E4OD Transmission Rebuild Cost [DIY Vs. Mechanic]
Most people already know that the cost of replacing a transmission will be high, but E4OD transmission rebuild costs are seldom discussed. That is why this information is being shared here with you now.
The total average cost of an E4OD transmission rebuild is $2,400, which includes parts and labor costs. The actual cost of an E4OD transmission rebuild will depend on the make and model of your vehicle to make sure it is compatible as well as how much needs to be done for the rebuild.
Therefore, you now have an average cost to help you determine what you will need for your E4OD transmission rebuild.
Before getting into the specifications and relevant information related to the E4OD transmission rebuild cost, you first need to know if your vehicle is compatible with the said transmission.
This table shows the compatible years and makes and models of these vehicles.
YEAR | MAKE/MODEL |
---|---|
1989 – 1998 | Ford E-Series Van |
1989 – 1998 | Ford F-Series Truck |
1990 – 1996 | Ford Bronco |
1993 – 1995 | Ford SVT Lightning |
1997 – 1998 | Ford Expedition |
If you own one of these vehicles and are experiencing problems with the E4OD transmission, you may choose to have it rebuilt instead of buying one new. It may save you money in the long run.
Now we can answer some questions related to the rebuild costs of an E4OD transmission.
What Does E4OD Stand For?
The E4OD transmission is Ford’s first-ever electronically controlled transmission. It was introduced in 1989 and was installed on several models like the F-Series trucks, the Ford SVT Lightning, E-Series vans, the Ford Expedition, and the Ford Bronco. E4OD stands for Electronically Controlled OverDrive because of its 4 Forward Gears.
How Long Does It Take to Rebuild an E4OD Transmission?
Since time is something that factors into our busy lives, another valid question related to rebuilding an E4OD transmission is how long it takes.
The time it takes for this process depends on how adept the mechanic you choose is with these rebuilds. The average amount of time to rebuild an E4OD transmission is about 6 hours.
You can better prepare yourself for the loss of time and make a plan before taking your vehicle in for this repair.
How Much is a New E4OD Transmission?
If you prefer to buy a new E4OD transmission, it will cost you an average of about $2,300. The cost of buying a new one is about the same as having one rebuilt, which includes the labor costs.
The average labor cost for installing a new E4OD is about $610 depending on where you take it.
What Can Go Wrong with an E4OD Transmission?
There are several things that can go wrong with your E4OD transmission that may require a full rebuild or partial parts replacement.
This table shows a few issues you can expect.
Some Issues of E4OD Transmission
ISSUE | CAUSE | REMEDY |
---|---|---|
No Reverse | TRS or MLPS | Remove and Clean |
Stalls in Reverse | IAC | Remove and Clean |
Fluid Leak | Torque Converter Hub | Remove, diagnose, fix |
High Revs Forward | Torque Converter Clutch | Diagnose, fix |
2nd Gear Hard Shift | Clutch Pack Failure | Remove, replace |
No Reverse
TRS is the Transmission Range Sensor and MLPS is the Manual Level Position Sensor. These components are electronic.
Therefore, they can be cleaned using the proper electronic cleaner. If that doesn’t fix the no reverse problem, these parts will require replacement.
Stalls in Reverse
The IAC, Idle Air Control sensor, is also an electronic part that can be cleaned using the appropriate electronic cleaner.
Again, if cleaning this component fails to fix the E4OD transmission problem of stalling in reverse, it will need to be replaced.
Fluid Leak
If you’re experiencing a fluid leak from between the engine and transmission, it’s likely either due to the automobile sitting idle for too long or the front seal has lost its elasticity and has stopped working when under pressure.
High mileage is another problem that can cause a fluid leak, which is often created due to the hub on your torque converter. It seems to be a common problem. The E4OD transmission will have to be removed, diagnosed, and then fixed according to what’s wrong with it. This could mean a full rebuild or just some part replacements.
High Revs Forward
Erratic behavior when shifting is related to the TCC (torque converter clutch), a worn-out torque converter clutch, or a sticky valve. This is what causes the high revs going forward.
