The overdrive off light on the dash of my 01 Ranger 2wd 3.0 59,000 mi. sometimes flashes on and off at start up and continues until its shut off, I tried pushing the O/D off button on the shifter but it has no affect and also it seems to struggle while shifting from first to second gear, the engine seems to rev excessivly, more so when its cold. I replaced the speed sensor on the rear end which seemed to help the shifting somewhat, any ideas?

 

The speed sensor in the differential probably needs to be replaced. I just had to do this in my 2000. It's a $25 dollar part from Ford and takes about 15 minutes to replace. It is on the top of the differential and has one bolt holding it in. I found it easier to get to by removing the drivers side rear wheel. My symptoms also included a flashing ABS light and a non functioning speedometer.

 

I replaced the speed sensor in the differential about a month ago when the Abs light came on, that solved that issue but now the O/D off light started flashing about 3 days ago and the trans still struggles when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

 

The light will be flashing a code figure out what the code is and see what it means. The tranny is telling the computer something isn't right. You can reset the code by taking off the battery cable for a few minutes. Ti can be anythong from a bad sensor or a rela problem in the tranny. They have had problems with the card that is bolted to the side of the tranny.

 

While it's a noble thought, I definitely DO NOT suggest just pulling cables or pulling the computer fuse to reset the code and hope this all goes away.

The symptoms have already established themselves, and with a not-so-high quality tranny as it is, don't ignore these types of problems in such a costly piece of machinery.

I"m betting on the 1st-to-2nd gear shift solenoid, but since I've never dealt with a slushie, that's only a guess (pull the code(s)) and I don't condone such actions when the light is showing most of the way....

 

With all the experience I have with driving ford AOD tranny's I would quit driving it until you get it to a authorized and reputable repair shop. Every other electronic OD trans that I have had from ford has meant serious damage is about to be inflicted when the OD light starts to flash.

 

Pull the codes. You can get your local parts shop to do it or rent a code scanner. It sounds to me like your VSS isn't right.

 

My bro's Expy started flashing the OD light ('02 Expedition) and they had to get it replaced. Have someone check on it. Don't drive it either. Good luck!

 

There are some TSB's on this issue. There is a button on the top of this page (Recalls/TSB's) where you can check them out. I have the same problem but only when it gets cold. Turns out there a TSB dealing with that, I just haven't gotten around to getting it fixed cause it would need to go to the stealership and I don't like dealing with them for anything usually.