Transmission not shifting 1997 F250 HD (VSS issue).

[@Zack-xz1ph]

in my case the throttle position sensor went out, replaced it and it shifts great now

[@willenstice2658]

If you’re having shifting problems, could be a issue with the reverse side of the speedometer. Something goes wrong with the circuit board. It’s called the P-SOM For years I had shifting problems that would come and go without rhyme or reason. Nobody could figure it out. Tried many options but nothing helped. A shop knew exactly what is was. Opened up the cluster, pulled out the piece, swapped in a loaner and the problem was fixed. My part was sent to a shop in Georgia and they fixed the circuit board. Got it back, swapped it out and no problems ever since. Total I paid was just under a grand but things cost way more up here. The shop, in case you need to ask further questions: Quality Transmission, Dowling rd, Anchorage, ALASKA not to be confused with Quality Tune

[@LuisTorres-ik5fy]

What was your transmission doing ?

[@chadguthrie6880]

My truck my 1997 f250 5.8 liter was doing the same thing replaced what you replaced that sensor on the diff now it's fine thank you for that wonderful imformation

[@CHARLIE1955able]

Thousand likes.... finally somebody that knows something about his 97 F250 heavy duty thanks

[@JoeBizness]

Thank you sir! That was the beat fix for a problem I had two mechanics scratch their heads

[@precisioncueservice6355]

Excellent info I am having long term, very similar issues with my 96 Bronco. I am learning these are common issues with the E40D's of this era. The brake light circuit provides signals to the computer that controls the torque converter, so malfunctions and mods like LED bulbs in that circuit can screw up your transmission. Hear me now and believe me later;) Third eye brake light is part of that circuit. Mine is melted and they are obsolete. There are a lot of issues caused by bad wiring, dirty connections with all of the transmission control wiring, and these trucks often go in mud. I think there is an external electric solenoid module that control the transmission on passenger side,, check the connections and function there. Also, catalytic converters from back then plug and get hot, and they bake the wiring and other components. Physically inspect and electrically test wiring runs to VSS etc. The harness can be damaged by heat or offroading. If I solve my issues I will post it up.

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Fair enough. Good luck.

[@danielsarat4611]

Having these issues today, with my 96 bronco. Speedometer went on vacation and so did the transmission, at first it didn’t want to shift at all. With the need of getting to work, a little more gas made it shift, but hard.

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Okay, here is an update on the '97 F250 HD. I eventually killed the transmission on a hunting trip while stuck in deep mud. Definitely my fault. I ordered a new transmission and installed it (May 2019). It was a good install and I did a bunch of other things (starter, radiator, u-joints, battery, all fuses and relays, rear wheel seals, all new fluids, exhaust sensors, basically everything I had to disassemble for the install) and here are the results. I started getting the flashing indicator again along with hard shifting. Did some more reading and found that there are many things that can cause this issue. In my case I accidentally found that when the issue was active I could push the instrument cluster button (right side button that changes odometer from trip to total) and it would quit flashing and work just fine. So I disassembled the instrument cluster, cleaned all the contacts, pulled the goofy laminate interconnect film on the back of the inside panel and checked all electrical paths (didn't replace the switch behind the push button because I didn't see any ID on it) and the shift issue has worked much better. Still has the flashing and hard shifting issue occasionally but very much reduced, maybe once in 10-12 days of use. A button push fixes it, but it's just not quite right. In any case, I hope you can solve your issue with all the things that have been shared on this string.

[@visionray.]

Change the fuse 13b I THINK. It’s inside the truck driver side. Red 30. Indicates Speedometer/Electric Transmission Shift

[@visionray.]

Not sure the exact number location that’s why I said I think it was 13b (not by my truck now) but this worked for me in that situation

[@85Studios]

yep same problem and sure enough. no 3rd or 4th gear. I have a 1996 Ford F250 XLT Extended cab pickup truck. checked the VSS even though the speedo was working properly as was the odometer, Pulled the plug to the vss sprayed it with Brake parts vleanerl and all of the plugs on the transmission. Range sensor and the TCM header. Sprayed them down with brake parts cleaner plugged them back in, now it works perfectly. Mine is exactly like yours.

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Awesome! Good for you! I have since replaced my '97 with a 2014 Deisel F250, but boy I loved that '97. Hope your '96 works as well as mine did. Again, I loved that truck.

