Transmission or something else?

[climber211]

I have a 96 XLT with 150,000. I noticed that between 50 and 70, GOING up a hill, the truck seems to lurch in and out of gear. I can;t be sure if it's slipping or not and trying to re-engage, but I know the tranny will down shift out of what I assume is the overdrive and I can make it up the hill. On normal straight roads, the truck runs fine, no problems. I can even punch it from a dead stop (entering traffic) and have no problems. I change the tranny fluid (it was brown), still no help. Had the check engine light on. Two codes, one was PO131 and second was 401. I had the O2 sensor replaced and will have the DPFE sensor next (money's tight). Could this be a tranny problem or something with fuel system or something I don;t even know about yet. Need help and or advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[Alec]

Welcome!

Try disengaging OD via the shifter mounted button. If it stops then don't worry about it. It's normal under certain conditions for the tranny to hunt for a gear.

 

[climber211]

Seems not to jump in and out of gear with the OD off but still does not seem smooth? Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Robb]

I will bump this for you.

I moved this thread here, because this is where it belongs. I am going to delete your identical thread in "911".

 

[dgibson]

I have to take mine out of od when going up hills (like the ones going toward Pittsburgh). I just shift from of down to drive and let it go. I can feel the extra "strain" I geuss you could say. That's probably why is doesn't feel smooth because it should be in od, imo.

 

[climber211]

dgibson,

Thanks for the reply. After more investigation. I found out it is the DPSE sensor. Cost about 65..00 at autozone and is easy to replace. Thanks again.

 

[magyarbacsi]

Dpse

Where is it and what is the function of the DPSE?