Overdrive Button Not Functioning
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2017
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Overdrive Button Not Functioning
The truck is a 1995 F350, 460, automatic with overdrive, 2WD. My overdrive button does nothing. I think the truck is stuck in OD in all gears, but not really certain of that. Somewhere I read or saw a conversation about the wire that is connected to the button often breaks, or comes loose or something similar, and that the solution is to get into the steering column to correct that. So my first question is, what does this description sound like the root cause could be. If it is the wire I tried to describe, can you tell me more? I dont' know what I am looking for.
Thanks
Thanks
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
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From: SE Florida
First, it is impossible to be in overdrive in all gears. It can only be in overdrive in fourth gear.
With the button not working, the trans can shift into overdrive, which is fourth gear, when it is scheduled. If the button worked, it would stay in third gear when it normally would shift to fourth.
To fix this, take the plastic cover off of the steering column. The screws are on the underside. Inspect the wires where they enter the shifter handle. One or more of those wires are broken. You can either fix the wires or replace the shifter.
With the button not working, the trans can shift into overdrive, which is fourth gear, when it is scheduled. If the button worked, it would stay in third gear when it normally would shift to fourth.
To fix this, take the plastic cover off of the steering column. The screws are on the underside. Inspect the wires where they enter the shifter handle. One or more of those wires are broken. You can either fix the wires or replace the shifter.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,399
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From: Mi'kma'ki
(the OD cancel button doesn't function in this scenario either)
"OD" is just 4th gear, but it's called "Over Drive" because it has a ratio greater than a 1:1 direct drive ratio (like 3rd gear) is all. So this is why Mark say's it can't be stuck in OD in all gears, see? It's it's own gear. If the trans looses power it will be in OD in the D position and the truck will feel like it's stuck in the mud. I ask the first question, because I wonder if that's the wording you're trying to describe a loss of trans power "stuck in OD in all gears"? If not, never mind and just focus on your chaffed OD cancel wires. If so, then you need help aside from hunting for chaffed wires......at least up there.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2017
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The truck does take off in low gear and shift to second on its own. The only sluggishness I notice is when the truck has been in high (4th) gear and maybe pulling a load and going uphill. It takes its sweet time deciding to downshift and engine begins to lug so I often end up pressing the throttle pedal further down to make it shift. I didn't know the OD was just a 4th gear. I suppose if the button actually did its job I would just punch the button as it began to slow down to a lugging engine speed. Probably exactly what it is for.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,399
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From: Mi'kma'ki
Once you replace or fix the wires, wrap them with a little wire loom for extra protection. The OD cancel button is handy to use for downhill grades too, to help hold you back and take some ware off the brakes. If you had an IDI diesel, I'd tell you to adjust your TPS to help it downshift sooner, but I'm not sure if you have any adjustment with the 460 truck.
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