strange clicking in dash

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Dec 16, 2008 | 08:02 PM

blue92

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: La Crescenta, CA

strange clicking in dash

went to start my truck this morning and when i clicked the key so the GP's would warm up there was a real fast clicking coming from behind the dash for a couple of seconds along with lights in gauge cluster doin some blinking at what seemed to be random intervals, then the "wait to start" light came on in normal fashion and went off in the normal amount of time, well a little longer today, was 36 degrees this morning which as you know for southern California is arctic conditions. anyways truck seemed to start as normal, let it warm up for about 5 minutes (do you think that is long enough??), went on my way for not too long before i noticed the overdrive light on my shifter blinking. drove for a bit truck seemed fine. stopped, shut her down, started again with no problem and no blinking overdrive light, ran fine all day.

My Q's
what is with the clicking? (kinda scary sounding)
why is overdrive light blinking???

Dec 16, 2008 | 08:15 PM

empiretc

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Joined: Dec 2003

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the clicking is a relay. Check your battery cables and make sure they are clean. If your batteries are old, cold weather can finish them. Might want to check them out.

Dec 16, 2008 | 09:45 PM

Ponyboychris

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Kiowa CO

David nailed it. Clicking is your relays chattering which means bad battery connections or dying batteries. If the batteries are going, replace them in pairs.

Dec 16, 2008 | 09:54 PM

empiretc

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponyboychris

If the batteries are going, replace them in pairs.

That is a must!!

Dec 16, 2008 | 10:53 PM

bdrummonds

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Millbrook Alabama

I concur, Benn there, Done that . after you replace the batts, have the alt. checked too.

Dec 16, 2008 | 10:55 PM

blue92

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: La Crescenta, CA

batts relatively new, maybe two years, had some crud on them nice and clean now. thanks guys. anybody on the blinking overdrive off light???

Dec 17, 2008 | 07:52 AM

Ponyboychris

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Kiowa CO

Is your speedo acting funny? Like under 35 MPH, does it jump around and then smooth out? If yes, then your VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) on the top of the rear pumpkin may be going out. Simple and quick fix. Replacement sensor available from Ford for $20 or so.