97 PowerStroke Trans concern

[JIWright]

I have a little problem with one of my trucks. I know my Dodges in and out and this is the only Ford in my Fleet. 97 F350 7. 3L auto, once a key cycle feels as if the trans is going into 4th too early when it should be in 2nd. All power dies off and just strugles to get anywere. Problem clears out 10seconds later when i can feel the trans downshift and won't do it the rest of the trip. I know it is the trans cause when i have the prob. i can manually downshift to 1st or 2nd and no prob. Anything that can cause this, (no codes) fluid is full (could use a service though) other than that i can't think of anything. I am having a real problem cause I don't know Ford tranys or Elec systems. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Wingate]

Well, what little i've been exposed to the Ford wiring/electronics. . it CAN be a nightmare.

I would work the simple stuff first. does the trans. use a throttle valve actuator or does it still use the old TV cable?. . Is it still hooked up or did the little plastic clip break???

My bro-n-laws 97 F-350 SuperDuty had some pretty major electrical issues awhile back and one repair shop that he towed it to wanted to replace the ECU... He brought it home and I got lucky and actually found a wiring schematic in the owners manual. After a couple of afternoons of kicking and cussing... I finally found the problem and fixed it. It cost all of $50. 00 bucks to fix his truck.

I would look for the TV cable or TV actuator. On the Ford transmissions, they can destroy the trans. if its driven too long with a TV issue.