The Ford E150 was equipped with the 4R75E, 4R70W, 4R100 or E4OD transmission.. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Ford E150 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ford E150 Transmission Models
Ford E150: 4R75E / 4R70W Transmission
Ford E150: 4R100 / E4OD Transmission
Ford E150 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Ford E150 Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4R75E/W 4R70W | 2025 |
| 4R100 / E4OD | 2226 |
What are the DTC codes related to Ford E150 transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0722 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0766 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0775 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' |
| P0781 | 1-2 Shift |
| P0782 | 2-3 Shift |
| P0791 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0793 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0795 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' |
| P0797 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Stuck On |
| P0798 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
| P1762 | Nissan DTC: Direct Clutch Solenoid Valve |
| P2703 | Transmission Friction Element D Apply Time Range/Performance |
Ford E150 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Ford E150 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 13-4-23 – 4R75E Transmission – Grinding/Slipping/Loss of Reverse
2008 – 2010 Ford E-Series
Problem – Some vehicles may experience a grinding/whining noise, unusual vibrations, slipping, and potentially a loss of reverse gear, all resulting from a failure of the planetary gear assembly
Solution – Install planetary upgrade kit and new torque converter
TSB 02–21–1 – E4OD Transmission / 4R100 Transmission – Torque converter access plug may become dislodged
1989 – 1997 Ford Super Duty – 1989 – 1998 Ford F250 – 1989 – 1998 Ford F53 Motorhome – 1989 – 2003 Ford E-Series – 1989 – 2003 Ford F150 – 1999 – 2003 Ford Super Duty – 2000 – 2003 Ford Excursion – 1998 – 2003 Lincoln Navigator – 2002 – 2003 Lincoln Blackwood
Problem – Due to extreme load and material shrinkage, the torque converter external access dust plug may fall out during severe duty use.
Solution – Install new plug (part number E9TZ-7N171-A) with a 1/4 inch bead of silicone sealant around the plug.
TSB 98-20-9 – Ticking noise on initial startup when the selector is in park or neutral
1998 Ford Econoline – 1998 Ford Expedition – 1998 Ford F150 – 1998 Ford F250 – 1998 Lincoln Navigator – 1999 Ford F250 HD – 1999 Ford F350 – 1999 Ford Super Duty
Problem – A ticking noise may be hard when the vehicle is first started and the shifter is in the ‘P’ or ‘N’ position. In some cases, the noise may also be heard after the vehicle has warmed up. This can be caused by the overdrive clutch steel separator plate(s) hitting against the case internal spline.
Solution – Install new OD friction plates and accumulator assembly
Common Problems with the Ford E150 Transmission
TCC Application in 2nd Gear – 4R75E Transmission / 4R70 Transmission
2005 – 2006 Ford E-150
Problem – A lack of power after the 1-2 shift can be caused by an un-commanded torque converter clutch application / TCC apply. The P0742 and/or P1742 DTCs may also be stored.
Solution – The #7 check ball inside of the valve body may have worn down to an incorrect size, allowing the torque converter clutch to apply after the 1-2 shift. Replacement of this check ball may solve the problem.
Slipping in All Forward Gears – 4R75E Transmission
2005 – 2006 Ford 4R75E Transmission
Problem – Many 2005 – 2006 Ford vehicles equipped with the 4R75E transmission, may experience excessive slipping in all forward gears. Metal shavings may also be present in the transmission fluid.
Solution – Replace forward clutch drum and update ECU with program 06B06
Poor performance with DTCs P0715, P0716 & P0717 – 4R100 Transmission
Problem – Poor engine performance and acceleration may be due to a sticking solenoid regulator valve
Solution – If the solenoid regulator valve cannot be repaired, the valve body will have to be replaced
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Ford E150 3rd gear slip
Ford E150 3rd gear slipping is actually quite common on 2001 and later models that were equipped with the 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission. You’ll know it’s happening if the transmission seems to shift into neutral during the 3-4 upshift. You may also experience a lack of engine braking if you manually shift the transmission into 2nd gear.
