Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

overdrive flashes "off"

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 30, 2005 | 05:52 PM
  #1  
risky97psd's Avatar
risky97psd
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
overdrive flashes "off"

hi guys my overdrive light is flashing "off" while driving. its in overdrive and when i push the button on the end of the shifter, the one that turns it off, it shifts out of o/d but continues to flash. it seems to drive and shift through the gears the same as usual, the shifts maybe a little stiffer than usual but maybe im just being paranoid...anyone have any idea what this means???
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2005 | 06:39 PM
  #2  
triton_2002's Avatar
triton_2002
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 1
From: South Texas
It's like a check engine light, means something is wrong. It may just be some loose wire or something minor since it seems to be shifting ok. My dad's E350 had the tranny rebuilt and it flashes OD on/off but it works fine. Best thing to do would be to get it checked out.
 
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2005 | 09:09 PM
  #3  
jcruiser70's Avatar
jcruiser70
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
If your speedometer isn't working right, that will cause it to flash. my speedo didn't register until like 25 mph, I put in a new vehicle speed sensor, and it works right, and no more flashing light.
 
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:09 PM
  #4  
coreyb's Avatar
coreyb
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Hey...my '96 250 just started doing the same thing 2 days ago, flashes but still seems to work and am having harder shifts than before. Let me know if you figure it out and I will do the same ..Thnx,,Corey
 
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2005 | 02:41 PM
  #5  
Powerstrokedlariat's Avatar
Powerstrokedlariat
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham, WA
It means that something is wrong and a code has probably been stored. Get it scanned and then you should know for sure. 9 out of 10 it is the VSS sensor on the top of the rear diff. It's like $23 bucks or so. The Overdrive light usually blinks when there is a problem with the drivetrain and the Service engine light comes on when it is a problem with the engine, not always though just my experience. If it is something with the transmission it is possible to do damage so get it looked at right away.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 05:26 PM
  #6  
risky97psd's Avatar
risky97psd
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
thanks for the info guys. i havent had a chance to look at it yet, its not my daily driver. where can i get it scanned other than the dealer? i stopped by the dealer today and ask about it and they said i should have it towed in and for $75 (not including towing, of coarse) they could scan it and see what it might be. i think when ever they hear "powerstroke" dollars signs apear in their eyes. is there a way i can retrieve the codes myself? any help is appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 06:05 PM
  #7  
mjwhip2's Avatar
mjwhip2
Elder User
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 907
Likes: 0
From: West Haven, UT
Originally Posted by coreyb
Hey...my '96 250 just started doing the same thing 2 days ago, flashes but still seems to work and am having harder shifts than before. Let me know if you figure it out and I will do the same ..Thnx,,Corey
One thing that happens with tranny problems is it will go into a "safe" mode, resulting in hard shifts. It is basically trying to keep temps/slippage down to retard any further damage. Needs to be checked out asap. Mine was doing the same thing, hard shift, O/D light flashing. I wasn't lucky enough to only need a VSS. But I did get a brand new tranny . One good thing did come of it though, I was able to talk my wife into getting me a tuner w/diagnostics (Edge Evolution) to help me further troubleshoot the problem.
Most tranny shops will read your codes free if it means possible business.
Mike
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 11:08 PM
  #8  
Navistar444's Avatar
Navistar444
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Hey guys, my 95 F250 4x4 was doing the same thing on the highway after I serviced it. Same hard shifts, etc. I then hooked 6000 pounds the the thing and it was fine. I believe the trans was running too cold as it has a HUGE cooler up front and the 20 below wind at 60 mph dosnt help either!
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 11, 2005 | 02:07 AM
  #9  
SkidRowe37's Avatar
SkidRowe37
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Listen to mjwhip2. I was doing something I usually never do and that's read the owners manual. It has a piece in there about your indication being a transmission problem and to have is checked out as soon as possible.
 
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2005 | 06:43 AM
  #10  
IB Tim's Avatar
IB Tim
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Club FTE Gold Member
...Welcome SkidRowe37, to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! If you have a minute check out the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand FTE..
We are pleased you have chosen the best source for Fords!

Enjoy FTE …..
See you on the boards.
 
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2005 | 09:06 PM
  #11  
risky97psd's Avatar
risky97psd
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
hi guys. i took it to the tranny shop today. only $25 to scan it instead of $75 at the dealer. mjwhip2 was right on, it went into safe mode. when scanned it showed a "trans slipping" code. trans guy said it needs a rebuild. ok i can deal with that my question is, standard rebuild or build it up. right now the only mod i have on it is the 10k. trans man said if i plan on putting any mods on even a down tube and bigger exhaust a standard rebuild wont hold up..does this sound right???? i dont use it as a daily driver and only pull the my 6500lb camper a few times a year. i dont plan on putting a chip in, or really any other mods. he suggests a 3 clutch converter, shift kit, and new diff gears.. about $2400 or $1600 for a standard rebuild...any input on what i should do...by the way its got 120k on it..as usual any input is appreciated...
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 09:24 AM
  #12  
Casey's Avatar
Casey
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 2
Before doing anything I'd clear the code and see if it comes back. That code sets a lot on these trucks without there being anything wrong. If it keeps coming back, then look into spending money.
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 03:08 PM
  #13  
risky97psd's Avatar
risky97psd
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
hi thanks. how do i clear the code?. on my wifes minivan(plymouth) if u disconect batt. its resets the "check engine" light. will that work in this situation??
 
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2005 | 01:52 PM
  #14  
Powerstrokedlariat's Avatar
Powerstrokedlariat
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham, WA
I believe that if you leave it unplugged for at least 15-20 minutes than it should work.
 
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2005 | 02:09 PM
  #15  
bonesdungeon's Avatar
bonesdungeon
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
od light was flashing on my 97' ,and after about a week of highway driving(some towing)tranny roasted. after doing some homework it seems that for the money Jasper Transmissions has the best deal. found a local dealer and it isnt to much more than if i put it in my self.its cold out i let them do it.supposed to get truck back monday,we'll see how it worked out
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:00 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE