Hey there,

Just got back from a 3000Km trip towing the travel trailer and had an interesting thing happen a couple times.
One of the mornings when we were getting ready to leave the campground I decided to check the fluids, so I pulled the oil and tranny sticks - I know, the tranny should be hot and the engine running, but I was just checking to see the colour of the fluid.
When I did start it up the O/D Off light started flashing and then went off after about a dozen flashes. I thought, maybe I put the dipstick in upside down and there's some sensor down there that didn't like it - checked, and yes, it was in wrong (Use Mercon Fluid Only was upside-down on the dipstick handle). Turned engine off and on again and no flashing....just a wife looking at me like I was some sort of weirdo.
Travelled to the next campground and drove around for the next day or so - no re-occurence.
Moved onto the next campground and the truck sat unused for 2 days. Started it up and it seemed to make a bit more noise than usual and the O/D light was flashing again....hmmm. Drove it for a while and again, no re-occurence when re-starting.

The next two travel days included some serious climbing, so I was a bit concerned about the transmission, but it performed well and I didn't push it too hard.

Just wondering if I should be saving for a new transmission, or.....???

Any advice is appreciated,

Mike

 

I think the transmission stores codes in the PCM. If not someone correct me. But if it does, find someone with an AE or similar. You will have your answer.

 

When the OD light flashes one or more codes are stored in the PCM. They will still be there even if the light has stopped flashing. You need a high end scan tool to read Ford transmission codes. The generic readers, like those used by auto parts stores, will say there are no codes. Without the codes nobody knows what's wrong. And the dipstick has nothing to do with it.

 

Thanks Mark.

I'll see if any of my coworkers have a reader.
On a side note, is it possible to replace the 4 speed I have with the 5 speed TS?

It'll probably come down to a cost/benefit decision as it has right around 100K miles on it with some front end work on the horizon as well.....previous owner didn't do anything.

Mike

 

Yes, it's possible. It would cost you less money to scrap your truck and buy a brand new 2012, but it is possible. Just not practical.