I have a 1999 f350 7.3l dually
I can only activate my overdrive off button while in park, if I am in drive or any other gear the light will not illuminate if I press the button, is that normal? the vehicle drives excellent and I have no codes for anything at this time.

 

My OD button (and transmission) will engage/disengage whether moving or not. Is it just the button that will not disengage or the tranny's OD too?

 

I never actually tried to drive vehicle with over drive off yet. I have just pressed the button on the shifter to see in light comes on and it does when in park but not when in gear. I will drive I later today and verify if it works or not on the transmission side and report back.

 

That isn't normal, but it isn't unusual, either.

The wire to the button is broken where it enters the shift handle inside the column. If you remove the plastic cover from the steering column you will see the wires. Either fix the break or replace the shift handle. I've heard a new handle is about $65 at the dealer.

 

I will check that out right away. I assume steering wheel has to come off? never mind I just watched a you tube video pretty easy looking

 

No, just the cover.

Go to the Excursion forum. Click on the Tech Folder (sticky thread near the top) and scroll down to Interior > Electrical, and you'll see links to two threads for fixing the OD chaffed wire.

Stewart

 

Perfect I will check that out

 

yes, you do not have to remove the steering wheel, just the covers and the ignition switch assembly but it's a piece of cake if you follow the instructions posted by Stewart.

My light on the O/D button stopped working and this is what I found after removing the covers and tracing the wire across the top of the steering column.

 

That is exactly what mine looked like too Chris. It was very small and hard to find. My light was intermittently faulty, but the function of the button disengaging overdrive was still working. Eventually that thing can get big enough to short out and cause big problems I have been told.

 

The problem that is described seems to be related to the position of the shifter handle, so it is possible that the wire is worn, as shown in the picture. When in park the wire may not ground out, but then when the handle is moved, the wire contacts metal.

It is also possible that there is bad connection between the cable and the button/light. You could have a broken wire that would touch it's contact at the switch when in park, then when the handle is moved, the wire would lose it's connection. In this case, visit the dealer for a replacement part. Larry