f350 5.4l stalling problem

[chrisdvorak]

The truck is a 2002 f350 5.4l auto 4x4. when started in the morning for the first 10min or so while warming up the truck idles rough and the OD light starts flashing. when its up to temp and you shift to drive it shifts hard and fast into gear (torque converter locked?) then as you pick up speed on the road the light always goes off. pull up to a stop sign in D and it will stall unless you hold fuel at 1k or so. truck never stalls while in P . note: truck still shifts great and torque converter locks at 40mph quick and smooth but something is certainly wrong here. does this sound like the torque converter itself is bad or could it be an electrical problem? and how would you test it? also its getting terrible fuel milage. I would have a hard time believing the TC went out all together as the truck only has 115K on it and it never pulls a trailer, not like the 5.4l puts out a lot of torque either. tranny fluid is clean, filled to proper level and not burnt. any input would be greatly appreciated.

-thanks

 

[coobie]

The truck is a 2002 f350 5.4l auto 4x4. when started in the morning for the first 10min or so while warming up the truck idles rough and the OD light starts flashing. when its up to temp and you shift to drive it shifts hard and fast into gear (torque converter locked?) then as you pick up speed on the road the light always goes off. pull up to a stop sign in D and it will stall unless you hold fuel at 1k or so. truck never stalls while in P . note: truck still shifts great and torque converter locks at 40mph quick and smooth but something is certainly wrong here. does this sound like the torque converter itself is bad or could it be an electrical problem? and how would you test it? also its getting terrible fuel milage. I would have a hard time believing the TC went out all together as the truck only has 115K on it and it never pulls a trailer, not like the 5.4l puts out a lot of torque either. tranny fluid is clean, filled to proper level and not burnt. any input would be greatly appreciated.

-thanks

Might want to ask about your problem over at the ford f150 forum website.Folks over there are pretty sharp with the 5.4 engine.

 

[schmism]

coil packs. they will come and go intermittently when they are dieing. if you drop more than one you'll stall.

check the ECU for codes.

 

[chrisdvorak]

Coil packs and plugs are new, and there is no check engine light on

 

[Degolyerent]

Fuel pressure problem.

 

[HHR]

The truck is a 2002 f350 5.4l auto 4x4. when started in the morning for the first 10min or so while warming up the truck idles rough and the OD light starts flashing. when its up to temp and you shift to drive it shifts hard and fast into gear (torque converter locked?) then as you pick up speed on the road the light always goes off. pull up to a stop sign in D and it will stall unless you hold fuel at 1k or so. truck never stalls while in P . note: truck still shifts great and torque converter locks at 40mph quick and smooth but something is certainly wrong here. does this sound like the torque converter itself is bad or could it be an electrical problem? and how would you test it? also its getting terrible fuel milage. I would have a hard time believing the TC went out all together as the truck only has 115K on it and it never pulls a trailer, not like the 5.4l puts out a lot of torque either. tranny fluid is clean, filled to proper level and not burnt. any input would be greatly appreciated. -thanks

My gut tells me you have a problem with the Torque Converter control circuit. This could an electronic problem with the TC lockup solenoid on the valve-body, the transmission control computer (PCM), related wiring and connectors or something wrong with the hydraulic side of the circuit (solenoid sticking, valve-body issue or the torque converter itself.

 

[HHR]

coil packs. they will come and go intermittently when they are dieing. if you drop more than one you'll stall. check the ECU for codes.

My 2000 5.4L will run on 5 coils, so I don't think dropping one coil would stall anything out unless there were other problems.

 

[chrisdvorak]

Thanks HHR, that's what I was thinking also. How would one go about testing the torque converter control circuit?

 

[HHR]

Thanks HHR, that's what I was thinking also. How would one go about testing the torque converter control circuit?

First you should get a scan tool hooked up to check for any DTC codes and observe when the computer is commanding TCC lockup and unlock at appropriate times. The next step to rule out the wiring itself would be to drop the pan and disconnect the wiring from the solenoid, put everything back together and see if the stalling issue goes away or changes (some people just snip the purple wire in the harness going to the transmission so they don't have to drop the pan). If the problem persists, the solenoid may be mechanically "stuck" and swapping the solenoid pack for a known good unit would be a good idea before condemning the torque converter.

 

[terryknight]

when the OD light flashes it means there is a trans code. using a scan tool you should be able to pull it.

 

[nickc]

I'd scan it first, but have seen more than once a failed turbine speed sensor on the transmission. If that's it, easy fix, less than $50.00 good luck.

 

[chrisdvorak]

thanks guys, will a scan at say autozone pick up the trans code? or would it have to be a dealer thing? I am really trying not to bring it in as I know they will want big money to fix something that might not be the problem anyway. where would I find the main wiring harness to the transmission? if I cut the purple wire will there be any ill affects to the trans itself?

-thanks

 

[nickc]

Yes an autozone scan will give you a code-though they may not be able to decipher it. You should be able to look it up on the web easy enough. Don't cut any wires until you scan it, that would be a last resort. imho.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would try a transmission shop.

Chris

 

[94BULLITT]

It sounds like you have something wrong with the engine and trans.

Why were new plugs and coils put on the truck? Who put the new plugs and coils on? What kind of plugs and coils were used?

If the OD light is flashing there is something wrong with the trans. If the torque converter was locked the truck would jerk forward and stall when you put it in gear just like dumping the clutch on a manual trans.

Check and see what codes you have and report back.

My 2000 5.4L will run on 5 coils, so I don't think dropping one coil would stall anything out unless there were other problems.

A 351M will run off 2 cylinders:laughing:

 

[chrisdvorak]

I will try to get the codes read today. plugs and coils were changed about a month ago by me as part of a tune up and greatly improved how the truck ran so I don't think they are the problem. when cold the truck does shift very hard and jerk into D but doesn't stall right away.

 

[oldballs]

I think there is a sensor in the rear end that also effects the transmission. But a code read should tell for sure.

 

[94BULLITT]

I will try to get the codes read today. plugs and coils were changed about a month ago by me as part of a tune up and greatly improved how the truck ran so I don't think they are the problem. when cold the truck does shift very hard and jerk into D but doesn't stall right away.

Get the codes read but don't buy any parts for it. Let us know what codes it has.

 

[94BULLITT]

You would really be best of taking it to reputable transmission shop and getting it scanned. With a Ford you can check for KOEO codes, KOER codes, and continuous memory codes.

At the parts store they are just going to check generic codes.

 

[Scott65]

I think being a 1 ton, even with the gas motor, you probably have the same trans that's in the diesels, 4R100. I don't typically do transmissions in my shop due to the vast array of specialty tools required these days. But since I've owned a few, I've ventured into these a few times for this problem. As others have stated, turbine shaft speed sensors are a common problem and easy fix. But it does sound to me like the clutch is locking. The 2 things I've found have been a solenoid (replaced as a pack with all solenoids), or under the valve body is a tcc valve with a spring to apply pressure. I have found this spring broken more than once.

If your content on fixing it yourself, I would recommend an ATSG manual. You can order a hardcopy or download from their website. They are fantastic, giving diagnostic routines and step by step pictorials for every section in the trans.