Hey everyone. First time on this board, but I have a question about my stepdad's 98 Explorer. I borrowed the Explorer to take a couple friends to the airport, and on the freeway on the way home (70mph) I noticed that it didn't seem to be in O/D, RPM's were pretty high. Pushed the O/D button to turn it off, and it didn't downshift, so it confirmed that we were in 3rd. Pushed again and it shifted into O/D like normal, but now the "O/D Off" light is flashing. Tried shutting down and restarting but the light stayed on. Nothing smelled unusually hot underneath or anything, and everything was shifting normal. Looking in the owners manual, it said that when the light flashes, the tranny should be serviced. Is it tripped by mileage as a reminder to service it, or did something go bad and throw a code? The Explorer has a V8, and current has about 46k miles on it, and the tranny hasn't been serviced (I know, I keep telling him to do it...)
I would have someone pull the codes (cel is on anyway), but no one around here does it for free, and it's not my car. Just trying to find out if I should tell him not to drive it more than necassary, or if it's ok to drive for now. And would like to know how to fix the problem/reset the light. Thanks for any help....
Brian

 

A: Yes

B: Autozone

Get the code and post it and one of us will help, I guarantee it!!

 

Thanks, I was expecting a response like that
I was hoping I could take it to autozone on the trip anyway because his CEL is on, but didn't have time. Everything was closed on the way home too. Problem is, closest autozone is 1.5-2 hours from here. Sometimes I HATE living on the coast (D'OH!)
I'll see what I can do...

Brian

 

If you get the codes pulled, then someone here can give you an idea what they mean. In the mean time, disconect one of your battery terminals (-) for about 5 mins., this would reset your computer and the OD blinking light should turn off.

Stay away from driving with this light on, because it will defenetly cost you a bundle.

Take care..

Ed

 

ok. Nearest autozone is 60 miles away. Anyone see a problem driving there and back to have the codes pulled? If it helps justify it, the dealership is 30 miles away, and will probably charge me 80 bucks to plug it in.

Brian

 

I wouldn't drive it 60 miles with the OD light blinking. When it's blinking you should also notice the trans shifting harder, because it's in 'cripple' mode. You shouldn't drive it far like that. Disconnect the battery to reset the codes.

 

It seems to shift just a little rougher when it downshifts from 3rd to 2nd. Just to clarify... If I disconnect the battery and reset the codes, will they still be stored when I go to Autozone? (bear with me, I'm still learning about the computers in cars). Hoping to take it Monday when I get the day off. Thanks again.
Brian

 

No, disconnecting the battery will wipe out the codes. However, if you do have a real problem and have to drive 60 miles to get to AZ, then the codes will most likely come back.

 

Finally got to Autozone today. Unfortunately (or maybe it's a good thing), the light went off the day before. The check engine light also went off, and I never even disconnected the battery. Anyway, I figured the codes might still be stored, so had them check. Only thing it came up with is P153, O2 sensor circuit. Says slow response on Bank 2, sensor 1. Nothing stored on the tranny. Will probably have the transmission flushed later this week to be safe, unless someone has other suggestions. Back to the O2 sensor, which sensor are we looking at replacing? There are 3 or 4, right? Thanks again,

Brian

 

Sorry, thought I'd re-clarify that this is a 98 Explorer with 5.0L auto, AWD.