E4OD Problems - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Jac4387 · 10-18-2003, 18:01

I have a 1990 F-150 4.9L with a e4od tranny ,97,000k . when shifting from 2nd to 3rd sometimes it just revs up high, and takes a long time to shift, and shifts hard. can anyone help me? ive heard alot of bad things about this tranny.

'92BigBronco · 10-18-2003, 19:41

The E4OD is a great tranny and is very strong...which is why Ford used it in all V8 applications including the Powerstroke diesel. If it can take the torque of the diesel, it can't be all bad. As long as you maintain it properly, it'll last a long time.

Regarding your problem, I'd start with checking your fluid level. If the fluid level is ok, it may be time to drop the pan and change your filter and put in fresh tranny fluid. While you're at it, drain the torque converter by removing the rubber dust cover in the bellhousing to get to the drain plug in the TC. You may have to bump the engine over to rotate the TC to get to the drain plug.

If that doesn't solve your problem, the dealer is your best bet as the shifts, line pressure, torque converter lockup, etc. are all computer controlled so diagnostics can be difficult without the proper equipment.

351w · 10-18-2003, 21:38

yes with 97,000 miles it is past due for a complete fluid change.
when the fluid is spent you will first start to notice a slipping feeling between shifts and that is what you described.
make sure to replace the filter with the fluid change and drain the torque converter.
it will take about 13 qts of new fluid to replace all fluid in it.
if you dont have a drain plug on the converter you will have to change the fluid twice or drill a hole in the converter then plug the hole.

'92BigBronco · 10-18-2003, 22:01

The refill capacity depends on whether or not it's a 2wd or 4wd as the 4wd model has a deeper pan for increased capacity to help keep the tranny cool when offroading.

The best bet is to go by the dipstick and prevent an overfill.

351w · 10-18-2003, 22:19

this is true 92 big bronco,
i guess i should be more specific in my posts.
problem is i forgot how tuff you are!

always go by the dipstick to check the level and prevent an overfill.
the point i was trying to make is it will take more than a case of quart bottles to fill a completely empty trans even if it is a 2 wd model.
i think the 4wd model requires 2 additional quarts.

the owners manual will have exact fill quantities listed.

'92BigBronco · 10-18-2003, 22:30

LOL, I don't mean anything by it but some people don't know any better. If you tell someone 13 quarts....they'll just dump it in there and think nothing of it then wonder why they're blowing foamy fluid out the fill tube. Only trying to help!