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I just purchased a 2000 Mazda B3000 4x4 with 59k and drove it up from the bay area to Seattle with no problems. However the O/D light has flashed a couple of times in the last week and while it is in flash mode the tranny shifts hard. The O/D light eventually resets it self when I re-start the engine and the tranny seems to operate normally or at least it seems to shift correctly.I have all the receipts with the truck from the previous and only owner which also includes a new dealer installed transmission at 40k.
I have researched the O/D flashing light syndrome a bit on-line but could not find any reference to this issue with such a low mileage tranny (20k) I know I probably have to take it into the dealer to get the code read, but was wondering what some of the experts out there think about replacing the VSS (speed sensor supposedly located on the rear differential ) or cleaning the TRS connectors on the tranny or anything else that may be relatively easy to diagnose and or repair. Also should mention the tranny fluid looked okay and did not smell burnt.
All responses very much appreciatted,
M.H. Seattle
Ill try it today if I can find the part, are there any oher connectors or sensors to check while I am under there, I heard about the range sensor (for the gear shifter) and something called a TRS and or TSS connectors on the Trans body.
Welcome to FTE mhilow. Im glad you chose the best site on the net for Ford-Trucks! See you around the boards!!
you need to take ur truck into a ford dealer and have the codes pulled. most scanners will not catch codes by the trans. you will have one saved if ur light has flashed
Fordboy, and Rockledge,
I replaced it (the ABS speed sensor on the rear differential)and went for a short drive, light has not come on...yet . Thanks everyone, if the O/D light comes on again then I will take the truck into the dealer and try to report back the results, however painful they may be, especially in light of the fact this was a dealer replacement tranny only 20k ago.
I think it also important to note that many folks on this forum that have reported a flashing O/D light have also reported that the dealer was unable to retrieve any codes, or at least thats how I interperted it. So low cost diagnostic and R/R's are very much needed and needless to say very much appreciated.
Welcome Mhilow. I've have a similar problem with my 2001 Ranger 4wd but it only happens when the temp outside drops below 30 degrees. I've replaced the speed sensor, had the tranny fluid completely changed with the proper tranny fluid, new filter, etc. and, yet, it still came on a week ago (temps dropped). You stop and restart the engine all is well, shifts fine, works like a champ in decent weather until cold weather moves in. Fordboy is right, unless you have the Ford advanced codes scan equipment you won't see the codes set. I've been nosy around the TBS's and found one that addresses the cold weather issue but haven't acted on it yet. Typically, the flashing o/d light indicates a tranny problem whatever it may be. While I hate taking my vehicle to the stealership, I think doing so may be my only option left. Please let us know what happens with your truck but hope it was just the speed sensor and you are good to go.
call your local tranny shops. most of them can pull the codes. i found one here that did a free diagnostics. when they pull the codes, write them down and bring them here! my tranny shops said i needed a full rebuild when in all reality it was a $3.55 seal. so get ur codes and come here.
by the way, whats the tranny doing wrong? is it shifting weird? mabey you had the same problem i had (very very likely and normal occurance with ford auto's in the rangers / explorers)
Hey guys,
In my case the tranny shifts okay on its own though sometimes 2-3 is a liitle wierd (?), the real problem of course is when the 0/D light flashes which sends the trans into "safemode" and into a very rough shifting pattern. Matt I think the seal you mentioned could be a a likely culprit in my case as well as Sorensenj because comprimised seals may not hold up well in adverse weather or driving conditions , just my guess. I also remember reading here somewhere that there was a seal that was known to be defective in the 3.0 tranny around this time. Ill need to find that again, any chance you can elaborate a little on that seal repair?, the name of the seal? location on the trans and what the total labor costs were or is it a DIY deal.
Thanks Matt and Sorensenj
its actually all rangers / explorers. the tranny models are 4r55e and 5r55e. im going to post a how to article on fixing this as soon as this week is over
Hey guys,
In my case the tranny shifts okay on its own though sometimes 2-3 is a liitle wierd (?), the real problem of course is when the 0/D light flashes which sends the trans into "safemode" and into a very rough shifting pattern. Matt I think the seal you mentioned could be a a likely culprit in my case as well as Sorensenj because comprimised seals may not hold up well in adverse weather or driving conditions , just my guess. I also remember reading here somewhere that there was a seal that was known to be defective in the 3.0 tranny around this time. Ill need to find that again, any chance you can elaborate a little on that seal repair?, the name of the seal? location on the trans and what the total labor costs were or is it a DIY deal.
Thanks Matt and Sorensenj
There is information on the type of problem Matt is talking about in this thread:
When I was having the fluid and filter replaced I asked my tranny guy to check for chunks of the gasket Matt is refering to. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary in the pan but pulled the valve body and put a new one in for good measure. Still didn't tame the o/d light in my case. Mine is a temperature problem so I'm beginning to think it's a tranny control/computer problem which some of this vintage have suffered. Check TSB's maybe. I've been watching the forums for two years and the o/d light issue seems to get more ink around this time of year IMO.
you might not be able to get away with just the gasket. i included a ford tsb on my truck, which had a new pressure blow off valve. plus i put a new sep plate in with the ford bonded gaskets (whose to say the paper ones wouldnt just blow out again)
also, when i replaced my gaskets the truck didnt shift for a day, i let it set and went out with a cold tranny and everything worked. dont know why but now its like nothing is wrong
(i was thinking it could be the quart of lucas i put in it)