1993 E150 Transmission

The van has the 4.9L 6 cyl engine, and has almost 250,000 miles on it. Transmission is the 3 speed automatic. One thing I have begun to notice is when I first start the van in the morning, unless I give it at least 2 minutes to warm up, the transmission will briefly slip out of gear into neutral when I first get going. It will then go right into gear again and then work fine. Once the engine and presumably the transmission are good and warm, there are no slippage problems of any kind. Is this proof positive this transmission is dying the death? Or is it possible some kind of intervention (short of rebuilding or replacing the transmission) will eliminate the slippage? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Also, if I do end up getting the transmission rebuilt, can I save a significant amount of money by removing the bad transmission and installing the rebuilt transmission myself (I helped my brother remove and replace a couple transmissions years and years ago, and do a fair amount of DIYing on my own cars)?

I remember I had a transmission rebuilt on a Dodge 15-passenger van I owned a few years ago. The job was $1100 installed, and was done by the most highly recommended (they were recommended to me by multiple trusted, knowledgeable sources) independent transmission shop in the area. Yet, the rebuilt transmission died a year later, about a month past warranty expiration. If I had known the rebuilt trans would only last a year (appx 20,000 miles) I would not have had it rebuilt.

Any insights on my current symptoms or suggested options in the worst case scenario would be most appreciated. I will post back the outcome of all this.

Hi, RE, Your 93 E150 trans problem, 250,000 miles, Is this the original trans? If so you are way ahead of the game as far as getting your use out of it, But I would try this first, Why not change the trans oil and filter? If this has not been done in a long time, It may help, Use the correct oil, Dont forget the gasket on the filter when you replace it, Give it a shot, If it still has a problem, Email me, ......GOOD LUCK.....Clay..

[quote=C. Cleve]Hi, RE, Your 93 E150 trans problem, 250,000 miles, Is this the original trans? If so you are way ahead of the game as far as getting your use out of it, But I would try this first, Why not change the trans oil and filter? If this has not been done in a long time, It may help, Use the correct oil, Dont forget the gasket on the filter when you replace it, Give it a shot, If it still has a problem, Email me, ......GOOD LUCK.....Clay.. Hey Almost for got, Check the vac modulator and vac line connection while you are under the van.....See Ya....

Your trans is a "C6" model, and they are as bullit-proof as one can get.

Have you checked the ATF level (HOT in "park", with the engine at idle)? That is what I would check first.