1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem

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Here are the specs:
Year: 1994
  Make: Ford Truck
  Model: E150 Econoline
  Style/Body: 2 Passenger 2 Dr Van
  Engine: 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI

My problem is this:  If I have overdrive ON, then it shifts very
roughly and sometimes when I stop, it takes a few seconds before it
downshifts/shifts out of overdrive, but when I turn overdrive OFF, the
problem goes away.

..When it's shifting roughly, it usually happens around 45-55 mph, and
it seems to try to downshift or turn overdrive on, then off, then
on..etc.  Also, sometimes starting from a dead stop it stalls even
when engine is warm.

prob2: now that this is happening, it's very difficult to get it out
of Park and into Drive.  I have to step VERY Hard on the brake peddle
for it to disengage and move the shifter arm into Drive.

I thought that these 2 might be related as the overdrive button is on
the shifter arm.

Any help on this would be great.  I just bought this van and I love
it..but I don't know much about it at all.


Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem





There should be a light on the dash that indicates when the OD is one and
off. If pressing on the OD button causes the light to go on and off, then,
it is unlikely to be a problem with the shifter. In fact, I doubt very much
that this is a problem.

There is a switch that must be engaged that lets you go from park to drive.
The switch is engaged when you press on the brake. This switch may be
malfunctioning. However, it shouldn't make any different how hard you step
on the brake. The switch should be engaged when you step on the brakes
lightly. It should be pretty easy to check that the switch is function
correctly.

It is more likely that you have a problem with a sensor or valve within the
transmission. You may be able to read a trouble code off the computer that
controls the transmission. If you have such a computer, it is different from
the one that controls the engine and turns on the check engine light. Any
problem here should affect only switching gears while driving. It shouldn't
affect going from park to drive.

I think you have two different problems. I would be curious to hear if I am
wrong.

Jeff



Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem




Ok, I took it in and had it hooked up to the computer.  Transmission
is fine, but it poped a BOO error, Brake ON/OFF error.  He said that
it could be air in brake line, up to master cylinder issue.  Still not
sure but this is 2 different issues.

I took it to another mechanic and he said to give it a full tune-up,
replacing spark pulg wires and pulgs, etc.  However he said that it's
going to be an all day job costing 300-400 dollars due to having to
take off the tires, put on a lift, remove center console (from my
conversion) to get into the inside of the van part of the motor.

They both agreed that it's missing and that a full tune up will
probably fix the first problem.

HOWEVER, one of the mechanics suggest that I fill the gas tank up to
the top, then add a quart of transmission fluid to the gas tank..and
that the detergent in the transmission fluid would remove all the
excess carbon build up.  Anyone have any advice on this???

thanks.


Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem




<...>


Yeah, don't do it. The oil in the transmission fluid won't burn well until
it gets to the catalytic convertor. Not a good idea.

Today's gasolines already have additives to remove carbon build-up.

Jeff


Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem





The BOO switch is actually on the brake pedal.. LOL I would replace that
first. That most likely is the problem for it not shifting out of park.


If its missing yes it needs a tune up.. Get'er done..


Wal-Mart carries and additive for your fuel called Chevron Fuel System
Cleaner. It costs about $6/bottle, its good stuff mainard. Add a bottle for
3 tanks in a row, and it will clean everything for ya. Then just add a
bottle very 5-6 tanks to keep system up. I would also change the fuel filter
before adding this stuff. It will break down and deposits in the filter and
send them through the rest of the system, therefore decreasing efficiency of
the cleaner..

Ford Tech



Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem




Ok, got it a full tune up with cleaning fuel injectors, replacing worn/
disconnected hoses, also fuel regulator, but it's still happening...
even more so.  It feels like it's got more power, but the shuddering
is still happening. Mineke said that it might(probably) is the fuel
pump (another 500.00).  I'm taking it to another mechanic(4th one)
tomorrow to evaluate my problems.  I'll ask him to replace the BOO
switch as it has not been taken care of yet.  (also the Brake job
Mineke did is making a lot of noise).
wish me luck!


Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem





K, so we got the low power issue out of the way.. You dont need a fuel pump,
the van starts and runs fine.. The Chevron Fuel System Cleaner will keep her
runnin like a top.. Meineke is a BRAKE and MUFFLER shop, I wouldnt listen to
them about anything else.. LOL

Now for that SHUDDER... I am betting its the torque converter clutch
solenoid sticking in the transmission. Sounds like its failing to fully
engage or disengage. I would take it to a tranny shop NOT a regular mechanic
and have them look at it for ya..

Ford Tech



Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem



Ford Tech wrote:

  Ditto, ditto, ditto.... on all counts.

  Make sure they check the wiring at the switch connector. The wires tend to
break
inside the insulation at the BOO switch connector terminal crimps. (where the
wires go
in to the connector).


  Absolutely. Make that "a known reputable tranny shop", there seem to be a lot
of
hacks in that particular specialty. Ask around for recommendations, even call
the BBB.
  A good shop will also be familiar with a known converter clutch engagement
shudder
issue with this trans (assuming it's an AODE). It can often be cured with a
complete
trans service (fluid and filter, including draining the converter) and a
friction
modifier additive.
  Only hands on testing by someone who knows the problem will tell if this is
the case
or not. It was pretty common on vans and full size cars of that vintage. If let
go too
long though torque converter replacement may be necessary, as the converter
clutch
lining could be damaged, thus the need for a "reputable" shop who will be honest
with
you. One is a ~$100 repair, the other ~$1100.

  Oh,just in case you missed it: " You dont need a fuel pump,
 > the van starts and runs fine.. The Chevron Fuel System Cleaner will keep her
 > runnin like a top.. Meineke is a BRAKE and MUFFLER shop, I wouldnt listen to
 > them about anything else.."
  That advise bore repeating.

  And just in case Ford Tech wasn't clear, I'll add:
 > " You dont need a fuel pump,
 > the van starts and runs fine.. The Chevron Fuel System Cleaner will keep her
 > runnin like a top.. Meineke is a BRAKE and MUFFLER shop, I wouldnt listen to
 > them about anything else.. ;)


Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem




break

wires go

lot of

the BBB.

shudder

complete

friction

the case

let go too

clutch

honest with

I just got of the phone with the mechanic.  First of all, let me say
that I already took it to a large transmission shop here locally.
They hooked it up to the computer and that's how they got the BOO
error.  Second, the transmission guy drove it around with me and said
that it has nothing to do with the transmission.

ok, so now the mechanic that has it now said that the torque converter
clutch
solenoid sticking in the transmission would pop an error message, and
that he didn't think it was that.  He was also the one that said that
we shouldn't be too hasty to replace the fuel pump, until he's had a
chance to really look at it.  So, he's getting back to me today when
he gets a chance to look at it.

I want to thank all of you that have given me feedback, I hope that
someday my van is running well as I love the thing!

-David

PS, I will get some of that Chevron Fuel System Cleaner as soon as I
get her back.


Re: 1994 Ford E150 Econline Conversion Van 5.8L V 8 NA OHV Gas EFI Overdrive Problem




pump,

her

to

break

the wires go

mechanic

lot of

call the BBB.

shudder

complete

friction

is the case

let go too

clutch

honest with

her

to

her

to

Ok, the New Mechanic is saying that it's the computer that controls
the fuel injection system.  He said he's looking around for one for my
van.  I was wondering if anyone knows how much these cost and what the
laymans name is for it..besides just a "computer"??

thanks again,
David


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