Dad's 1997 F250XLT 7.3 PWS will out of nowhere start shifting funny (E4OD transmission) and the 'OD" light starts flashing. He pulls over, disconnects the batteries for several minutes. The problem goes away and all is fine for who knows how long until it happens again. Sometimes it's the next week, and sometimes it's a month or 6 weeks later. I know someone on this blog has had this issue too, so what's going on and what do we need to do?

 

Time to pull some codes, BBuford. That way some of the more experienced member can help.

 

This. Next time it happens tell him don't unplug the batteries and get the codes read.

If you want me to take a guess into the dark my first guess would be the sensor on the top of the rear axle. But then again, that's simply a guess.

 

We got no way to pull the codes on our own, but I think he took it to the transmission shop and they read the codes, and if memory serves they are the ones that showed him the battery disconnect trick. I'll see if he has a service ticket with codes.......meanwhile I'm replacing his AC suction hose next week, so I might order a VSS and replace that too since they are less than $20 on Rockauto.com

 

I just called dad and he said the transmission shop told him the code indicated (and this is from dad's memory) "excessive pressure in the torque converter". Since we know the shop owner well, there wasn't a ticket, meaning no record of the code.....

 

There is no code that indicates excessive pressure in the torque converter. Next time it happens do not disconnect the batteries and get the codes read.

 

and if you knew my dad, you'd know that the difference between what they told him, what he actually heard, and what he remembers could be light years apart. LOL!!!......I'll see what I can do!

 

Get the numbers, not the description.