Overdrive "off" light flashing
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 448
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From: Minnesota
Overdrive "off" light flashing
This has been an ongoing problem-Sometimes when I tow a trailer (not all the time) the "off" light will start flashing. When this happens, the shifting pattern is the same, just that is shifts HARD. It will continue to flash until it decides to quit (usually after I have unhooked the trailer and drove the truck for a few days.) Have had it into the Ford garage a couple times, they cannot find the problem, have even load tested the tranny (if there is such a thing). This has happened off and on over the past 4 years and 90,000 miles. Has anyone heard or seen of something like this?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
It sounds like you need to take it to a transmisison shop. When that light starts to blink it means there is a sensor problem in the transmission. It should have stored a code in the computer. So I would start by pulling the codes.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 300
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Do a search, IronPants posted a great how-to pull codes. Its really easy, all you need is some wire. You can set it up to flash the codes through the od light or use an anolog volt meter.
When ever it sets a code the trans goes into limp mode and increases the line pressure, hence the hard shifts. Next time it starts flashing check the codes and then clear them.
good luck
When ever it sets a code the trans goes into limp mode and increases the line pressure, hence the hard shifts. Next time it starts flashing check the codes and then clear them.
good luck
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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For what it is worth, I just had the same thing happen again! Last time I replaced the rear diff speed sensor as my tack etc were ok - problem solved. Yesterday it did the same o/d lite flashing, shifting late and hard, went and got another speed sensor $ 35.00, everything back to 'normal'. Will have to remove the diff cover and check the ring to see if there is a problem. Once you replace remove the battery grounds, this will clear the codes. There is also a sensor on the side of the trans that could be causing the problem.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Minnesota
Tach and speedo work flawlessly-just this morning it stopped flashing, and everything is back to normal, so I won't be able to pull any codes. I am sure it won't do it again until I hook onto a big trailer-seems strange.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
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From: Manitoba
I would do an FIPL setting........
To set to specs:
With a warm engine and the idle speed set to your engine specs probably 650 in drive (curb idle).
Now with key on engine off. First connect the negative lead of a volt meter to the negative battery post, then place a paperclip straightened to slide up the side of the center wire for a good contact, touch the positive lead to the paperclip. Electrical connector must beconnected to the FIPL.
If your FIPL requires resetting loosen the small torx screws and attempt to attain the correct setting. You can loosen the large bolts on the bracket if necessary but try to retain the centering on the FIPL/blade.
Your trying to get closed throttle voltage: 1.1 V, wide open throttle voltage: minimum of 3.8 V but not more than 4.3 V.
If you can attain those #s then tighten the screws/bolts and ensure the voltage is at the correct setting after tightening. You can also do a slow sweep of the fuel lever from idle to WOT to see if there are any blanc (dead) spots, much easier with a really $$$ meter with capture mode. If you still find there are hard shifts or very soft slippery shifts you can adjust to suit your driving but be warned slippery shifts will burn the trans up.
To set to specs:
With a warm engine and the idle speed set to your engine specs probably 650 in drive (curb idle).
Now with key on engine off. First connect the negative lead of a volt meter to the negative battery post, then place a paperclip straightened to slide up the side of the center wire for a good contact, touch the positive lead to the paperclip. Electrical connector must beconnected to the FIPL.
If your FIPL requires resetting loosen the small torx screws and attempt to attain the correct setting. You can loosen the large bolts on the bracket if necessary but try to retain the centering on the FIPL/blade.
Your trying to get closed throttle voltage: 1.1 V, wide open throttle voltage: minimum of 3.8 V but not more than 4.3 V.
If you can attain those #s then tighten the screws/bolts and ensure the voltage is at the correct setting after tightening. You can also do a slow sweep of the fuel lever from idle to WOT to see if there are any blanc (dead) spots, much easier with a really $$$ meter with capture mode. If you still find there are hard shifts or very soft slippery shifts you can adjust to suit your driving but be warned slippery shifts will burn the trans up.
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Originally Posted by Highmark18
This has been an ongoing problem-Sometimes when I tow a trailer (not all the time) the "off" light will start flashing. When this happens, the shifting pattern is the same, just that is shifts HARD. It will continue to flash until it decides to quit (usually after I have unhooked the trailer and drove the truck for a few days.) Have had it into the Ford garage a couple times, they cannot find the problem, have even load tested the tranny (if there is such a thing). This has happened off and on over the past 4 years and 90,000 miles. Has anyone heard or seen of something like this?
It shifts good, and drives fine as well.
I told her that the flashing was the computer telling her that something was wrong.
I checked the the trans fluid (high tech way) by smelling it. No burnt fluid smell.
Only other problem is that accesslerator is a bit sticky sometimes.
Shifts are crisp and solid, etc. Doesn't slip or hesitate.
It does have 100,000 miles on the car. Just turned over.
If I remember right, there is sometimes a "prompt" to take it to the dealer at this point.....like the check engine light used to do on GM cars at 60,000 to check the EGR and Pollution systems.
I am guessing that is what this is, a hook to get us to the dealer for "service".
I told her we should take this to a transmission shop that I trust (we have used for 25-30 years) and have tem run the codes.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Originally Posted by Highmark18
Tach and speedo work flawlessly-just this morning it stopped flashing, and everything is back to normal, so I won't be able to pull any codes. I am sure it won't do it again until I hook onto a big trailer-seems strange.
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