The E4OD gearbox was Ford’s first electrically operated transmission, and it was introduced in 1989. This gearbox, based on the C6’s main components, was utilized in a wide range of light and heavy trucks. Even though they are physically too big to be installed in most passenger vehicles, these gearboxes are a standard upgrade for earlier trucks and other cars initially equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission.
Adding an overdrive to one of these units for your project will result in higher fuel efficiency and a better driving experience. As a bonus, this gearbox is durable, with excellent power and torque management qualities that make it a favorite option among diesel aficionados. The E4OD was made in various bolt patterns, which makes it a popular choice for swapping or upgrading to other vehicles. But it has some common e4od problems. And there are many reasons for Ford E4OD transmission overdrive problems.
It was discovered to be insufficiently weather-proof, enabling water to penetrate the connection and damage the pins, resulting in electrical difficulties and causing corrosion. As a general rule, it should be done if this sensor has not previously been replaced with an improved 1995 or later version. We will discuss some significant e40d transmission problems.
Table of Contents
How does an e4od transmission work?
For light trucks, the E40D was the company’s first electronically controlled automated vehicle. For example, the E40D gets orders from the EEC-IV integrated engine control computer, which “processes information from engine and gearbox, as well as the car itself, to find the ideal shift locations for efficiency and consistent shift feel.”
According to Ford, the transmission heat, engine speed, and altitude are all variables influencing the shift positions of the transmission. Ford stated that the E40D gearbox in the 1991 F-150 two-wheel-drive truck provided 25 percent greater fuel efficiency over the earlier C-6 transmission in the 1990 F-150.
Top Reasons for Ford E4OD Transmission Overdrive Problems
E4od Torque Converter Problems
A highly typical e4od transmission troubleshooting with the Ford E4OD automatic gearbox is this. You may be able to shift into overdrive in this issue, but you may find it challenging to do so other times. It’s also worth mentioning that the vehicle will change into overdrive after a few gears. However, it will not shift to overdrive in different ratios, leading to loud clunking sounds and a jarring jolt of the car.
It is also the source of the Torque Converter Clutch’s ongoing engagement and subsequent disengagement. The Torque Converter Clutch will be automatically repaired if the Throttle Position Sensor is repaired. It is another area in which you will need to talk with a specialist. There is also the possibility that your Throttle Position Sensor is in perfect working order.
There is a problem with a valve located in the Torque Converter Clutch in this particular instance. There are occasions when a valve’s interior diameter is more than it should be, resulting in internal leakage. The leak is the source of the valve’s back and forth malfunctioning. The repair of this leak will also resolve the occasional overdrive problem that you are now experiencing.
Solution:
Your Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) is slipping in and out of engagement while you’re driving your car or truck, and this is the source of the problem. Because of its sensitivity to malfunction, the Throttle Position Sensor experiences frequent failures. Several different components contribute to the engine’s unusually high and low revving characteristics. One of these components is the throttle body itself.
The Mass Air Flow sensor has to be changed
There’s the issue of your vehicle shaking while it’s in overdrive, which is a little less prevalent but still a concern. Even if you can effectively shift into overdrive, no matter which gear you are in, if your car suddenly begins to shake violently while you are in overdrive, you should investigate the Mass Air Flow sensor.
A quick check with the scanner confirms no misfires, although the motor is acting strangely. As the last recommendation, we urge you to thoroughly inspect the hose clamp links linked to the intake hoses to verify that they are securely fastened.
That’s the only troubleshooting method on our list that can be completed without needing a technician or the replacement of any components; therefore, we highly advise you to give it a try after taking the appropriate precautions beforehand.
Solution:
Occasionally, this problem can occur when the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) becomes clogged and needs to be cleaned. Because of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) contamination, the Throttle Position Sensor operates at maximum capacity. The Mass Air Flow Sensor will need to be removed and professionally cleaned electrically before the rest of the installation can be completed. If necessary, return it to its original location and conduct another test to determine if the problem has been resolved.
Gears Slipping When Shifting to Overdrive
If you cannot change into overdrive while running your Ford, the most likely cause is that your gears are sliding when attempting to do so. What will also happen from time to time is that you will be able to shift into all ratios except overdrive with relative ease. When driving in overdrive, speeding will force your car to jolt severely, similar to what would happen if you hit a pothole. This is one of the e4od bad shift solenoid symptoms.
To begin, check the transmission fluid. If it is apparent, you may assume that the gears are sliding. If the fluid is clear, you can go to step two. The truth is that you are unable to help yourself in this situation. The best you can do is accurately identify the problem so you can obtain a reasonable estimate of what it might cost to either repair the gears or replace the misfiring cylinder.
Solution:
These kinds of problems are frequently caused by a cylinder that isn’t firing correctly. If you’re driving in a different gear ratio, consider whether or not you’re having ford e4od transmission shifting problems into overdrive when you should. If you’re only having trouble switching to overdrive when driving at 45mph and not at a slower or faster speed, the likelihood is that one of the gears is malfunctioning and acting up in this situation.
