It is a 1997 Ford f150 5.4 4x4 extended cab 175k miles.
Took a 600 mile trip, first 300 no problems, then the "od" light began flashing, the truck shifted fine so I kept going, drove for about a 100 miles then stopped for fuel and read the code, (p1728) cleared the code and drove another 200 miles, no light no problem. The whole time there was no drivability issues. Yesterday I drove all over town, stop and go traffic, locking the TC and it would also unlock, no problems all day, drivability was fine.

What to do?

1. Just keep driving it?
2. Does changing fluid help or "fix" this problem?
3. rebuild the trans, because this was just the first notice. ?(one quote $3500)
4. sell it quick no light and drives fine.?
Any other advice would be appreciated.

 

It's nice you looked for the code but did you read the description?
It should have said Trans. slip Error.
Since it is an error, you have to roll with it until something shows up as a hard fault.
If nothing shows up you can't fix 'nothing'.
Good luck.

 

Wait wait, I did miss that, being not at all familiar with "error" vs "fault" I am not getting this at all.
So, should I understand that this was a one time error and it may err again or maybe not? What would be a "fault" code in this situation, I thought that the code meant that the Torque converter lock up switch failed to lock the converter. Admittedly I do not know the inner workings of the transmission let alone the torque converter and its lockup.

 

The code only tells you some function did not lockup within a time limit allowed by PCM, therefore detected as a slip error.
It does not tell you what the slip was due to.
It could be a broken valve body spring, worn clutches, internal servo leakage,
dirt sticking, a torque converter slip etc.
If it is that high a concern at this point, all your options are open to spend money either to have a shop find the issue, replace the transmission, or sell the truck.
For me it's has to be let go awhile to see what happens, then make a decision.
Is that time interval important?
To some in certain situations, it may be.
Good luck.

 

Bluegrass,

So far I have been waiting and driving the truck, with no problems with the light flashing on and off. Yesterday while driving I pulled into a parking lot and the light came on, or at least I noticed the light as I parked, it was on "steady" no flashing. I turned the truck off, and then restarted it, the light went out and has not come back on.
I have not checked for codes since the light went out when I restarted the motor.
Does a steady light vs flashing light signify anything I should know or be aware of?
When the light came on and then off when restarted would there be a code stored in the computer, where a regular code reader could read?
I have been asking around for suggestions advice about this tran slip error, and have gotten some suggestions.
1 was replace the trans, as stated above.
2 have ford put it on their scanner and try to pinpoint the problem, then fix
3 reflash computer, (update) One guy said he has seen that work.
4 pull the pan replace the solenoid pack and wire harness

any of this sound right or should I continue waiting and driving?
Thanks for your help.

 

In my opinion you have not enough info to make such a decision yet.
Monitor for the code again to see if it is the same indication.
I would keep driving until a drivability issue shows up or the code keeps setting enough times to warrant action being taken.
A slip is a slip, not an action that blows anything up..
Until you have enough positive reason to take any action, your just guessing.
Guessing at this point, that lays up the truck trying to find the cause, spends money for no guarantee of a solution, except replace the trans at a high cost.

If you can afford to replace the transmission at this point and not blink an eye for expense just to chase away a fault code, your wealthier than most for such a situation.
Said another way, the code does not define where the issue is.
A slip detection is an operate 'time' function as the only way it can be detected.
Until the slip becomes a drivability issue, and can be positively located, it is a guess because there are to many areas that can produce the signal.
I am trying to relay to you the basis of the position.
My information describes the detection process for slip but does not address the 1728 code specifically. It may in a shop manual if you can get a shop to take a look. Many codes are only addressed in a Ford shop manual.
I am trying to give you as close to the real perspective as you will likely get.
It's up to you how you want to handle it.
Good luck.

 

Thanks, I appreciate your help.