Hello friends
while going down the road, noticed that when depressing the overdrive button on the shift handle nothing happens. no light and no movement in the transmission.
Don't see any fuses in the manual. where might i look?
02 powerstroke lariat, 4 X 4 crew cab
thanks

 

Having this same problem on a 2001 I just purchased. The dealer tried replacing the button on the column shifter...did not fix. They are now going to replace the column shifter...I didn't have time to wait for it so I have to go back this week to let them try. There is wiring in the column shifter that connects the button to the electronics. Hopefully this does it for me. Maybe for you too.

 

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Good luck with your problems.
Enjoy FTE

 

I had the same issue on my truck. It seems the wires going through the column get split. You have to take the column bottom cover and look for the wires coming through and get them fixed.

Instructions I got from a friend on how to fix it:

I recently changed that little boot at the base of the shift level. Every Ford I've had, the boot rips and then hangs, looking like spit. In the process of the boot change, I found my wiring harness for the O/D switch pretty chewed up. Each time you shift, the wires are pulled over the rough metal edges on the top of the steering column. I would definitely check this wiring. Yours may be a case of pulling a broken wire especially when the truck is in D and the wire is pulled tight. All mine needed was so electrical tape as "padding". Here's how you remove the steering column covers and get to the problem:

If you have tilt wheel, tilt all the way down. Then unscrew and remove the tilt wheel level/handle.

Remove the lower steering column cover first- three screws on the underside. Thin narrow phillips head will reach just fine. Pull the cover off gently, there are some alignment posts and holes.

Then put your key in the ign and turn to "ON". Now insert a narrow diameter probe or screwdriver into the hole nearest the ign. key and push. When you depress the ball/catch inside, the whole ign assembly will slide right out. While pushing (not hard) grab the black nub/housing where you insert the key and gently straight pull. DO NOT BE CONCERNED, this is much easier than you think. Once the ign/key assembly is out, lift the top cover the steering column right off.

You will easily see the wires to the shifter and O/D switch. Check and replace as necessary. If you have to replace the whole switch which involves the replacing the whole shift handle, this is simple. Pull the one pin out at the base of the shift level, unplug the O/D wires and you're there.

Repeat the above steps in reverse and your good to go. To test your problem, you may want, reinsert the key and drive the truck with the steering coulmn covers off. Move the wiring around and see if you can affect the O/D light light and engagement.

Good luck.

 

Thanks WildBill. Very useful. I haven't done much work on this truck yet, since I've only had it for a few weeks. I think I'll let the dealer solve this one for me but will then look to insulate the wires you describe as being prone to snagging.