Shifter light flashing
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Shifter light flashing
I have a 2000 F-150 V-6 Auto and just recently the "off" light at the end of the shifter is flashing. It seems to shift fine but I don't think it's going into overdrive? All the manual says is it could be a sensor and take to dealer. Would anyone have an idea what this could be? I like to fix it myself as I try to do all my own work but I don't know what to look for. It doesn't do it right away, it waits till it gets to a certain temp, 10-15 minutes of driving.
Thanks, Rick
Thanks, Rick
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
The flashing O/D light is to the transmission as the CEL/SES is to the engine.
The computer flashes it to indicate that it has detected an operational fault.
The only way to determine where to look is to scan the codes (same as for a CEL/ABS) then look up the codes in the correct service manual.
Typical electrical causes are vehicle and turbine speed sensors, DTR sensor, solenoids with electrical faults, and other similar stuff. Mechanical failures inside the transmission can also set codes and the sensors and computer pick them up long before the operator notices any change in the vehicle's behavior.
First step is to scan the codes. Once you have that, you'll know what direction to look in. Any thing else is just guessing and that's about as effective as farting into a hurricane.
You will need to have the system scanned with a scan tool that supports "manufacturer-specific" codes, not just the generic set. Some of the parts stores still use the el-cheapo tools and won't be able to read all of the potential codes. As the drone behind the counter if their scanner supports the above.
Steve
The computer flashes it to indicate that it has detected an operational fault.
The only way to determine where to look is to scan the codes (same as for a CEL/ABS) then look up the codes in the correct service manual.
Typical electrical causes are vehicle and turbine speed sensors, DTR sensor, solenoids with electrical faults, and other similar stuff. Mechanical failures inside the transmission can also set codes and the sensors and computer pick them up long before the operator notices any change in the vehicle's behavior.
First step is to scan the codes. Once you have that, you'll know what direction to look in. Any thing else is just guessing and that's about as effective as farting into a hurricane.
You will need to have the system scanned with a scan tool that supports "manufacturer-specific" codes, not just the generic set. Some of the parts stores still use the el-cheapo tools and won't be able to read all of the potential codes. As the drone behind the counter if their scanner supports the above.
Steve
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,209
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
Apparently your code reader is incapable of reading the transmission failure code that the light is indicating. Time to get it to the dealer or a shop that can do the job. Good luck! 
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 211
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From: Under My Truck
OSS or VSS
First, check to see if they are even plugged in. A quick way to do this without laying on your back is to push the OD button while running and in gear. If it flashes IMMEDIATELY, it is one of these...
PM me and I can send you location images and pin config
First, check to see if they are even plugged in. A quick way to do this without laying on your back is to push the OD button while running and in gear. If it flashes IMMEDIATELY, it is one of these...
PM me and I can send you location images and pin config
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Joined: Dec 2007
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I'm not sure what the abbreviation or whatever is for it, but there's an ABS sensor on top of your rear end held in by I think a 10mm bolt, replace it and it'll stop blinking. My Super Duty did the same thing and $14 took care of it :-)
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 6
From: Delton, MI
A quick word of caution about not taking this in and getting it looked at:
My grandpa's 2002 King Ranch with 5.4L and Automatic trans, 4WD, etc had the flashing 'O/D Off' light come on. Took it to dealership, found out the transmission was overheating. Checked the fluid, severely burned. On removing lines from cooler to do T-Tec fluid exchange we found metal shavings (lots of them) caught in the transmission cooler lines. With less than 60,000 miles there was severe internal damage to the transmission and the entire thing had to be rebuilt. Truck had never been worked and has never towed anything. Just a daily driver.
Just a heads up, but you may want to check the transmission temp and see if it is overheating. Your 3-4 clutch pack may have gone out. Not necessarily, but certainly a possibility.
My grandpa's 2002 King Ranch with 5.4L and Automatic trans, 4WD, etc had the flashing 'O/D Off' light come on. Took it to dealership, found out the transmission was overheating. Checked the fluid, severely burned. On removing lines from cooler to do T-Tec fluid exchange we found metal shavings (lots of them) caught in the transmission cooler lines. With less than 60,000 miles there was severe internal damage to the transmission and the entire thing had to be rebuilt. Truck had never been worked and has never towed anything. Just a daily driver.
Just a heads up, but you may want to check the transmission temp and see if it is overheating. Your 3-4 clutch pack may have gone out. Not necessarily, but certainly a possibility.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 211
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From: Under My Truck
Trans overheat will trip the CEL, and remain as a code PO711 when read through OBDII scanner.
projectSHO89
First step is to scan the codes. Once you have that, you'll know what direction to look in. Any thing else is just guessing and that's about as effective as farting into a hurricane.
First step is to scan the codes. Once you have that, you'll know what direction to look in. Any thing else is just guessing and that's about as effective as farting into a hurricane.
