My 97 explorer's o/d off light is flashing. Let me explain... I drive about 2,500 miles a month for work. Couple of weeks ago I went on an extended interstate drive (continuous 75-80 mph for over three hours). The light came on after about two hours into the drive and stayed on until my destination. I did stop the engine after it had come on and re-started it after about ten minutes and it was still flashing. The next morning the light was off. I drove the same three hours and the light didn't come back on. I thought it might have been a sensor mis-read and put it behind me. This last week, once again I was on a longer/continuous trip on the interstate and the light started flashing after about three hours. I continued to drive to my destination -about an hour. The next morning it was off. Yesterday on my return trip the light came on after the three hours again. This morning it's off. Hopefully, you can see the trend I see. There is 162,000 on it and the transmission was flushed at about 45k and 90k. The fluid is still clean and in level. I intend on changing it now anyway, but does anyone know why this is happening? It seems the transmission may downshift not as smooth while flashing when slowing down.

 

The flashing o/d is an indicator that you have a problem with your transmission. It operates much like the check engine light is to the emissions system.

The only thing I can think of is that your trans is getting to warm for whatever reason. Especially since it comes on at extended intervals, and seems to be ok when you start it in the morning after some cool down time.

My two cents,

Louie

 

The hard shifting that you are noticing is because the truck is in 'cripple/limp' mode. When the light is blinking the computer senses a problem and causes the trans to shift harder than normal. The theory behind this was to enable the driver to get the car to a repair facility. I don't recommend driving it for an extended period of time in this mode as it could cause damage to the trans. I suggest you pull the codes to see what they reveal.

Mike

 

Will the codes be readable/stored in memory? Right now the light is not on/flashing. Are they only available when it is flashing? Where can I get the code read at a reasonable cost.

 

I am experiencing nearly the identical thing with my '97 Explorer as what gbpfan describes. I've had my Explorer into the shop where my mechanic read code P0741. As a result, he replaced a solenoid as he said the code indicated it was stuck. Next long trip though the light started flashing again -- only to turn off the next morning. Had it back in the shop and he pulled the same code. He's not sure what it is at this point. So, I'd be interested to know if any of you might be able to shed some light on this.

gbpfan, they can pull the codes even after the light is off. Some say that Autozone will do it for free. If you do get the codes I'd be curious to know if it is the same as what I'm getting.

Regardless, good luck to you.

Joe

 

You 'da man Joe. Thanks for the Autozone tip. I couldn't remember which whould do it for free. I'll let you know tonight.

Tim

 

Autozone apparently can only read check engine codes so I'll need to go somewhere else. Marragtop -thanks for the warning and the info on the "limp" issue. Is it ok to drive it when the light is not on/flashing? Very frustrating! I won't forget about you Joe -I'll post what the code is when I get it. Might not be for a week or so.

 

Hey Tim,

I don't know but in scanning through some other posts on here it sounds like Autozone can read the codes for this -- the machine hooks up in the same place regardless -- they just don't know they can read the codes. Like I say, I don't know this from first hand knowledge. But that's what I've read elsewhere on this forum. So, you might just want to try asking them to read your "check engine codes" and see what they come up with anyway. Hard to go wrong for free.

Regardless, I'll look forward to hearing what you find.

Joe

 

Went to another autozone in town and they do in fact read codes. Only problem is that there wasn't a code stored -no faults found. Now what do I do? Could it go on because the viscosity is thinning out after continuous driving?

 

Had the same problem on my 2000 Explorer a couple years ago. Light came on but no code. Transmission was then very rough. The dealership didn't want to fix it (it was under warranty) since they couldn't come up with anything on the computer. I told them to drive it for 15 minutes and then tell me what they think. After doing that, they replaced the whole transmission. I never found out exactly what the problem was, so I am sorry I can't help you out.

As an aside, I don't know what the point of having the compuetrs/codes is. Well, I know what the point is, but it seems like everyone relies on them too much (from an admittedly novice/unknowledgeable point of view).

 

It is my understanding that the hard shifting is damaging to your transmission. If it were me and since there is no code, I would disconnect the battery for a few minutes to reset it and get rid of the hard shifts.

Mason

 

My wife's 96 was downshifting hard for a few months but no trouble codes, tried changing the fluid and filter but did not have any effect. When the OD light would flash it would also expel some fluid, I think around the dipstick tube. I had the transmission flushed but it did not help and the transmission died about 3 weeks later. I am trying to decide if it is worth repairing now.