Teeth-Jaring Shift Into 3rd

[TexasAggie09]

Howdy Yall,
Transmission in my truck has about 30k miles on it. It was replaced by a Ford certified mechanic (not Ford) and came with the warranty. For issues outside my control, I can't get any warranty work done on it so I've lived with this problem since September 09. All gears shift fine except when I'm heavy on the accelerator, the truck slams into 3rd gear and it feels like I've been rear-ended. Happens on any tune including stock. Mechanic thought maybe a broken spring allowing the oil to hit the plate all at once. Any ideas or validation? I can't afford to spend $1000 fixing this but I'm willing to entertain other ideas. Thanks!

[leojr]

I'll be watching this thread too! I have a 'new to me' with 140k miles with the same very hard 3rd gear shift. I can get it to ease into it if I do a lot of backing off the foot feed but the transmission likes to hang in 3rd for a long time. And then 4rth and OD kick in very quick.

[ipz2222]

broken springs in the accumulator valve body, front of trans.

[leojr]

Originally Posted by ipz2222

broken springs in the accumulator valve body, front of trans.

Is this an easy repair? I presume drop the pan for access with common tools?

Thanks!

[ipz2222]

Not bad if you kn ow what your'e doing. Can be a headache if you don't. ie,, gasket breaks pulling the v body down., can't get the end plug out, there's 4 valves, which one is which?

[CT Performance, Inc.]

You could get a BTS or JW VB and be done with it...

[STROKED_NY_023]

Accumulator valve sticking or spring broken, a shift kit will help with this issue. Or as CT said a new VB. If you go the shift kit route go with a Transgo Tugger kit. Not to super hard to install just need to be very clean.

E4OD Transgo shift kit install - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

[leojr]

Thanks for the response and link Stroked_NY_023!!

What are the sensors the trans uses to determine shift points and firmness? My VSS was completly void of shavings or gunk but I'll change it anyway. I cleaned the connection to the gear selected assembly but will cange that too if it will help. Any other sensors or inputs I can troubleshoot or eliminate before a pure mechanical approach (like changing accumulator or valve body) is taken?

Thanks!

[STROKED_NY_023]

E4OD is completly computer controlled. Shifting is based on vss and pressures measured by the solenoid pack. Carefully check over your harness for bare wires, check plug end, check fluid... Is there OD light flash at all?

[STROKED_NY_023]

Also what is your email, I have a E4OD Service and Repair Manual in PDF format I can send you...