So just before we arrived at Bryce Canyon, I noticed the speedometer had quit. Also, no cruise control & the trans was shifting hard. I then noticed that the overdrive light on the shifter was flashing. Once I stopped & put it in park, it wouldn't come out of park unless I shut off the engine, then turned the key to the first click (un-lock). Then I could get it into neutral & start it there. Any suggestions?

This is a Dutch men RV on a '96 Ford E450 chassis, with the 7.3 powerstroke engine.

I would assume you have an On Board Diagnostics port under your dashboard. If so, you can pick up a resonably priced OBD scanner and get the engine code. Once you have that, you can really narrow down the problem. Some auto parts stores will check the code for you at no charge.

Juse reread your post. I don't think a '96 unit will have the OBD port available.

Have you checked the transmission fluid level lately? Low TF makes 'em cranky.

I think I would be calling something like Jasper to identify a shop and have the unit replaced.http://www.jasperengines.com/automatic-transmissions.phpOn edit:Not to click and buy a transmission but at least to find a local reasonably trusted shop to have the issue reviewed properly.

On Vacation, Transmission problem. HELP!? | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

bucky
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2013
96 was the first year for OBD2. although the chassis may be a 95. Then it would be a much less capable OBD1. If GVWR didn't exempt it for whatever reason.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2013
Glad it seems to have been rectified. Good luck.
Lancester
Explorer
Oct 26, 2013
Replaced the fuse with a 15 & drove from Bryce to Vegas. No issues. I thought that I might have blown a tailight bulb causing the fuse to blow. All lights are working correctly. Guess we'll see if it does it again on the way home. Thanks.
RLS7201
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2013
You symptoms are typical of a failed VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor), located in the ZF emergency brake assembly, bolted on the back of your E4OD transmission. The speedometer, cruse control, engine shifting & engine performance are all affected by the VSS.
When the fuse failed, it caused the VSS to malfunction.
Now all you have to due is figure out why the fuse failed.

Richard
dakdave
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
The little lock that will not allow it to be taken out of park is usually operated by the brake lites,when key is on.your problem may be all electical good luck
Dave
Bobbo
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2013
skipnchar wrote:
One trick about replacing suspect fuses is to remove another 15 amp fuse where you have no issues to put in the tranny slot and put the 30 amp where you don't have an issue. Safer than putting oversized in a suspect slot.
Good luck / Skip

+1

Just remember to replace that 30 amp fuse with a properly rated one ASAP.
skipnchar
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
One trick about replacing suspect fuses is to remove another 15 amp fuse where you have no issues to put in the tranny slot and put the 30 amp where you don't have an issue. Safer than putting oversized in a suspect slot.
Good luck / Skip
HpyKmpr1962
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
I would lean towards a worn or pinched wire to the od button on the gear shift selector handle. Most of the symptoms you described happen on our work trucks and that was the cause.
Any good shop should be able to help with diagnosis.
It is a DIY project to change, with patience.
RVER
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
Get a 15 in there ASAP or you could have a fire. 15 amp fuse are easy to get so change it out NOW.
time2roll
Nomad
Oct 24, 2013
I would not be putting a 30a fuse in a 15a holder.
If there is a fault you may need a wire harness.