[@85Studios]

@@chipsutphintv8452 Well it worked for a while, I think the transmission Range Sensor is being a butthead too, I did fiddle with it a while back and found out the socket clip was pushed in, so I pulled the tab clip out, and pushed the socket in until it clicked, then pulled on it to make sure it could not come out again, but have not tested it yet. I also ordered a new Pigtail for the VSS to install because I accidentally broke the dry rotted Tabs off of it when I replaced the VSS, but the Speedometer is working fine, so just no shift out of second gear. I also checked the PCM connector on the Passenger side under the plate to see that it was not pins corroded or anything, not any corrosion on it or anything. I suspect between the range sensor and the VSS issue we were not getting a good connection. I will give it a test drive a bit later when I go to fill out my FMLA paperwork. at the Eye Doctor across town to see if it will shift.

[@chipsutphintv8452]

@@85Studios Well, good luck then.

[@85Studios]

@@chipsutphintv8452 After fidgeting around with wiring, unplugging and plugging back in harnesses I took it out again and tested it, and it did shift, but then shut it off and put it back in park, and then upon starting it up again, we only have 2nd gear which was the initial problem. no 11st 3rd 4th or OD. weird.

[@MarkVanTasell]

97 HAS OBD2

[@stephanierutledge2718]

Thanks for the answers , that seems to have fixed my eratic shifting!!

[@bencangialosi3647]

video is spot on, just changed the speed sensor on my 97 F250HD and the problem with transmission lurching when it changed gears is finally resolved. Thank you

[@kathyrivero2665]

Before you replaced the speed sensor did the speedometer mark your MPH

[@hondaxl250k0]

That’s all you did to fix it? I have same truck same issue..

[@donaldhenderson5039]

Same Lurching Problem..Will try it B4 it Beaks drive shaft. ..Greatly Appreciated

[@woodhandjrable]

Thanks Chip I'm trying this fix today 96 f150 5.8 310k also will stall out when shifting into 3rd at high RPM

[@markw4382]

CODE READER,.... Is Only $34.

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Right on.

[@BIG_AL_ONE]

'97 Ford 250 4X4 5.8 LTR. The transmission problem I'm experiencing has been intermittent for about a year but lately has been relentless. It won't shift unless the engine RPMs are higher and then it hits hard. That's when the light on the colum starts blinking. The transmission goes into "Limp Mode." I was able to shut it off and restart it and it would go back to normal - or let it set for a day or so. This is no longer the case. Gonna replace the VSS and see if that solves the problem (god, I hope so!)

[@elijahansley3754]

Did you get it put in?

[@BIG_AL_ONE]

As of yesterday, I had the VSS sensor changed out. I WANT to say that the problem is solved but I still need to drive it more. I will say this though, the problem didn't show up after I changed it (and usually, it's always acting up). So far I've driven about 45 miles on the change out. I'll let you know more later on.

[@elijahansley3754]

BIG AL ONE alright cool thanks for reply. My problem is similar expect mine doesn’t ever go in limp mode but it’s probably a matter of time before that

[@BIG_AL_ONE]

If replacing the VSS (which I've done) truly solves my problem then it was a $25 fix. By the way, the old sensor was over 22 years old and looked like it had it. Also, if your transmission is shifting hard, that is a part of "limp mode" The circut may be too dumb to send the signal to the light - I don't know for certain.

[@elijahansley3754]

BIG AL ONE gotcha, thanks for the info. I’m gonna replace mine

[@RyanMorrisonbassfishing]

My E4OD on my 7.3 diesel is working perfectly fine in reverse and shift 1-2 in drive but not to 3-4 replaced tach sensor cause the tach wasn’t working it’s working now and have adjusted idle. that didn’t fix it unfortunately. doing the solenoid in the trans today to see what happens. any other ideas before i become broke with a rebuild ??

[@caseynewell28]

I'm having the same issue other then mine goes to 1 -2-and overdrive

[@ungodlysorrows]

Hey my man same here 3 to 4 is rough what is the solenoid and did that help or what was your fix ??

[@bobsnyder3309]

I'm on my 4th TCM for my 97 F350 diesel. At least i made it home this time

[@bobsnyder3309]

Update. We finally found an intermittent los of signal between the TCM and the VSS. Traced the wires and installed new connectors but it still happened. Figured the problem is in the gauge cluster. Ordered a stand alone TCM which bypasses ALL the Ford wiring and electronics. If this doesn't work hello ZF5 or 6

[@stitchthisditchthat259]

@@bobsnyder3309 update?

[@bobsnyder3309]

@@stitchthisditchthat259 So far so good US Shift, the makers of the stand alone TCM did an update a few months ago but sent us the instructions for the old module. Needless to say it didn't work. It now seems to be working but i'm gonna reserve judgement until next summeras most of the shifting problems seemed to happen when the weather was hot

[@Justadudeman22]

@@bobsnyder3309 update

[@bobsnyder3309]

@@Justadudeman22 Ok. Just drove from Missouri to Florida and back. The return trip was towing a U Haul car trailer loaded with a VW beetle. No problems at all. My only complaint is the ECM has to be reprogrammed to make it think it's a manual transmission so my cruise control won't work without the wiring harness from a manual.

