It's me again and still the same vehicle (my '96 Explorer 4x4).

So, for a while now I have had a flashing over drive light. There is also a clunk which is noticable by sound and feel between first and second gear. I was told that a simple transmission flush would probably do the job, so that's what did. I flushed the transmission with some new fluid. I took her for around a 20 mile test drive to see how she went. It seemed much better! But then, around the 15 mile mark on my way home, the o/d light came on again. Then, on my way down this afternoon, I noticed the clunk again when I got off the highway.

Thoughts on what this may be and how I can go about fixing it? Thanks!

 

Your transmission has gone into "limp home" mode. When a fault code is sent, indicated by the flahing O/D light you need to get the code read. Any good transmission shop or the dealer can reaad the fault code for you. The transmission goes into the limp home mode and the shifting can be very abrupt. I understand this is very hard on the transmission. You can disconnect your battery for a few minutes to reset the warning light but another code will likely set off the flashing O/D light again soon. I had a '95 that would set off the flashing light about twice a year and I just had to reset. Seems like '95s were particularly vulnerable to this, probably because it was the first year of the all electronic transmission and the tolerance was set too small.

Good luck,

Mason

 

I believe that mine actually has a '95 tranny. When I replaced the front pump seal, the '96 seal didn't fit. I brought the old one in and they said that it was a '95. Disconnecting the battery doesn't work. I've pulled the engine not to long ago and had to disconnect it to do that.

I guess I'll have to get it read. Is there usually a charge for this?

 

Most autozones will pull codes for free, but I suggest finding a decent trans shop and speaking with them. You will need them to tell you what your options are based on what the codes say.

 

Okay. I guess I'll have to find a place to get the codes read.

To get it to stop flashing, I can run it for a while until it starts to flash. Then I can turn the car off and back on and the light won't come back on. It's still rough between first and second though... I cannot recall when this issue came up. We've had it since it was new and I know that it didn't do it then. It has been doing it for a few years now, but I don't understand what has changed.

 

I have a 99 explorer X with about 150k miles. About 15 months ago my transmission had to be repaired due to missing shifts between 2 and 3 and a lot of slipping. Took to AAMCO for repair.. they did fine on the repair and for some reason, I thankfully, took the 3 year warranty. Well about 10 months later the O/D light started flashing but didn't notice any rough shifts and needed the car so let it go. About 6 weeks ago I took it back for them to look at it. It is still in there. The CEL never came on. They put reader on for history codes... the only code was something about air cond. Anyway the mech. told me the torque converter is only getting about 96 to 98% lockup. He had ordered some new valves but had not come in.

I will check with them tomorrow and see what they have done and how much longer they are going to keep it. Not looking good, but thankfully I have the warranty and wont cost me much.

 

If they have tied your truck up for 6 weeks, you are getting hosed!! Talk to their management and escalate to their area rep and BBB if needed.