Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Looks like an aftermarket alarm to me.

What's the matter man? You don't believe me about the VSS wires?

bphillips

i went out and checked the wires and they seemed fine, i must of been seeing things last night cuz there isn't any corrosion on them that i can see, but i took out the VSS and cleaned it up and cleaned the wires and now my truck is coming up with the ABS light so i don't know what to do now. do you suggest just ripping the wires right out all the way up to the engine? and how would i put the wires back into the little clip that goes into the VSS or do i just snip them cpl inches back?

electropaulie

Sean is right, that little black box is a Remote Starter/Alarm box. Ford definately did not put that there.

Do yourself a favour though, forget the VSS. The speedo jumping around could be a different problem, but I'm positive its not related to your hard shifting issue.

The TPS on my 302 is in a tricky spot, mounted right on the bottom of the throttle body. Have to take the T/B off to get at it, but its only four bolts, the throttle cable and a couple hoses. Not sure what engine you have in your truck, but the TPS will be mounted somewhere on the throttle body. Do yourself another favour too dude, go to Canadian Tire and get a Hanes manual. It'll help you lots, even to reference some advice from here.

bphillips

i have the 5.8L and its the 4x4 model

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Check the wires for continuity along the length and see if they are broken. I would start at the VSS plug and go down the length a foot or two. Wiggle them while testing, it could be an intermittent break. How you choose to connect to the plug depends on how bad the wires are. I guess I would try cutting them close to the plug (only if they are broken) and splicing there. You can also pull the pins from the plug, open them up and crimp them onto the new wires.

DO NOT forget the VSS. All signs are shoving your face right towards it. #1 transmission not shifting properly. #2 speedometer not working correctly. And now #3 ABS light is on. All of these things require input from the one and only VSS. I'm not saying I'm right he's wrong, but I believe the problem is the VSS wires.

bphillips

Ok ill take a close look at the wires tomorrow, thanks for all your help sean

electropaulie

Actually, we both could be right...or both wrong. There are number of things it could be.
When I got my truck it was a P.O.S. Neglected and un-cared for. I had to change the coolant temp sensor, map sensor, iat, and the tps...before the motor would run any good at all. I was cursing the E40D while all this was happening because with the electronic transmission, it's especially critical that the computer gets the right info. Even a low battery level can cause problems. The TPS is essentially just a variable resistor. The computer calculates the position of the throttle based on a certain voltage input. So if your source voltage is lower, your input the computer will be lower as well, and the computer thinks you are giving it less throttle.

By all means, do not overlook anything. If you figure out the VSS is your problem, great. Problem solved. Main thing is to get your truck fixed up.

willtransco

Every once in awhile I still get a series of hard shifts..I am going to look at the VSS issue as well..
Normally I get Great shifts...smoother than the Charger.. Wild!

bphillips

ok i checked the wires back about 1-2 feet from the vss and all looks good, i dont know if i should take them out all the way back to the front or try something elts.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

You checked them for continuity with a meter, right? If they check out fine that way then I suppose you could try electropaulies idea.