Transmission issue sometimes acts like it does not disengage at stops

[Peanut74]

I have a '97 Ford Ex with a 4.0 SOHC and a 5R555 (data plate TR code is V)
The problem I am seeing appears only when it is cold out and only occasionally. I can start it up and back out of the drive just fine. Then after getting up to 50 mph for a couple minutes it will shutter and stall at a traffic light. I can restart the engine but when I but it into gear it acts the same as if you dumped the clutch. I have found if I put it into reverse and back up a few feet I can shift it back into drive and it will do fine the rest of the day.

I took it to a transmission last year when it was acting up and they could not find anything wrong. They changed out the fluid to be on the safe side but did not see any trash in the fluid removed.

I have been search this site but I have not see any that describe the same issue I am haveing

Any ideas on what the issue is would be appreciated.

 

[PopRichie77]

You could have an engine idle problem.

 

[Peanut74]

The truck currently idles at about 750 when it is gear. This seems to be the case whether the engine is hot or cold.

I recall reading that there is a switch that tells the transmission that the brakes are being applied. Is that true and if so where is it located? I am thinking that if there is one it may stick when it is cold.

 

[2000StreetRod]

torque converter locked?

Perhaps the torque converter is staying locked. If the engine rpm in drive when stopped is that may indicate that the torque converter clutch is locked. The brake pedal position (BPP) switch sends a signal to the PCM to disengage the torque converter clutch when the brake pedal is depressed. The switch has two sections. One section grounds the path to the PCM (RD/LG wire). The other section activates the brake lights (LG wire). The PCM ignores the BPP if the TPS is above closed throttle. If the BPP switch is good then test the TPS. See TPS Test Procedure
If the BPP switch and TPS are good then the torque converter clutch solenoid may be stuck.

 

[Peanut74]

Thanks I will be checking it this weekend. I hope it is one of these and not the torque converter clutch solenoid. Which I am assuming is one of the solonoids in the valve body inside the transmission.

Right now it has been running just fine.

 

[Peanut74]

Well I think I have solved my transmission issue. I replaced the Torque Converter Clutch solenoid with a new one. I went to the Ford dealer to make sure I got one that was a direct replacement. I paid a bit more but it was worth it knowing I shouldn't have to drop the transmission pan again because I got the wrong one. I have been running with it for about two months now and have not had any issues.

 

[2000StreetRod]

TCC solenoid replaced

I'm glad to hear that you got your problem resolved. Thanks for posting the solution.