2nd Gear Hard Shift
If you have to hard shift into second gear, you will see that your rpms are running too high. When this happens, the intermediate clutch pack for your E4OD transmission is probably failing. In this instance, you will replace the offending clutch pack.
These are mostly things that can be repaired without a total rebuild. The remedies include diagnosing what’s going on so repairs or rebuilds can be performed.
If you’re experiencing these or other problems with your E4OD transmission, you now have a basic understanding of what’s wrong so you can better explain it to the mechanic you choose.
Can I Install an E4OD Transmission Myself?
Unless you are a skilled mechanic, or knowledgeable about transmissions and how to rebuild them, it’s recommended that you take your vehicle to a professional to have this done.
It’s possible that you could cause more problems that will cost even more if you try to do this without expert help.
Here is what you can expect from an E4OD transmission rebuild so that you can better understand why it takes hours to do.
- The transmission needs to be removed, which requires a lift to perform properly.
- A comprehensive process to diagnose the issue.
- Finding the kits or parts needed to replace what’s causing the problem.
- Replace, repair, and/or rebuild the E4OD transmission.
- Install the repaired E4OD transmission.
- Make sure it’s working.
These are very basic parts of the process of rebuilding and reinstalling an E4OD transmission.
Even though there are only a few things that can go wrong with this transmission, you still need to get it thoroughly checked out by a mechanic, dealership, or someone who knows about transmissions.
What’s the Average Lifespan of the E4OD Transmission?
As with any transmission on any vehicle, the lifespan of transmission will vary. The lifespan of an E4OD transmission depends on things like how it’s maintained, how much pressure and stress it has endured, and the mileage on the vehicle.
When a transmission is neglected, it naturally will not operate as long as when it’s well cared for.
People who tend to push their E4OD transmission may find themselves at the shop having it replaced, repaired, or rebuilt sooner.
Also, automobiles with higher mileage on them will often experience transmission issues. The E4OD is no exception.
Reports of E4OD transmissions blowing out at 30,000 miles are not uncommon, but neither are reports of those with over 600,000 miles on them.
If you average these miles, you’ll get 315,000, which can be used as the average time an E4OD transmission lasts before it needs replacement, repairs, or to be rebuilt.
How Much Power Can an E4OD Handle?
The general consensus regarding what an E4OD transmission can handle primarily depends on the vehicle’s make and model and its engine power.
Trying to carry a load that is beyond your E4OD transmission may cause it to overheat or overload, which will cause problems.
As compared to modern transmissions, the E4OD is less capable of being driven hard for long periods of time. For example, back when the E4OD was popular and new, regularly subjecting it to 300-rwhp and 600 lbs. per feet of torque created a lot of problems. Even at 210 hp and 425 lb.-ft, its lifespan is reduced.
Your vehicle’s manual (if there is one available) should tell you how much it can take and how to maintain it.
Factors That Affect E4OD Transmission Lifespan | |
Mileage | How many miles the vehicle is driven. |
Maintenance | How well-maintained the vehicle is- How well it’s cared for. |
Stress and Use | How much weight it hauls – How much it’s pushed during driving, etc. |
Is The E4OD a Good Transmission?
Yes. The E4OD transmission is designed to be a good transmission that is able to operate properly over the course of many miles when it’s well cared for and properly maintained.
If you overload it or it gets overheated for whatever reason, that will reduce its operational life span. This is essentially true of any kind of transmission.
It’s wise not to neglect your transmission no matter what kind of vehicle you drive.
Can You Save Money on E4OD Transmission Rebuild Cost?
As part of any vehicle repair or rebuild of a major working system of an automobile, there are ways to save money. While not all methods of saving money on an E4OD transmission rebuild cost may not be ideal, you do have options.
You can start by researching nearby transmission shops that specifically handle issues with transmissions only. Don’t forget to check your local mechanic’s shops and ask about what they know regarding your E4OD transmission.
Dealerships are often the most expensive, but if you have no other choice be sure to get price estimates to help you find the lowest price.
No matter where you turn to have your E4OD transmission rebuilt, be sure to get an estimation of E4OD transmission cost, check their online reviews, and ask friends and relatives if they know a mechanic they can recommend.