Check out our article on Best Camshaft for 302 Ford Trucks.
Transmission fluid has to be changed
The automatic gearbox tends to develop these ford e4od transmission problems. On your dashboard, you observe an O/D off indicator. This warning light on your dashboard is accompanied by the truck’s failure to accelerate adequately. It may be difficult to restart your vehicle after stopping at a red light. Attempting to accelerate must cause the car to jolt dramatically (perhaps with a moan) and then travel highly slowly.
We highly advise that you inspect the transmission fluid before proceeding. When the transmission fluid is polluted, it is pretty usual for the sensor to behave strangely, and this is directly tied to the sensor behaving oddly. The sensor displaying the O/D off signal is an indicator that it is not operating correctly. Oil and the filter may get contaminated as a result of internal leakage.
The sensor will be set correctly almost immediately if this is checked and replaced with clean fluid. Assuming the fluid is free of contaminants, you should check the resistance of the overdrive sensor to ensure that the clutch is not sliding. If none of these examinations reveals the source of the sensor problem, your transmission may need to be disassembled.
Solution:
The presence of this indicator indicates that something is wrong with your transmission, and it is a no-brainer to have it fixed. For your transmission to be repaired properly, your technician will need to disassemble it and diagnose the issue before rebuilding it. Comparatively speaking, having your entire transmission fixed by a technician will almost certainly run into thousands of dollars. That’s nearly one-third of the original purchase price of your transmission!
E4od Towing in overdrive
Any roadway apart from a flat one is not a suitable place to tow when in overdrive. Because the engine is in a higher gear, it will produce less torque. The transmission will be overworked, resulting in fewer revolutions per minute being used. Consequently, pulling goods or downshifting to drive downhill will be more difficult for the truck or RV.
Overdrive allows the driver to “cruise” in a higher gear and get better gas efficiency, but it isn’t always the most excellent choice while towing. Overdrive gears are available on the shifters of many vehicles and RVs. However, avoid employing overdrive when towing a substantial load such as a camper, toad, or other goods over mountainous terrain.
You’ve experienced one of the perils of overdrive if you’ve ever dragged freight up an incline and noticed your vehicle’s motor bang while slowing down. You’ve strained the engine and gearbox by leaving it in a higher gear (overdrive). You could cause the engine to bog down or even die.
Using overdrive on a steep incline might also cause your gearbox to overheat. Furthermore, if you keep overdrive engaged while coasting downward, the engine may not assist you with brake control. At higher speeds, this puts more stress upon your brakes and provides you with less control.
Solution:
The owner’s handbook for your vehicle should be read. Lockout the overdrive if the instructions say it’s not safe to tow in it. If your manual permits you to tow in overdrive, you may be cautious and secure by adding a gearbox temperature gauge and monitoring it closely.
Finally, your truck may have a “Tow/Haul” switch. That switch, in many transmissions, resets your transmission’s shift points to a setting that is more suited for the additional transmission load. It may also start locking up the torque converter (to prevent heat buildup) and disable overdrive. To be safe, refer to your owner’s handbook.
FAQs
How many gears does a E4OD transmission have?
The E4OD features four forward speeds and electronic shift controls, which take the place of the hydraulic governor control system seen on the previous generation C6. The C6 valve body was redesigned, as was the rest of the valve. An extra-planetary gear set is included in the E4OD to allow for the inclusion of fourth gear and a lockup clutch in the torque converter.
How much power can a E4OD handle
When the 7.3L Power Stroke engine was introduced in 1994, the E4OD was the weakest automatic gearbox ever paired with a Power Stroke. However, it must be remembered that the E4OD was based on the C6, which was 30 years old (and initially meant just for gas engines) at the time of its introduction.
A new torque converter and steel planetaries (in most but not all units) helped Ford get its heaviest duty automatic transmission ready for the 7.3L Power Stroke. The stock E4OD will last a long time as long as the 7.3L Power Stroke is not changed. It can, however, be killed with extreme usage at the standard 210 horsepower and 425 pound-feet.
Conclusion
So, we’ve covered all of the ford e4od transmission overdrive problems that have arisen throughout the years in one post. However, the gear for driving a cable-driven speedometer is not carved into the output shaft of all E4OD gearboxes. Ford began employing the differential speed sensor to operate the digital speedometer in trucks in 1992, and the drive gear was removed from the output shaft at that time.
Transmissions without a gear may have the output shaft replaced; however, a total transmission disassembly is necessary since the output shaft is located in the rear and the gearbox is disassembled from the front. It will be required to have a trained technician for common e4od problems to replace your transmission if it has failed. We hope that by providing you with this information, you will proceed with confidence in your car-buying endeavors.
