98 Auto Transmission PROBLEM! HELP! - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

johnreid · 06-09-2009, 02:08 PM

I have a 98 XLT that had a blown overhead 4.0 engine. I replaced the engine with a 4.0 Non overhead out of a 96 XLT. I left the orig. transmission in the 98 and put the 96 ECM (Computer) in the 98. The truck runs great with the exception of not starting with the key...I have a push button now

. THe security light and OverDrive light on the dash constantly flash. It will not shift out of first gear when in drive. It will however shift to 2nd gear if you leave the shifter in first. Will not shift to 3rd and beyond either way.

The lights on the dash do go out if I install the 98 ECM but then the engine runs like total crap.

I do have a good 96 transmission that would prob. solve my shifting problems....but I sure don't want to have to swap it right now if I don't have to.

Any ideas? What wire do I need to run where? LOL.

ANy help would be GREATLY appreciated. THanks in advance.

John

johnreid · 06-09-2009, 08:30 PM

I've about pulled my hair out over this shifting problem. I'm starting to think that the guy who sold me the 98 was fibbing about the transmission being good. I can't see why it wouldn't shift?????????????????????

*dogfriend* · 06-10-2009, 04:57 PM

98 trans is a 5R55E (5 sp), 96 trans is a 4R55E (4sp). Flashing OD light means DTC (diagnostic trouble code(s)) are set for trans.

96 PCM is not compatible with 98 Trans. 96 PCM may or may not be compatible with 98 Emission controls (I would bet not)

I would either pick 96 PCM, 96 emission equip on engine and 96 trans or pick 98 PCM, 98 emission equip on engine and 98 trans. Mixing the two confuses the PCM.

johnreid · 06-10-2009, 07:18 PM

That sheds alot of light on the problem man. Thanks alot.

The engine and emissions are already out of the 96 model. The PCM has already been swapped also. The 96 PCM conflicting with the Tranny must be the problem for sure. I have the 96 Transmisson and I am going to install it soon.

Once again, Thanks,
John

06-09-2009, 02:08 PM	#1
johnreid Wannabe Elite Explorer 98 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs	98 Auto Transmission PROBLEM! HELP! I have a 98 XLT that had a blown overhead 4.0 engine. I replaced the engine with a 4.0 Non overhead out of a 96 XLT. I left the orig. transmission in the 98 and put the 96 ECM (Computer) in the 98. The truck runs great with the exception of not starting with the key...I have a push button now . THe security light and OverDrive light on the dash constantly flash. It will not shift out of first gear when in drive. It will however shift to 2nd gear if you leave the shifter in first. Will not shift to 3rd and beyond either way. The lights on the dash do go out if I install the 98 ECM but then the engine runs like total crap. I do have a good 96 transmission that would prob. solve my shifting problems....but I sure don't want to have to swap it right now if I don't have to. Any ideas? What wire do I need to run where? LOL. ANy help would be GREATLY appreciated. THanks in advance. John

06-09-2009, 08:30 PM	#2
johnreid Wannabe Elite Explorer 98 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs	Transmission maybe bad? I've about pulled my hair out over this shifting problem. I'm starting to think that the guy who sold me the 98 was fibbing about the transmission being good. I can't see why it wouldn't shift?????????????????????

06-10-2009, 04:57 PM	#3
dogfriend Human-Animal Hybrid Carmichael, CA '97 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 8,696 Vehicle Specs	98 trans is a 5R55E (5 sp), 96 trans is a 4R55E (4sp). Flashing OD light means DTC (diagnostic trouble code(s)) are set for trans. 96 PCM is not compatible with 98 Trans. 96 PCM may or may not be compatible with 98 Emission controls (I would bet not) I would either pick 96 PCM, 96 emission equip on engine and 96 trans or pick 98 PCM, 98 emission equip on engine and 98 trans. Mixing the two confuses the PCM. __________________ I still miss my best friend. Meet my new friends

06-10-2009, 07:18 PM	#4
johnreid Wannabe Elite Explorer 98 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs	Thanks That sheds alot of light on the problem man. Thanks alot. The engine and emissions are already out of the 96 model. The PCM has already been swapped also. The 96 PCM conflicting with the Tranny must be the problem for sure. I have the 96 Transmisson and I am going to install it soon. Once again, Thanks, John