No power, sputters and shuts off

DADDIO309

MEMBER
1993 FORD E-SERIES VAN
5.8L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

It starts okay, when put into drive it will barely move. If put into 1st or 2nd gear it accelerates okay. Can be put into drive once vehicle speed passes 30 MPH or so.
But it will lose power and eventually shut off if attempting to climb a hill.
Rapid acceleration will result in sputter and engine shutting off.
If stopped at a speed bump, you must back up and get a "running start" to go over bump.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

If it is working when you shift it, the first thing I would recommend is to check the fluid level and condition. If it is low, it can affect line pressure in the transmission. Placing it in low 1 or 2 locks a clutch drum forcing the gear to operate. Based on your description, it sounds like the transmission is slipping.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

Let me know what you find. Also, pay attention to the color of the fluid, if it has a burnt smell, and when the last time it was serviced.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 AT 8:48 PM

DADDIO309

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Okay, there is also the matter of a backfire. I'll record a short video for you.

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Thursday, April 28th, 2022 AT 12:29 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

That sounds more engine-related than transmission. Record it as you mentioned and upload it so I can hear what is happening. Additionally, I would like you to check for diagnostic trouble codes. This vehicle has an OBD1 system that doesn't require a scanner to retrieve codes. Follow this link and let me know the results:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ford-lincoln-mercury-obd1-1995-and-earlier-diagnostic-trouble-code-definition-and-retrieval

I will watch for your reply. Also, let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, April 28th, 2022 AT 6:24 PM

DADDIO309

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I did the test and my test light just stayed on constantly. No blinking. I'm not sure how to submit a video but I'll keep trying.

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Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 AT 3:28 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Just to confirm. The data link connector is under the hood on this vehicle. See pic 2 for location.

Next, how long did you wait for the codes to appear? Some codes will require up to 30 seconds before they are indicated. See pic 1

Let me know.

Joe

Let me know.

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