Hello, I am new to the forum. I am not much of a mechanic. Having said that, I own a1996 F-150 5.8L E4OD 4Speed AT. Not too long ago my transmission started acting funny, hard shifting and jumping into third or fourth gear. I can't really tell and when it did hard shift into third or fourth gear most of the time it would stall the motor. It would be a little difficult to start the motor but it would start and I could limp home keeping it in first gear. Also, after about a week of it doing this, I noticed that my speedometer and odometer had gone out. And had thought that maybe that has something to do with my hard shifting and shifting into the wrong gear. Any help would be appreciated. Any remedies that I could try before it goes into the shop would be appreciated as well. Thank you in advance

 

The clue of the speedometer not working is sufficient to look at the output speed sensor on the trans, located on the driver's side on the tail shaft housing.
Your honesty with limited mechanical experience might best be served if you had your shop check that sensor out and verify it is working correctly.

 

Check your dipstick and add fluid if needed. Cold start and set the parking brake and step on your brake then lubricate every gear for 30 seconds, do that on every cold start and see if it helps any.
And what's the mileage now and when did you change the fluid? Ford says every 30k but most mechanics would suggest 100k the first time, then every 60k all depends on your driving style, usage, and location.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. In response to your guys's advice, I did check for the output speed sensor but could not find it on my transmission. I will look again though and see if I can find it and change it out. And as far as the checking the fluid in the transmission, my first order of business from a friend of mine was to change the filter. I did do that buttoned it all up no leaks. No nothing added my fluid. My fluid is fine but I will do the go through the steps for each gear like you had suggested. Again, I appreciate the help anymore. Ideas would be appreciated. Thanks again!

 

The speed sensor is in the place where the old speedometer cable used to connect to the trans.

It is usually held in place with a small bolt holding a Y type clamp.
The way I checked them was to remove the housing reconnect the electrical plug , turn the key on, and see if the speedometer needle moved.when I rotated the fiber gear on the inside end of the sensor..
If the speedo needle moved that told me we had a bigger problem which was the spiral gear on the output shaft was not rotating the sensor gear.
Can you at least do the suggested check and tell us what result you received ?

 

96 S/B rear axle mounted.
Symptoms are generally erratic shift timing, extended out/harsh shift events, w/without speedo indication dropouts.

 

Thank You, Hayapower for correcting my inaccurate direction for the sensor on 96.

 

hey there ! sounds like ur tranny might have a problem with the speed sensor or some wiring issues. try checkin the electrical connections and the fluid level in the tranny first. if that don't work, it might be best to takeit to a mechanic