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1997-2003 Overdrive light blinking

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Old Jul 2, 2022 | 10:56 AM
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1997-2003 Overdrive light blinking

So i have this problem with my truck where the over drive light is blinking. This problem doesn't even come with a code.
The Haynes repair manual states:
If the TCIL flashes instead, there's either a sensor failue or a short in the electronic pressure control circuit (EPC).
My truck is a 01 f-150 for this year more than likely have the 4R100 transmissions.

So to help all of you with this transmission I found this website to help in the craziness of this problem: http://shop.ukrtrans.biz/wp-content/...logs/4R100.pdf <-- this link is to the manufacture's manual for the transmission. you will find the issue may be the EPC solenoid, the sensor, or any and all electrical wiring locations and tips on how to diagnose both are in the manual.
 

Last edited by JinxedTruck; Jul 3, 2022 at 09:52 AM.
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Old Jul 2, 2022 | 01:04 PM
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sigh....

The flashing OD light means the PCM has logged a transmission-related fault. It is NOT specific to anything beyond that observation.

One must pull the codes from the PCM and then follow the proper diagnostic procedure in order to accurately diagnose the actual fault. Cheap generic code readers won't do the job, you need something capable of reading "manufacturer-specific" codes.

A 97-03 F150 could have a 4R70W, E4OD, or 4R100, depending on the year (not given) and engine. Look on the door tag to see what the factory installed.



 
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Old Jul 2, 2022 | 01:34 PM
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the trucks for this years more than likely have the 4R100 transmissions.
No, sirree.

Most F150s got the 4R70 as far as automatics go. The 7700s got the 4R100, probably some 5.4 Expeditions, the early years of the generation the 4.2 and 4.6 got the 4R70.

Definitely not “more than likely” than anything else.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 07:49 AM
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Most common issue when the light flashes is the OD switch and the wiring coming out of the gear shift lever
So common I keep all three parts in my toolbox
Switch, bezel and one lever (they make a few different lever styles)
You need to check the code
 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 07:51 AM
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With the right scan tool you can watch the OD switch cycle on and off thru the pid
Good luck
I can change the lever in about 30 minutes
Usually the bezel breaks and the new switch is like the salt
Replace all 3 and be done for another 150k
 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 08:42 AM
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And don't use the Dorman replacement. It starts sloppy and gets worse.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by JinxedTruck
So i have this problem with my truck where the over drive light is blinking. the Haynes repair manual states: the trucks for this years more than likely have the 4R100 transmissions.

If the TCIL flashes instead, there's either a sensor failue or a short in the electronic pressure control circuit (EPC).
And this is just another example of why I've often said that the Haynes manual only has one use. That use is providing pages to line the bottom of a bird cage. DO NOT believe anything written in a Haynes manual. It seems that the authors just make up information. Most things in that manual are just plain wrong.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by manicmechanic007
Most common issue when the light flashes is the OD switch and the wiring coming out of the gear shift lever
I'd have to not agree with that.. If the OD light is rhythmically flashing, it's coming from the PCM. There's nothing in the shift lever harness that can cause the PCM to set a fault code.

Usual failures caused by a failed harness depends on the nature of the failure. Chafed wiring could cause a blown fuse, randomly flickering OD light, randomly locking OD in or out, or no response to the switch, depending on which of the individual wires is shorting to ground or power. A completely open wire in the harness usually manifests as no light or no switch function. or both.


 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 09:09 AM
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I get a kick out of Haynes
When I need to figure out and solve an air distribution issue
When I need to see a HVAC vacuum diagram with the mode switch et al.
I turn to the HVAC section and it says refer to qualified personnel
what the...
 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 09:57 AM
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Red face

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
And this is just another example of why I've often said that the Haynes manual only has one use. That use is providing pages to line the bottom of a bird cage. DO NOT believe anything written in a Haynes manual. It seems that the authors just make up information. Most things in that manual are just plain wrong.
Lol haynes manuals are just for general info it seems the only thing it is good for is the codes and a good paper weight. take my tranny to a dealer hell no i can't afford that.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2022 | 10:00 AM
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Won't the free FORscan pull tx codes for him?

If so download FORscan and get a cable or BT dongle. Any laptop will run the program

Also there's a decent chance your local FLAPS has a reader capable of getting the Ford codes -- it's worth a shot
 
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Old Jul 4, 2022 | 01:15 PM
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Stick with your day job project sho
 
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Old Jul 4, 2022 | 01:17 PM
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From: St Louis
Originally Posted by manicmechanic007
Stick with your day job project sho
Retired from that...

Suggest the same for ya!
 
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Old Jul 4, 2022 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by WWR
Won't the free FORscan pull tx codes for him?

If so download FORscan and get a cable or BT dongle. Any laptop will run the program

Also there's a decent chance your local FLAPS has a reader capable of getting the Ford codes -- it's worth a shot
Yes, Forscan on Windows and Forscan Lite (paid version) on Android (haven't tried iOS) will work just fine. You may need one of the "better" OBDII interfaces, though. Some the el-cheapo ones are somewhat sketchy in how they communicate between the PCM and the host device and cause compatibility issues.

Okay, "FLAPS" is a new acronym, what's it supposed to mean in this context?
 
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Old Jul 4, 2022 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by projectSHO89
Yes, Forscan on Windows and Forscan Lite (paid version) on Android (haven't tried iOS) will work just fine. You may need one of the "better" OBDII interfaces, though. Some the el-cheapo ones are somewhat sketchy in how they communicate between the PCM and the host device and cause compatibility issues.

Okay, "FLAPS" is a new acronym, what's it supposed to mean in this context?
 
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