[@jamesconn1104]

Thanks , my next step,

[@danwalker659]

I have a 97 Ford f250 HD 4x4 it shifts either early or really late if I give it to much gas it jumps out of gear I replaced the sensor on the diff didn't make a diff

[@SuperRobvan]

got same truck and I replaced a lot idle control and tps and side mount solenoid and thermostat and temp sensor so I just changed fluid...also sprayed the carbons on flaps coated with carbon exhaust...did brakes and now getting front shocks to do front never did before but don't look that hard to do...then wanna do my full trans flush with new filter so my as well change speed sensor..dang sounds like a lot but then I don't have to worry bout that shit at all cause I did it..but truck is in good shape for a 1997 ford f250 no 4x4 though..the fuel regular was in good shape glad I checked it cause that hose was so brittle was broken off and not even connected..what I like about these trucks so easy to workon..I also changed alternator for a 95 amp one and new belts..so runs great purrs like a cat..i try and keep idle at about 5 to 6 below the 1 rpms...I did notice that my idle was going up and down and found my AC unit when off would kick on and off so when clicked on idle went up and when off went to normal so I just disconnected harness and that fixed problem..egr was replaced to...prob think I did stuff that didn't need replacing but over all doing all that givesme better gas mill cause these trucks 8 banger suck some gas for you guys that have this truck and know..i think there 18 gallon duel tanks I figured mine gets about 115 off a tank not the greatest..anyways that's my truck and love it best car or truck I ever owned ...but wanted to say that obd1 chip is using I got mine for 20 bucks at summit racing great deal...instead of counting how many blinks this tells you exactly what it is...connects to harness on side driver side....so buy a old truck you will love it.............1997...also if don't know where something is on engine you can goodle your engine size and pictures will come up of everything and where it is on truck I did enlarged it and printed it for later..

[@chipsutphintv8452]

I'm not on here much so sorry about the late response. Sounds like you have a keeper! I love mine.

[@SuperRobvan]

I have done little things on mine love it to...runs and looks good and been around this long prob got some years left on it..lol..

[@shutterfirestudios6554]

chip sutphin tv was your Ford have acceleration issues?

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Yes and no. I know "Really - Yes and no?" here's the scoop. 1st gear great, if it shifts into the other gears, it pulls as it should. If you mean acceleration in terms of hook up, I had no issues. If you mean it won't go faster because the tranny wont shift, yes. When it doesn't shift, the engine winds up and at the top end of that gear you don't go any faster. Hope you aren't having a hook up problem. Chip.

[@realazliving]

Cool video thanks. I’d like to ad that I think you can get those codes without a reader. At least you can on a truck a few years older I think it’s the same. Look up koea (key on engine off) and koer (key on engine running). The truck flashes the engine light and you have to write down the codes. For instance 2 flashes pause 6 flashes pause 1 flash is a 261 code.

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Yeah you can. Good research and problem solving.

[@chenchoortuno1264]

Hey man I have the same exact problem as you. My 7.3 97 isn’t shifting into 3rd. It’s gets to 3000 rpm and it won’t shift until I let off and ease into it. I just replaced my sensor and it still has the same issue. What could be my problem

[@ungodlysorrows]

Ever found out my man ? I have a 96 and I don’t have to let off I just have to keep going around 1,800 rpms until around 43 mph then it jumps to 4th and acts alright

[@Official_Jboogie]

Thank you for this

[@MikeandTracker]

I one just like yours except mine is the 7.3 2WD

[@un-limited7009]

Do you happen to know the speed sensor part #? And thanks for the Info.

[@shelbyleonie1296]

What tools are needed? 8mm socket, wrench and extension?

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Fingers and a 1/2 inch wrench or socket.

[@alec4453]

Would this cause my truck to rev up when in gear? Wont move, just wants tk rev up a little bit. Trans gets rebuilt on Monday ( 2800$ ) so I think ill go pick one up and replace it before it goes in. Trans doesnt make no noises or smell bad on dipstick, was low on fluid but thats it. Pops in every gear just wont move.

[@AaronBilger]

so what did you end up doing did the sensor do anything for it?

[@oscarjuarez2788]

Ok so whats the name of the part

[@kathyrivero2665]

My 1997 ford f250 won’t shift into 1st and I’ve repaired it bought everything to solenoid pack and it still dosent shift if someone could help me out I appreciate it

[@ahmirbaileysfitness5642]

Do the 92s have them

[@robh6638]

Yes

[@robh6638]

But they make them so cheap now I've bought two so far

[@sheripotts2683]

after putting a speed sencer on a 1998 ford torious it is still wanting to jump when ever u put it into drive then start driving .what the next solution?

