Flashing o/d light
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Flashing o/d light
Well it's up to old tricks again! Last winter, when it got cold, I would start out in the morning and all of a sudden my od light would start flashing and my truck would start shifting badly. Shut the key off and restart the light would stop flashing. I started a thread on this forum and got good responses. One suggestion was to replace the VSS. Did that when it got warm enough to get under the truck and the problem disappeared but it wasn't very cold at that time. Now it has gotten down in the single digits and lo and behold it's back. I've read on this forum of others having similar problems and one suggestion was the solenoid packs were faulty or the gasket between them is bad. So that's maybe next on the hit list. But this problem only occurs when it gets cold otherwise the truck runs flawlessly when it's above, say, 20 degrees outside. Is there maybe something else at fault? Does anyone else have this problem only in sub 20's weather? Please help! P.S. I've had the codes checked but there are never any left that we can find. Any suggestions?
Last edited by sorensenj; Dec 14, 2004 at 06:30 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
So the shifting is messing up again, too? You might want to look over TSB 01-5-2:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...2&postcount=10
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...2&postcount=10
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Thanks for the reply Rockledge. Yes, the shifting is not right when light is flashing. I did check out the connection (forgot to mention that in first post, sorry) and found it to be in good shape. This problem seems to be a cold weather deal as the tranny is not a problem above 20 degrees. I saw a post about the gasket between the solenoids and tranny body causing shift problems but I reasoned that that should be a continual problem regardless of temp (maybe I'm wrong about that). This morning I just took it easy (slow for first mile or so) leaving home and there was no light flashing. I'm just stumped as to cause. Seems once it's shifted a couple of rounds it's fine like something is sticking until it gets moving. Or maybe it isn't getting sufficient pressure or volume. I just don't know. I really like this truck but this type of problem could turn me away. I've talked to a tranny shop (supposedly best around) and they don't have any ideas. Anybody else having similar symptoms with their Ranger? I just can't bring myself to take it to the stealship as I've not heard much good about them and many posts on this forum don't cast a good view on them.
Last edited by sorensenj; Dec 15, 2004 at 06:08 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
When you changed the speed sensor on the rear differential last Spring, was the truck still having issues? Or had the problems already disappeared by then due to the warm weather? In other words, did replacing the speed sensor actually fix the previous problem, or did it go away by itelf?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
To Rockledge: It was already getting warmer out when I changed the sensor and I wasn't getting the light flashing probably because it had gotten warmer. This really seems to be a <20 degree type problem. I seen on other posts that you need to have a code reader hooked up when the light is flashing to catch the code. Since I don't have a code reader to do that with it ends up being reset when I restart. A friend and I are currently looking at purchasing an auto xray 5000 code reader as we both have need to check out problems with our vehicles (his is a check engine light - Pontiac). We figure it might be cheaper in the long run to be able to have, at least, a good idea what a problem is before trying to throw money at it (either fixing ourselves or going to a shop). What do you think? Is the 5000 overkill or is there a better unit to be had? Thanks for your help.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
To Dave: Is it really possible the grease could or would affect to VSS? If so, I'll get it changed. Thanks for your help.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
I really don't think so. I was thinking out-loud. If someone had put really heavy lube in the rear it might build up between ring and sensor and cause a bad reading, then when warm clear away and read correctly. If it hasn't been changed I wouldn't worry about it.
Dave
Dave
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I am having the same issue
My 2002 explorer runs fine above 20 degrees... It has been in the single digits here in the last weeks and sunday my o/d light started flashing and 2nd to 3rd just revs and never seems to catch. i took it into a friend today but this car is making me mad.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by jgethers
My 2002 explorer runs fine above 20 degrees... It has been in the single digits here in the last weeks and sunday my o/d light started flashing and 2nd to 3rd just revs and never seems to catch. i took it into a friend today but this car is just ****ing me off...
Does your Explorer have a 4.0L engine in it? If so, then it has the same tranny as the Ranger (5R55x).
Something to think about regarding 2-3 shift problems can be found here:
http://www.vmtp.com/news-newford1.htm