Avoiding 4L60-E harsh shifts and engagements

Avoiding 4L60-E harsh shifts and engagements

The complaint

The complaints are harsh engagements and shifts. The scan tool data reveals that there is no amperage command to the EPC solenoid therefor the line pressure is at maximum. There are no transmission codes stored, there are lean codes stored in the ECM. The ABS or the VSC (vehicle stability control) lights may be illuminated. This complaint is prevalent on Chevrolet Silverados with the 5.3 non-flex fuel engine. 

The cause

The engine is running lean. There are multiple causes for a lean running engine. One of them is an Ethanol-based fuel, E85 in a non-flex fuel vehicle. See the ATSG bulletin “Invalid Engine Torque Signal” for more details about Ethanol-based fuels.

The correction

Figure 1.

Check the fuel to see if it’s an Ethanol-based fuel (figure 1). Drain the tank and refill with a non-Ethanol base fuel if needed. If the fuel is a non-Ethanol blend then the engine lean codes will require the proper diagnosis and repair. 

You May Also Like

How the Ford engine stop/start system affects transmissions

2018 and later Ford Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L Eco-Boost, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or the 2L VCTi engines, and the 6F35 transmission, have an engine stop/start system. The stop/start feature can be disabled by the driver and will remain disabled after each key cycle until reactivated by the driver. Some Ford Fusion and

Tech-Talk-May-Figure-1

2018 and later Ford Escape vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L Eco-Boost, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or the 2L VCTi engines, and the 6F35 transmission, have an engine stop/start system. The stop/start feature can be disabled by the driver and will remain disabled after each key cycle until reactivated by the driver. Some Ford Fusion and Edge models will also have the engine stop/start feature. The reason for this was to improve fuel economy and lower tailpipe emissions.

Ford harsh downshifts: 6R75 2-1, 10R60 7-6

Complaints, causes and corrections for two different Ford transmissions experiencing harsh downshifts.

Tech-Talk-January-Figure-8
Ford 6R140 no engagement cold

The complaint A 2015 Ford F-250 equipped with the 6R140W transmission has just been overhauled. Shortly afterward, the transmission has begun to develop forward and reverse engagement problems when the unit is cold. As it warms up towards operating temperature, the engagement problems diminish and do not return until the next cooldown period. Trouble codes

Tech-Talk-January-Figure-5
Ford 4R70W solenoid codes set

The complaint During the overhaul process of a Ford 4R70W transmission, it was necessary to replace the hard wire frame and case connector. After repairs were completed and the technician prepared to take the vehicle for a road test, the transmission took off in a higher gear and the MIL illuminated. The PCM was scanned

Tech-Talk-January-Figure-4
Dealing with PCM fault codes on the Ford 5R110W

The complaint A 2005 Ford F350 with the 6.0 liter diesel engine and 5R110W transmission has set a P0753 “Pressure Control Solenoid A – Electrical Fault” code and a P2700 “Transmission Friction Element A – Apply Time Out Of Range” code. After a prolonged drive time, DTC P0752 “Pressure Control Solenoid A – Stuck On”

Tech-Talk-January-Figure-2

Other Posts

Ford FNR5 slipping or no reverse hot

The complaint A Ford vehicle equipped with the FNR5 transmission has a complaint of a severe slipping condition in reverse. As the transmission approaches normal operating temperature, reverse movement is non-existent. Related Articles – Volkswagen dual clutch transmission and direct shift gearbox: What you need to know – Diagnostic tips for the Ford 6F35 –

January-Tech-Talk-Figure-1-1400
Sonnax introduces Second Gear Servo Kit

Sonnax has introduced Second Gear Servo Kit (part no. 77701-02K), which is a direct replacement part for GM 4L70-E transmissions. Related Articles – Alto adds torque converter sealing ring kit for Mercedes 722.6 – Sonnax introduces Ford 6R140 converter limit valve kit – Dana offers Spicer performance differential covers Sonnax says this kit can improve

Sonnax-77701-02K-600
FCA 62TE missing caged needle bearing

The complaint When the Low Clutch Housing is removed from the Underdrive Center Shaft of a 62TE transmission, one notices that the caged needle bearing located on the shaft between the sealing rings was missing (Figure 1, above).  Related Articles – Park Wiggle Movement (En Español) – Shift Pointers: Park Wiggle Movement – A 10L80

Tech-Talk-Q4-2022-Figure-8-1400
FCA 62TE slipping in second and fifth

The complaint Immediately after overhaul, a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country with a 3.6L engine and a 62TE transmission faults to limp mode. The scan tool reveals trouble codes P0732 “Second Gear Ratio Error,” P0735 “Fifth Gear Ratio Error,” P0792 “Compounder Speed Error,” and P1790 “Fault After Shift” are set. During the overhaul procedure, the

Tech-Talk-Q4-2022-Figure-9