4r100 Shifting problems

skytrooper82 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2012, 05:16 PM

This problem started when I was towing my travel trailer in the Gila Forest. I was going through up some pretty steep hills. Transmission gets into the amber portion of the factory gauge. I let it cool. I don't think it should have got to the temp it did. I was only towing about 8k lbs. Going home, it wouldn't shift 2-3 or 3-4. I limped it home(180miles). I starting doing my research. This weekend I look for a VSS(never find it). I check OSS and TSS. They are within specs according to my Ford CD. I pull Solenoid pack. I check resistance and they are within spec(my gut tells me it is still the solenoids acting up when they are hot). I take all valves out of valve body and they look fine. I adjusted the TRS on the side of the transmission. The only thing I have not checked is the PCM and that bugar is expensive.
I had taken for a test drive this morning before doing anything. It shifted and ran fine until it got to normal operating temperature. Then it went to hell again(typical electric motor/solenoid symptoms).
Any suggestions out there?????

naraptor · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2012, 05:28 PM

Have you checked line pressures (park,drive1,2,3) cold and hot?

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shilo4730 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2012, 03:38 PM

I'm kind of having the same problem. I was towing my 5th wheel and probably going to fast. I was beginning to go up the mountians and transmission would no shift up or down, seemed like it was in safe mode. I pulled to the side of highway and saw fluid coming from the trans pump seal. Was able to add more fluid and make to campground and back home. Once home transmission worked find no leaks. Replaced fluid and added another cooler. Two years later, same trip, transmission does it again without the fluid loss, never got to hot. The funny thing is it happened at the exact same spot on the highway. I was told I needed a complete rebuild to a new solenoid pack or motor problems. I'm curious to find out what your probem is. Tried to reproduce the problem locally, but unable, too. Local shop hooked a scanner and found nothing while driving it.

skytrooper82 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2012, 07:49 AM

I was working this week and got back under the truck early this morning. I replaced the solenoid pack. I took it for a test drive and it seems to be worse?????? Would not shift 1-2. I had to manually shift with shifter and when it did shift it was VERY firm, which is unusual for this truck. I attempted to pull codes and there was a 0781(1-2 shift). This leads me back to same trouble shooting procedures which is a pinpoint A test on the ford CD. It has a new solenoid pack. I have not checked line pressure. Don't have a pressure gauge yet. I did clear codes and take for another drive. No codes and still doing the same thing. Frustrated.

Codum · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skytrooper82

This problem started when I was towing my travel trailer in the Gila Forest. I was going through up some pretty steep hills. Transmission gets into the amber portion of the factory gauge. I let it cool. I don't think it should have got to the temp it did. I was only towing about 8k lbs. Going home, it wouldn't shift 2-3 or 3-4. I limped it home(180miles). I starting doing my research. This weekend I look for a VSS(never find it). I check OSS and TSS. They are within specs according to my Ford CD. I pull Solenoid pack. I check resistance and they are within spec(my gut tells me it is still the solenoids acting up when they are hot). I take all valves out of valve body and they look fine. I adjusted the TRS on the side of the transmission. The only thing I have not checked is the PCM and that bugar is expensive.
I had taken for a test drive this morning before doing anything. It shifted and ran fine until it got to normal operating temperature. Then it went to hell again(typical electric motor/solenoid symptoms).
Any suggestions out there?????

Mine did the same thing. Mine ran fine for 15-20 minutes then quite shifting into 3rd. I called John Wood, he explained to me it was the center support that is a known issue with the ford 4r100 design. Something to do with it wearing out, a snap ring and allowing fluid to leak past when it warms up. I bet if you called him he would be glad to help you solve your problem, he talked to me 15 minutes knowing I live in Georgia and was eager to help me out. Good luck!

skytrooper82 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-16-2012, 10:35 AM

How do I get ahold of John Wood?

primetime1267 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-16-2012, 02:01 PM

Just for giggles, check your alternator (advanced does a load test for FREE).. I had very similar issues last week and my alternator was toasted and I had a bad ground cable connection.

The new alternator made my truck shift killer now.. I hope this helps bro!

primetime1267 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-16-2012, 02:07 PM

Just for giggles, check your alternator (advanced does a load test for FREE).. I had very similar issues last week and my alternator was toasted and I had a bad ground cable connection.

The new alternator made my truck shift killer now.. I hope this helps bro!