Hard shifting

[bobbyg72]

I have a "96" F-150 4x4 5.8 eng. , I've been having problems , The speedometer quit,abs light is on and O/D light is flashing,the trans shifts hard too (like bark'n tires hard) I need some input plz, I have changed the speed censor and the insturment cluster and it still does the same thing any suggestions on how or what to do????

 

[Lost]

The clock spring in steering wheel will cause the loss of speedo and no dome light . Never had shift issues tho.

 

[Blue Goose]

bobbyg72, check your fuses. I've seen a blown fuse (it's been a long time and can't remember which one) cause transmission shifting issues. The transmission requires the speedometer for it's shift points and without it, it's just flailing (so to speak) around shifting erratically.

 

[bobbyg72]

10-4 guy's LOL didn't even think about the fuses!!! I'm gonna do it now. jes about to my wit's end!!! Thanks for the help

 

[bobbyg72]

Nope nuth'n !!! went ahead and took it to a friend to read the trans codes!

 

[O'Rattlecan]

You have the tell-tale signs of a failed speed sensor.

It's located on the top of the rear differential. The speedo can't read the correct speed when it fails. The transmission uses the sensor's information for shifting.

A lot of times the wires will rot out after many, many years. Some moisure will get into the sensor and cause it to fail. Mine died a few years back on my 1994 F150.

Ryan

 

[5.0Flareside]

what do you mean you changed the speed sensor OP?

its a VSS thats in the rear differential. virtually exactly a speed sensor.. just differnent name and does more stuff..

 

[O'Rattlecan]

I've had a bad part come out of a brand new box before. There's a slim chance he got the wrong part or the part was just plum defective.

I'm telling you... Those are characteristics of speed sensor failure.

Ryan

 

[bobbyg72]

I did put a new sensor in it , jes got tired of trial and error,so I have a friend who works on transmissions and I jes took it to him.
On the other hand I love this site!!!!! I own nuth'n but fords !!! 3 to be exact, I had a 95 SHO also until my daughter wrecked it!!! Thanx for all the input

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Stick around even after you solve the problem. We have a lot of fun here in the technical areas, and also the general conversation areas!

Ryan

 

[bobbyg72]

I plan on it

 

[bobbyg72]

Ok well My truck is fixed !!! It had 2 wires melted together under the dash thet went to the speedometer and a wire to the computer that was corroded and not make'n contact !!!!!

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Great, good thing you found a solution.

Ryan