My '98 Explorer had this code, which prompted me to take it to a transmission shop. I picked it up this evening and before I got a couple of miles I noticed the check engine light was on. Just in case the shop hadn't cleared the code, I stopped at a parts store, pulled it and had P0761 again. I cleared the code and before I got home the O/D light started flashing, which it had done before I had the trans worked on.

The transmission shop had changed the "shift solenoid" and "TCC solenoid". Now what?

Thanks.

 

I can understand the OD light flashing with the transmission problem, but I don't see why the check engine light would come on unless there was some other code. Sounds like the trans shop are parts changers, which causes you to have to pay the bill because they did do the work even though it did not fix your problem. The solenoid C only gets power from the computer to turn on when the trans needs to go into 4th gear. The need to shift to any gear is dependent on several things, one of those being the engine rpm and vehicle speed. The vehicle speed sensor is mounted at the rear drivers side of the trans near the drive shaft output. Maybe it is failing as it begins to turn faster. The computer needs to be checked to see if it is actually sending voltage to the solenoid to make it operate. The easiest way to check the engine and transmission controls is to find someone with a scanner. This will show whether the controls are functioning without changing a lot of parts. There is a difference in a code reader and a scanner. Scanners are more expesive but eliminate a lot of guesswork. I just invested in a Snap-on scanner and it sure keeps from buying unnecessary parts. Hope some of this helps. If you need any further assistance, please advise. Good luck.

 

Thanks, oldcarbuff.

I took the Explorer back to the shop this morning - about 3 miles from home. The flashing O/D light went out about halfway there. They ran diagnostics with a Snap-on scanner and came up with two new codes P1101 MAF Sensor and P1124 Throttle Position Sensor. They cleared the codes and one of the guys and I went for a several mile ride and no lights reappeared. I left with it and got about half a mile and the check engine light came back on. A few minutes later, the O/D light started flashing again. Back to the shop it went.

Could the codes generating the check engine light be causing a false O/D flashing light?

Thanks.

 

Anybody got any ideas about what to do with these based on info from my original post - CEL is on and O/D light is blinking. The MAF has been cleaned and that didn't help.

Also, about half the time, when the transmission is shifted into gear, it starts screaming like something isn't meshing and is about to tear itself apart. Shifting into park stops the noise and then it can be shifted into gear and everything is ok. This thing shifts and runs ok. The transmission shop kept it for a couple of days and couldn't figure out what is wrong. They are reluctant to pull the transmission and open it.

The transmission was overhauled about 15,000 miles ago by a different shop.

Thanks.

 

Steve, the TPS does give shifting input to the TCM, along with the speed sensor. It's easy to test with a multimeter. Basically you're looking for a smooth voltage transition when the throttle is advanced. The TPS is a wear item, and if it's signal voltage is erratic, that would indeed set a MIL. If you want to test it yourself, a Haynes manual has the procedure, or do a search here.

The howling noise is another matter, and I believe Ford has a redesigned separator plate kit to fix it.

 

Thanks, loneranger.

Where do I find info on the separator plate kit? The noise I'm talking about almost sounds like the starter is running while the engine is lit. I had an old Intl. Scout whose throwout bearing would spin once in a while as I was driving it and scream with about the same noise. It sure sounds like something is about to blow.

 

Umm.....that may be a different noise. The one connected with the separator plate is more like a low pitched whistling or "whooshing" noise. It will sound like it's coming up from the transmission tunnel. Mine has done it a couple of times, but so far I've tried to ignore it.....

The plate kit is a dealer only item; it'll have to come from Ford. You might try calling your local dealer and explain what it's doing, and see what they say.

 

I'm having a similar problem with My '96 Explorer, XLT, V6, Auto O/D-

I have read in a post or two that a Bad Voltage regulator in the Alternator might be the cause of the CEL and Blinking O/D light. Has anyone had similar problems that might confirm this? In addition to the lights, my transmission refuses to shift from 1st to 2nd, unless I let off of the gas, then everything is fine. No strange noises, no smells, etc... Fluid levels are fine. I had the dealer do a transmission tune up and replace seals about 10k miles ago.

 

Kid, you probably have a transmission concern rather than a faulty alternator regulator. Especially since the OD light is blinking and the second shift is problematic. You need to get the codes read first. Many auto parts stores will read them for free. Post the code(s) here, and someone will point you in the right direction. The first thing that comes to mind is a faulty VSS (vehicle speed sensor), but it could be anything.......

 

The codes I pulled, MAF sensor and TPS, had nothing to do with the real problem - the transmission and transfer case were trashed. I finally took it to the dealer and they fixed it. The "front" planetary was broken - the shaft and gear had broken off the rest of the piece. The loud noise that ocasionally happened was caused by a bad control module on the transfer case that caused things to be chewed up inside. A couple of thousand dollars and I was on my way.

I'm not sure I trust auto parts store code readers anymore.

 

Thanks guys. I will be looking into it further this weekend and let you know what happens. I am going to replace my alternator anyway, since the rear bearing is bad and I was able to get a replacement for free. It is apparently working fine, but I figured I would change it before it died.