Hey all,

1999 F-150 5.4 auto 4x4 xlt 72,000 miles

My overdrive light on the shifter handle started blinking today. The check engine light did not come on. The tranny seemed to shift fine. Hard down**** from 2 to 1 just when i come to a stop. doesn't seem to go into overdrive.

can anybody help?

thanks

 

The OD light is to the transmission what the Check Engine light is to the engine. After it has been flashing there should be a trouble code stored that will lead you in the right direction to fix it. Get it scanned for codes before anything else.

 

Can I do this at any "autozone" or "parts america" ? Thanks.

 

You should be able to. Get the code and not just the description of it though. If you post the code here we can probably help with it.

 

Autozone said that they can't diag tranny codes. I setup an appointment with the local dealer. $90!!!! just to diag. I am still going to look for a cheaper alternative.

 

Here the dealer likes to get about double (175.00) for a reading.
Does anyone have a good suggestion for a excellent reader. I figure at 175 a pop, it won't take me long to recover the investment providing I can use the reader on multiple vehicles.

Thanks!

 

The transmission codes are Powertrain codes, the same as engine codes. Autozone can do it. Maybe dont tell them it's a transmission problem.

 

Chances are you aren't going to like the outcome. Last time my O/D light did this is because of a malfunction in the tranny. A pump pressure code. The tranny needed a rebuild.

 

Hopefully it's nothing that serious....maybe a bad VSS or something. But you never know til you check it out.

 

I am going to a tranny shop tomorrow (thurs) morning to take a look see. Hope its a cheap sensor or something.

 

If I can make a suggestion I think it would be better to take it to a Ford dealer rather than a transmission shop unless you know of one that can trust without a doubt. I have heard lots of stories about transmission shops not diagnosing minor electronic problems but instead wanting to do a complete rebuild.
Yes I'm biased because I work at a Ford dealer but I honestly feel
we are better trained to diagnose problems.
Let us know what you find out

 

And the tranny runs fine for up to 2-3 minutes. Then in goes into hobble mode. hard downshifts and no overdrive. I am assuming I have a E4OD. I had heard some other numbers, just not sure.

 

I have a good feeling about this shop. They came well recommended. I feel the same about trans problems. Better take it to the experts.

 

I thought you were taking to the shop today? I'm curious as to what they had to say.

 

Went to shop. They found a 2-1 shift error, reset it. We took it out for a spin around town. Never popped up. I drove it for another 50miles today. Never a problem.