Cause of Ford E150 3rd gear shift problems
The most likely reason that you’re having Ford F150 shifting problems is because either the overdrive server retaining snap ring or overdrive servo ‘E’ clip have broken. If this happens, the debris from those broken parts will make their way down into the overdrive servo regulator valve, which will prevent the overdrive band from making a full apply. If you elect to go with a rebuilt transmission, the mechanic will need to remove the overdrive servo regulator valve assembly from the valve body and repair any damage caused by the debris. This step is often overlooked by many transmission rebuilders and it can lead to more transmission problems in the future. But if you upgrade to a reman Ford E150 transmission from Street Smart Transmission, you can be sure they will completely remanufacture every part of the valve body, which will keep you from having additional problems in the future.
How much is it going to cost to fix my 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission?
Unfortunately, the problem described here will require the removal and disassembly/partial disassembly of your transmission. Given the labor time involved to remove the transmission from the vehicle (this is not a simple task), most repair shops will recommend that you go ahead and rebuild the entire transmission while it’s out. Since they already have to tear it down to replace the 4R70W/4R70E or 4R75E transmission, it sort of makes sense to spend the extra money to do that. After all, you should get a lot more mileage out of your transmission once it’s rebuilt. And since they’ve already got the transmission apart, might as well, right?
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Ford E150 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Ford E150 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Ford E150 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford E150 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Ford E150 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford E150 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Ford E150 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Ford E150 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Ford E150 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford E150 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ford E150 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Ford E150 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford E150 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford E150 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Ford E150 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
I recently purchased a 1999 Ford E150 Econoline van 4.6 V8. As I was driving home when I reached 40 mph it wouldn’t shift into the next gear it would just rev. When I dropped back to 35 mph it would go back into gear. So I checked the trany fluid and it was black. Dropped the pan nothing much inside and changed the fluid, filter ect. Now it won’t go into any gear but reverse. Could this be the shift selonoid?
When I get up to 40 mph the transmission pops out of gear just revs when I drop back to 35 mph it goes back into gear.
Will not go into 1st gear
Won’t shift into third gear and the off light for my overdrive is flashing
Reverse went out, but still drives in all other gears.
Reverse stopped working suddenly with no previous problems
Dumped oil near bell housing (trans. fluid) about 1 cup. Had issues shifting from 1-2(two times previously) 157 000 miles 5.7 liter
Service advancetrac light came on. Over the next few weeks, tranny started shifting hard and slipping.
Got Reverse..But absolute no forward gears at all…….it happened when the snow failed…1994 E-150 …..Just happened all of sudden…no spin tires…none revving the engine at all…is it a electrical problem…or what…..van wads running perfect….no slippage ever……..what do I need to do
Slight jerk going up a hill between 60 and 65 in overdrive
Slight jerk in overdrive between 60 an 65 going up as hill
Fluid siphon in to intake
2000 E-150, 4r70w transmission sat for 6 months with no prior problems. When I started it up again I no longer had drive, 2nd, or low. Changed the fluid and filter, helped slightly but still undriveable. What else can I do before getting a new transmission?
No reverse
Forward gears work will not operate reverse
98 e-150, 160k miles- no forward but reverse is good-what’s up??
Overdrive light keeps flashing
Not shifting into overdrive
My van goes into overdrive too soon in my opinion
Had no problem with the transmission until the upper and lower manifold gaskets were replaced. Now setting codes p755 p708. And the overdrive light is flashing and won’t turn off! HELP
93 F150. Had rebuilt 2017. 1 year expired, put 12,000 miles on it. Now quit shifting past 2nd gear. Same shop says rare, but drum went out, recommends replace all 3 drums while in there and basically rebuild again for $1200. Already spent $1900 on previous rebuild last year. If I decide not to continue, cost is About $400 for taking out and finding issues. So cut loss or fix and hope?
2004 Ford F150 150,000 miles. Started having trouble with transmission not going in gear. Now have reverse only.
Same problem , more than likely it’s your friction plates they take a beating
Same thibg what wasnyours