2002 Explorer 'O/D OFF' light flashing, code P1151
 

Hello,

I've had a problem for a while with my SUV. It's a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD. It seems to drive without issue. Between about 2-11 miles worth of driving, the 'O/D OFF' lamp begins flashing steadily. It will continue flashing until the car is turned off. The 'Service Engine' lamp does not come on. When you start the car again, the 'O/D OFF' lamp is not lit.

I hooked up an ODBII reader and was able to get some information from it. It gave me code P1151, and this was the only code it gave me. I am concerned that the presence of this code will not allow me to pass a smog check (California). My ODBII reader also gave me some extra information relating to that code -- I can provide if it is useful.

What do you think it might be? What should be my first step in further diagnosing and repairing this issue? I am not very experienced when it comes to cars but I am willing to give it a shot.

Most importantly, will my car be able to pass a smog test??? The 'Service Engine' lamp is not on.

Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide!!

JC

The P1151 diagnostic code is not related to OD Off light or the transmission, that codes is defined as "Lack of HO2S-21 Switch, Sensor Indicates Lean" and the description for this code is "A HEGO sensor indicating lean at the end of a test is trying to correct for an over-rich condition. The test fails when fuel control system no longer detects switching for a calibrated amount of time."

You will likely need access to a professional scan tool that can access the transmission codes to identify the system causing the OD Off indicator to flash.

If the P1151 code is in memory as either a history code or a pending code when you take the smog test, it may cause the vehicle to fail the smog check. If it's really just a smog check, they may not care about the OD Off indicator.

-Rod