Hi all,
I have a 1995 F150 / 5.8L / E4OD. On a regular basis (but not every time), when starting from a stop it feels like the torque converter wants to lock when I get to about 1500 RPM. It starts to surge while on the gas pedal, where it goes from idle to 1500, immediately drops back to under 1000 RPM, surges back to 1500, and the cycle continues. If I completely release the gas pedal, it feels like the torque converter unlocks. More details:

• Gas pedal position makes no difference. I've tried gassing it, and it acts the same as a gentle press
• Happens when both hot and cold (outside and/or trans temperature)
• If I start in 2 or 1 to get enough speed to eventually get to D, I can usually get going ok but it immediately feels like the torque converter locks
• When I have driven until the transmission is hot (including highway speeds), the issue is resolved until I shut down the engine. I fill the gas tank, and most of the time, the issue returns
• The issue is the same regardless of whether I have overdrive off or on
• The transmission light on the shifter does not flash
• Fluid is full and has always been changed annually

I have the factory service manual, but I do not have a diagnostic tool. Based on my reading in this forum and the manual, my best guess is VSS or TPS, but I can't confirm without the diagnostic tool. Neither of those items seem like a likely cause, so I am open to ideas before I buy parts.

If I can provide more information to help clarify, please ask. Thank you!!!!

 

The surge part of your post is happening to my 1993 F-150 XLT 2x4 / 5.0 / E40D too. When I let off the gas, it stops for a while. Did you find a solution?

 

Afraid not. I went down a few rabbit holes with it. I think it might be related to the 4WD, in that there might be a short in the wiring between the 4WD Low switch and the ECM or PCM. I am not much of an automotive electrician, so I haven't taken it any further yet. Even though yours is 2WD, it could still be a wiring issue between ECM or PCM and the brake light switch. That was another possible cause I read about. I feel pretty strongly it's electrical, not mechanical. Sorry I can't be more help right now. I will update the post if I make any progress.