Troubleshooting the E4OD and 4R100E Transmission (2024)

The flashing OD light is an indication of a transmission related trouble code in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When it has a trouble code related to the transmission it usually commands full line pressure to try to protect the transmission from damage. Normally this is caused by a transmission slip code. Have your computer scanned to see what transmission codes are stored. If it is a torque converter slip code keep in mind it could be stored from converter clutch slippage, or slippage in another transmission clutch pack.

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You could put the AOD in your truck, but it would be a fairly involved process. Your engine may not continue to run properly without the transmission connected to the Powertrain control module (PCM). You would also need to adapt shifter linkage and TV linkage to the AOD transmission. For the shifter linkage you could use parts from the AOD equipped 302 engined truck, but for the TV cable this would not be a suitable donor vehicle because the TV cable has to go to the throttle body which is much different on the 6 cylinder pickup than on the 302 pickup.

If you want to go with the AOD you could possibly change your trucks PCM to one from a 6 cylinder manual transmission equipped truck. This would keep the engine from having problems due to the electronic transmission being disconnected.

The reason for your repeat problems could be due to the factory control strategy for this transmission. Most references recommend updating to a 1994 level PCM after completing a rebuild on an early E4OD. You could also change over to our Baumannator TCS to run your E4OD to eliminate the problems in the factory controller. Just like with the AOD swap, this may cause some problems for your engine that could be addressed with a swap to a manual trans PCM. We have a detailed FAQ on using the TCS in a Vehicle Factory Equipped with an electronic transmission.

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The most likely cause for the problem you describe is a bad manual lever position sensor (MLPS). The MLPS is also called a transmission range sensor (TRS). The problem is mainly related to water intrusion from a poor connector seal. Ford sells an update kit that comes with a new Range sensor, and an updated connector with an improved seal. The Ford part number for the update kit is F5TZ-7A247-AA. Your local Ford Dealer will sell this for around $100.00. You can order this sensor update package from us for $75.00.

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You could put C6 gears in the transmission, but this would actually reduce the RPM in first and second, and give no change in 3rd or 4th. The most likely cause for the increased RPM would be a torque converter clutch that is not engaging.

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Your first step should be to scan the computer for trouble codes. If the computer detects slippage in the transmission it will increase line pressure to maximum to try to stop the slip and protect the transmission. This results in a very firm shift. The problem with third gear is probably why the line pressure has been increased.

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The answer depends on the transmission that is in your truck now. The 1993 5.0 liter F Series Pickup could actually have an AOD or the E4OD. If your truck has an E4OD now then the E4OD from the 5.8 liter application should work fine. If your truck is currently equipped with the AOD you would need our Baumannator TCS transmission control system to use the E4OD.

The easiest way to tell what transmission is in your truck is that the E4OD shifter pattern would be 1 - 2 - OD with an overdrive cancel button, and the AOD shifter pattern would be 1 - D - OD with no overdrive cancel button.

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That would probably be an EPC circuit failure. If this circuit fails line pressure should go to full at all times. The full line pressure puts a good deal of extra load on the engine, and will usually effect the idle. It is especially noticeable if your engine is already in need of a tuneup. You will need to check the electronic pressure control solenoid and its wiring. Either of these could be causing the EPC code.

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It sounds like your intermediate clutch pack has worn out. It is barely gripping, and cannot engage under load, but once the load decreases it can engage. It is easier for the clutch pack to hold than it is for it to engage initially so this is a common first sign of problems. It is also possible that to get this feeling from an E4OD that is skipping second gear completely and going to third due to a worn clutch pack or a damaged intermediate one way clutch. It will stay in first for the entire time it should be in second, and then go immediately to third. See how many shifts you get after the first gear change to determine whether or not this is the problem.

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Actually I would say you are on the right track with the suspected 1-2 accumulator problem. Also the line modulator valve can cause intermittent harsh shifts, but generally it would happen on more than one gear change.

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You will want to make sure that your truck isn't actually skipping second gear and going right to third. When the intermediate clutch fails on an E4OD it causes it to stay in first gear until third gear is commanded and then it will shift from first to third. Going directly from first to 3rd will cause a harsh shift. Pay close attention to the number of shifts to make sure this is not happening.

If second gear is begining to wear or glaze it could also cause a harsh shift. These conditions will cause slippage at the start of the shift with a hard apply at the end. This type of shift is often reffered to as a slide-bump shift.

Also you could have a problem in your transmission's accumulator body. A problem with the 1-2 accumulator could cause a harsh or delayed 1-2 shiift. A problem with the line modulator valve could also cause this, but it would usually effect more than one gear.

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