driving it. Again he claimed that it had been like this for a year.

Now, a couple of times randomly the blinking OD light has stopped and acts as its supposed to, on when OD's off & off when its on. The tranny still worked the same as far as having to use the OD button as mentioned above but it shifted a lot smoother. Normally with the blinking OD the trans would shift firmer. Not excessive, but definately firmer. When the light works as its supposed to its caddy smooth, but again not to an excessive point i.e. no slipping. When this occurance has happend it hasnt lasted more than a few minutes and then it goes back to blinking and firm.

Well today, for basically the last half of the day its been in caddy mode, which personally is fine with me as far as drivablillity, lol.


Anyone have any input on diagnosis?? If Im living on borrowed time Id at least like to try and start getting prepared...
 

Compu Doc

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Go to a tranny shop and have them pull the codes. The OD light flashing is a tranny problem. A tranny shop will tell you whats wrong and if you do not like what they tell you you might want a second opinion, take it to another shop. In the meantime don't drive it if you don't need to because all your going to do is make it worse and it will cost you more.

If they say it needs to be rebuilt make sure you get a good warranty, not just 12 months or 12,000 miles. Jasper warranties their transmissions a lot longer.
 

Kevin 007

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Be sure that the big harness plug on the passenger side of the trans is in great shape. Sounds like you could have few wiring gremlins.

It is incredible what these trannies will or won't do with faulty wiring!
 

david85

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How clearly do your speedometer and tachometer read?

I agree 110% about getting the codes read. Its trying to tell you something LOL
 

RANOVRU

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Thanks for the replies guys!

Unfortunately Ill have to keep driving it some because its my only vehicle, but Ill try to limit it obviously.

Tach and speedo are spot on from what I can tell.

I talked to the guy earlier tonight & he said perhaps its the tranny "getting a little better" since the fluid/filter change?? Or at least trying to get back to normal.

I kinda want to drive it a little more just to see if the blinking light/firmer shifts come back.

Anyone know if the scanner from a auto parts store will work or will it have to be "shop grade"?
 

RANOVRU

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Go to a tranny shop and have them pull the codes. The OD light flashing is a tranny problem. A tranny shop will tell you whats wrong and if you do not like what they tell you you might want a second opinion, take it to another shop. In the meantime don't drive it if you don't need to because all your going to do is make it worse and it will cost you more.

If they say it needs to be rebuilt make sure you get a good warranty, not just 12 months or 12,000 miles. Jasper warranties their transmissions a lot longer.




If the light doesnt start blinking again, or come on, will it show any codes??
 

david85

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Unless you clear the codes with a reader or unlpug the transmission computer, the codes should still be stored.
 

Compu Doc

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If the light doesnt start blinking again, or come on, will it show any codes??

Yes it will show the codes. My OD light was not flashing even though I was having trans problems and the codes were their. A tranny shop will probably scan it for free and will have the right equipment to scan the codes. Don't wait to long to get the codes read.
 

icanfixall

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AAMCO will scan for free. This is something you need to fix now. Or you will be replacing the trans. That will cost around $2000.00 and up... these are great transmissions but they need to be taken care of. The other owner didn't do you any favors by continuing to run the truck with those problems.
 

brdmh44

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I have the E4OD service manual, if you'd like a copy, please PM me with your email address. Thanks!
 

RANOVRU

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For anyone whos still interested, another possible piece to the puzzle. I checked the trans fluid today and it was below the "do not drive" level in the service manual. I added what I had on hand (free) and was told would be compatable (a dextron II). After it was topped off I took it up the road and I was back to blinking OD light and firm shifts.

Im beggining to the think "caddy mode" wasnt a good thing. Again the firm shifts arent at all excessive.
 

biggin92

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well if it is shifting firm that means the clutches are not wearing as much as normal so it is not a bad thing however you either have a stuck solenoid or a crappy connection somewhere . If it does have a bad solenoid don't freak out just pull the pan and remove the bolts that hold the solenoid pack,unplug the connector and pull the pack out, then install the new one, put the pan back on and filler back up and see what it does. and if you have to pull the pan do yourself a favor in the future and buy the drain plug kit and install it while you have the pan out , and do not over tighten the pan bolts.
 

brdmh44

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Manual sent! If you scroll down a few pages, you will find the diagnostic section. Within the diagnostic section, you will locate the section that tells you how to "read" the blinking O/D light. It will then tell you what each "blink" code is.

I still recommend checking the plugs that go into the sides of the transmission, I have witnessed loose plugs cause more issues than anything else. More than likely some half assed mechanic who didn't take the time to remove the plugs properly pried them off - now allowing them to not latch tightly and causing a weak connection. I recently ran into this problem with one of my trucks. I ended up using a zip tie to secure the plug until I come across another trans harness.

Best of luck! and if you have anymore questions about the issue or what the manual says, please feel free to PM me.
 

RANOVRU

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Ok I finally got by a local tranny shop to check the codes. Came back with a tps code and converter code. They said the tps sensor could be adjusted and worst case replaced but that's small potatoes compared to tthe converter. Converter needs to be replaced according to them and when I explained the having to start off in overdrive issue they recommended replacing/rebuilding the tranny. Said that just putting in a converter and then having the trans blow apart will basically destroy the new converter.

They gave me a price of 2,400 for a complete rebuild, new HD converter, and labor, along with a 2 day turnaround time.

Does anyone have any other advice? I already priced a ATS rebuild kit but that's out of my ability to do myself. The place I went today said they'd put in another trans from elsewhere but obviously with no warranty. If they rebuild it it would come with a 12/12 warranty.

Anymore help either in the direction of a good deal or repair would he greatly appreciated.
 

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