[@mikevictor5945]

Sounds like the iack valve on motor

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Yes it's a 4x4. Good luck!

[@bobbytheboss]

How much is the code reader and would it be the same for the97 7.3 diesel

[@kadybennett329]

When you say it was shifting wierd, could you move your shifter but it just wouldn’t move? I can put it into gear and give it gas but it won’t go anywhere. The rpm will go up and everything. Is that the same problem you were having?

[@chipsutphintv8452]

That's a different problem. All the shift lever functions were good, but it was shifting hard. I did have an issue once where the pin connecting the shifter to the transmission connection dropped out. I was able to put it back in and get going again. If you can move the shifter all about and get no response from the transmission, I'd look there first.

[@DylanStewartMusic]

What is the pin called exactly that fell out. I’m having the same problem with rpms going up and shifting lever shifts the gear but vehicle will not move. I’m at a loss because I just changed out the transmission range sensor.. if you could let me know more specifically about this pin issue it would be incredibly appreciated. Thanks

[@garrettwhite6637]

@@DylanStewartMusic sound like you lost that gear the transmission could be bad if it’s not the shift fork pin like he was saying

[@chipsutphintv8452]

I recently put a new transmission in and had a similar issue. It was my issue. When I reinstalled, I had the transfer case in neutral and thought "oh my goodness" I'm going to have to pull this again. Not the case. lying there under it in despair I realized I left the transfer case in neutral. Hahahhaa. no other issue. I am updating a couple of other things on the thread.

[@ronnieredding7483]

Kadybennett can you tell me what you did to fix your problem , I'm having the same problems

[@tracyhill7960]

I have a 94 with a 7.3 idi, and mine is on the passenger side of the engine

[@mikeceli]

Cliff Notes? Did you/he get a VSS trouble code? Thanks.

[@CHARLIE1955able]

By the way I couldn't find a transmission modulator on the very same truck. Do you have one on yours? it's not where they say on the passenger side behind the tailstock of the tranny

[@chipsutphintv8452]

There is not one on mine. Only on the rearend.

[@jamesconn1104]

My 97 f250 HD is actin up ,in & out of OD, i did led 3rd brake lite & taillites , what gets me is they were in there for months no probs. then it would act up , next time shift out normal , im not sure what to do called a recomemded shop known for good work , will diagnose for 50to 200 bucks , also said there was something ya could put inline to be able to keep the led's, If figure they have seen this with other F250's in thepast & know what is wrong but go thru the motions for the big bucks , sorry but thats the way i think , Education aint cheap i know ,Hopin someone can help me livin on a fixed income in these Inflated Times !! Thanks in Advance any & all advice is welcomed , please save the wise cracks though !!

[@jessejames6923]

thats wierd so it was hard shifting did it like stall out slow take off too my tack went to zero also ?? had replaced this sensor may 6 months ago also maybe it bad but not sure

[@Footlessmage]

do you recall what size the bolt was, I bought a truck and the bolt for mine was missing.

[@zacharywarwick6807]

1/2 inch

[@zpadventures7440]

Replaced the vss didn’t help :(

[@joshsomai2196]

Show us the part number that you have on the box. You can show us something you just put the parts in and you didn't tell us anything. What is the number?

[@chipsutphintv8452]

I don't know what the part number was. I took the old one in, asked for a replacement and compared them when I had new in hand. I know that's old school, but there you have it.

[@buns52557]

That's nice to know" is your F250- 4x4 Because l'm having the same problem but mine is a 97-4x4 powerstroke

[@connorsims9437]

Did you ever figure out your issue? I have the '97 powerstroke as well. Just rebuilt transmission and vss still no luck. Thanks a lot!

[@Huckyuu]

Connor Sims same here, rebuilt trans twice replaced the vss and the alternator cause i was told the diodes in the alternator can go out and cause the trans to blow, but still no luck

[@mikevictor5945]

@@connorsims9437 I've herd it's your actual diode in the back of your speedometer

[@TSGstorm337]

If I’m correct this truck has two gas tanks?

[@chipsutphintv8452]

Sure does. Love that about this truck. If you have a pump fail you simply switch to the other tank until you have time to replace the failed one. ~330k miles I've had to replace both of mine, but never had to reach for the phone to call for help.

[@andym1594]

@@chipsutphintv8452 those switches on the dash can also be the problem... had that happen. check it before throwing money at a pump.

[@robh6638]

that is such a cheap part though China has even started making it cheaper so I've had to buy two so far and less than 50, 000 miles

[@AaronBilger]

why is a 1997 ford truck still obd1 in 1996 was the first year they was required to have obd2

[@rodm5830]

Trucks over certain gvw didn’t fall under same guidelines from what I understand.