I have a 92 F150 Custom, and the overdrive indicator on the shifter does not stay lit when the button is pushed.

Does anyone know how to take apart the shifter to check the wiring?


THanks

Dean
mdjm66(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Sep-02 AT 05:57 PM (EST)]yo,

I did it recently; look here (I popped the cap off with a small switchblade knife..a steak knife will do if no SB is available).
the light/switch assy pops right out, so have a finger over the end of it to keep it in place.
it has indents so it fits well in the stalk's shaft...
ford's price is about $10.00 for new assy w/switch and LED.

look here for similar directions and a pic:

http://www.atcdg.com/TechMain.htm
Under E4OD #135

 

What does that switch do for you anyway? I got one it goes on and off O.K. But I never use it.

 

924x2150
It does a few things for you (from my 96 Bronco's Owner's Guide):

"The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL), which is located on the gearshift lever, may flash steadily if a malfunction has been detected. If the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as
possible. If this condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.
NOTE: The word “OFF” located on the end of the gearshift lever is the transmission control indicator light (TCIL).

When to use (Overdrive)
This is the normal driving position. As the vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to second, third and fourth gears will occur when
j Overdrive is chosen on the selector and the transmission control switch has not been pressed. The transmission will shift into the
correct gear when the right speed is achieved, for the accelerator pedal position you have chosen.
You will note that there isn’t a drive position on your gearshift indicator. However, you will find a Transmission Control Switch and an indicator light labeled “Overdrive” located on the end of
the gearshift lever. Press this switch and the word “OFF” will illuminate on the shift lever ****. With the word “OFF” illuminated, the transmission will operate in gears one through three. Operating in the Overdrive “OFF” mode gives more engine braking than Overdrive and is useful for descending hills or when towing.
To return the transmission to the normal Overdrive operation, press the transmission control switch again. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light will not be illuminated when Overdrive operation resumes. This switch may be used to select O/D ON or O/D OFF any
time the vehicle is being driven. When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system will automatically be in the normal overdrive
mode."

..and...
If you have speed control ...
"...To maintain a preset speed under the above conditions, with electronically controlled transmissions — press the Transmission Control Switch. The indicator light will turn on and illuminate the word “OFF.” This will cancel “Overdrive”. You can press the Transmission Control Switch on or off at any speed. For the best fuel economy during normal driving conditions, press the Transmission Control Switch to turn off the light. This allows overdrive operation."

 

Thx AIM, I wish I had read my manual. I should have used the overdrive button on some hills in the Poconos a few months ago.When I got to the bottom my brakes were ready to fade and were smelling hot. I stopped to make sur e they cooled off. I guess FORD had a good idea.
You can safely downshift without risking a mis-shift.
Ben 924x2150

 

I just took mine apart today and fixed it. It was not the button on the end of the shaft< my problem was broken wiring where the wire exits the shift lever inside of the colum. with a little solder and heat shrink I saved myself 44 dollars.

 

I had the same problem sharky. I made sure that I wire tied the wires out of the way this time though.

 

I'm having the same prob. How did you guys get into the steering column to fix the wire? Thanks!

RW

 

If it is tilt first remove the tilt lever by unscrewing it. Then remove the three screws from underneath the column. These hold the casing around it. Pull of the top and bottom and you will be able to see the wires. I used solder and heat shrink then wire tied them out of the way. Hope this helps.

Bill

 

Thanks, Groundrat! I'm all fired up now to get after it. Too bad it's 11:30 at night. Anyway, I hope to have some time tomorrow afternoon to work on it. Thanks for the info, I'll post my results.

RW

 

Got into the column this morning to fix the OD light, and discovered that I didn't know for sure how to get the top of the column housing off. It looked like there was plenty of room around the shift lever, but I didn't see how to get it from around the ignition. Anyway, I did some snooping and saw a green/white wire under the dash that was cut through. I took the 2 screws out holding the panel under the column, and was able (barely) to reach the broken wire. After stripping and taping it, my OD light now shines. I was expecting to find a break where the wires exit the shift lever and enter the column, but it wasn't there; I couldn't even see that part. Anyway, I'm glad it's fixed and appreciate the help. Hopefully, this will help someone else.

 

 

DANG!!! I knew I forgot a step!! You needed to remove the ignition key cylinder. You turn the ignition to run then push in the little button on the bottom of the lock cylider with a small screw or equivalent. Sorry about that..

Bill

 

this button is to lock your tranny out of OD when pulling . OD is made to pull the weight of the truck only . when pulling your tranny builds heat and this heat is what tears up trannys .

bhaider

 

Hey, Bill, No problem! I found the wire broken the dash anyway. Thanks for including that step though. I'm sure I'll probably have to fix it there before the ol' 300 hits 300,000!

RW