Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

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ExoticLSC

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Hey guys, I was wondering if any of you would happen to know what it means when the overdrive light flashes on a '93 Mark VIII. I had almost run out of fuel tonight, when i was pulling into the gas station, the engine was hesitating (for obvious resons), then the overdrive light started to flash. I filled the tank 3/4 full. As I left and drove the rest of the way home, it kept on sputtering and I don't think it ever left 2nd gear. The engine will rev freely in park or nuetral after a few seconds from being taken out of drive or reverse. Anyone have any idea whats going on?? Thanks,

-Joe Michael
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

Transmission Control Switch (TCS)

Description

The transmission control switch is a momentary contact switch. When the switch is pressed, a signal is sent to the PCM to allow automatic shifts from first through fourth gears or first through third gears only. The PCM energizes the transmission control indicator lamp (TCIL) when the switch is off.

NOTE:
TCIL will also flash if the EPC circuit is shorted.

Sensor: Transmission Control Switch (TCS)

Transmission Function: Disable fourth gear operation.

Symptoms: No overdrive cancel when switch is cycled.

DTC: 632 tested during Key On Engine Off (KOEO) Self-Test.

Actuator: Transmission Control Indicator Lamp (TCIL)

Transmission Function: Indicates overdrive cancel mode activated (lamp ON) and EPC circuit shorted (lamp flashing).

Symptoms: FAILED ON - Overdrive cancel mode always indicated, no flashing for EPC circuit shorted.

FAILED OFF - Overdrive cancel mode never indicated, no flashing for EPC circuit shorted.

DTC: 631
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

You are the man! Would you happen to know how I can fix this? Would it be just the switch in the lever, or something shorted in the circuit somewhere. For some reason, it is causing the car to only accellerate (slowly) at partial throttle. Anything past light throttle and the car bogs down. Thanks,

-Joe Michael
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

I would look at the harness at the transmission, apparently the EPC circuit is shorted. Could be at the plug or internal at the valve body. I don't know if the EPC solenoid could be at fault. I would surmise something in the transmission wiring is amiss and that is also contributing to seemingly poor performance - since the EPC(Electronic Pressure Control) solenoid controls the shift circuit pressure.

The button on the shift lever is just a momentary contact to ground. Re-read the faults for TCS(Transmission Control Switch), it's either open or shorted. Most likely not the culprit in this case.
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

The EPC circuit may well be shorted, per Driller's diagnosis.
But since you were sputtering your way into the gas station due to low fuel, you may have also sucked up debris from the bottom of the fuel tank, or heaven forbid the fuel pump may have overheated from not being submerged in fuel to keep it cool, and it may be giving up the ghost.
Along with Driller's suggestions on the EPC, I would change the fuel filter ( I always change mine anytime I have the right inner fender panel off}. Then, if you still get the hesitation and bogging, I would check the fuel pressure and flow volume. Along with your OD indicator problems, it sounds as if you have a fuel starvation problem.
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

Bud, I agree about a trans control problem being likely, but would that make the engine sputter and lag back when you apply heavy throttle?

That part of the deal sounds like fuel starvation to me, or does the trans control system also affect engine performance?
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

Thanks all of you, for your input. I will hopefully be getting the car up on a lift tomorrow morning before work. I'll see what I can find out from there.

-Joe Michael
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

Seems remote, but what's the possibility of having 2 problems? Transmission was going to have a problem anyway and the induced fuel problem by running too low on fuel????? Ummmmmm. And both about the same time? Must be there's something we're both missing.


Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
'92 Prowler 5th Wheel
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

From the manual...

The electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid regulates transmission EPC (TV) pressure. EPC valve pressure is used to control line pressure and the 2-3 backout valve function.

Actuator:

Electronic pressure control (EPC)

Transmission Function:

Regulates EPC pressure, 2-3 backout valve control, line pressure.

Symptoms:

Failed "ON"--Minimum EPC pressure (minimum capacity), limit engine torque (alternate firing).

Failed "OFF"-- Maximum EPC pressure, harsh engagements, harsh shifts.

DTC's: 624 and 625
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

I was able to get my car up on jackstands tonight to check things out. I pulled the main harness, to realize that two of the pins from the transmission plug broke off and stayed in the harness! I hope this is what the problem was, and that it didn't happen when I pulled the plug out. The two pins that broke were the Vehicle 12+ Main Power, and SS1 (Shift Solenoid 1). I guess I'll be replacing the circuit board in the transmission. I already purchased the EPC solenoid and a tranny pan gasket, so I guess I'll throw the new EPC in there while it's apart. You guys think I should j-mod it while it's apart? If I do, which "drill diagram should I go by? Please keep in mind that it is a '98 transmission. Anything else I should take care of while I'm in there?? Thanks,

-Joe Michael
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
... You guys think I should j-mod it while it's apart? If I do, which "drill diagram should I go by? Please keep in mind that it is a '98 transmission. Anything else I should take care of while I'm in there??
[/div]

While it's opened up, I would definitely either do a J-mod or install a shift kit. You may want to consider the 'deep dish' pan with a drain plug to facilitate future fluid changes. Even if you do not J-mod or install a shift kit, be sure to re-torque the valve body bolts.
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

Hey guys, I had a chance to work on the '93 overnight on Tue. I pulled the valvebody and exhaust. I then proceeded to pull the valvebody apart, and performed the J-Mod to 300-450HP specs. I replaced the EPC solenoid and the TCC solenoid (for a '93, of course). I also replaced the main harness plug, and the main circuit board. Everything went together ok with the exception of the exhaust, and the MLPS cable.

After buttoning up the tranny, I had to cut off the bolt from the driver side exhaust manifold flange, then drill through the bolt to get it out. I replaced the stock exhaust with an incomplete dual exhaust from a '98LSC (the exhaust ends about 1ft before the IRS). I'll be finishing the exhaust from there with some 3" pipes. The next problem was that the MLPS cable was in horrible shape, making it very hard to shift into Drive, let alone 2 or 1. A trip to my house netted a full shifter assemblly from the same '98. I was able to replace the shifter assembly whole, and fabbed a bracket to work with the original MLPS setup (I didn't have the '98 bracket). After filling the tranny with 9.75 qts of Mercon V (I didn't drain the converter, as the fluid was changed a few months ago) I was good to go.

I didn't get much driving time in since the repairmod, but she's got all four gears and runs great! The shifts are now more firm, no where near punishing. I think I'm gonna' like it. I'd like to thank all of you that took your time to help to help me out. I don't think I would have been able to do it without you guys. All of your info was VERY helpful to me. Please, if anyone has any questions about Mobile Electronics, and Bodywork, please don't hesitate to shoot me a PM or email. Thanks,

-Joe Michael
 
RE: Engine sputters, OD light blinks, HELP!

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]... but she's got all four gears and runs great! The shifts are now more firm, no where near punishing. I think I'm gonna' like it. ...[/div]

.:D :D :D
 
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