Hello everyone,

Quick question: anyone know/experienced an O/D (overdrive) light flashing? I got stuck in NYC traffic yesterday; outside temp was about 96 degrees when I noticed my overdrive light flashing. Other than the flashing light, everything was fine (gear shifting, idle was great, etc). Had this happen to me before and took it to Ford. They replaced a $3 sensor.

Anyhow, I turned off the engine, restarted and the O/D flashing light was gone until I got home (3 hours of driving). I do not tow and have 70,000 miles on my truck. Was this an anomaly or am I experiencing another sensor replacement? Sorry, have not had time to have the codes read.

Thanks for any input.

Drive Safe,

Dan

 

You might want to do some reading on this, because it was a serious problem that has caused major damage to Ex's.

Not trying to scare you but do some reading on this, it might be something else and a minor thing but here's a link to check into.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...y-550-tow.html


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-question.html

 

Blinking OD light is like a Check Engine light for your tranny. Have the code read to see what the problem is.

 

I was hoping it wasn't the dreaded worn wire in the column...

 

Here is a link to the possible transmission codes:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...mission__.html

 

Thanks everyone for your valued input/s. I'll take it to a reputable mechanic and have the code read. I will post the outcome. Thanks especially for posting the tranny codes.

Drive Safe,

Dan

 

STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU DO TWO THINGS

1) READ your owner's manual. THINK ! There is a REASON why manufacturers go to the trouble and expense of having those things drafted and printed up. Had you read your manual, you would have found out that flashing lights are there for a reason. Hopefully, IMMEDIATE response to a warning/flashing light will prevent further/major damage. Your vehicle is TRYING to tell you something. With the CORRECT information (see the above posts - some of these guys are trying to HELP you ) you MAY be able to prevent further damage/costly destruction of major components.

2) THINK about where you can find a mechanic familiar with your Ford's computer controls, and how they relate to the various mechanical devices. THINK about what kind of "bargin" the average mechanic/garage is going to be, if they have to educate themselves at your expense on the complexities of "proprietory" computers and control devices.

My own experience is you get the "best bang for the buck" at a FORD DEALER !

My own experience with Ford dealers both where I bought my EX in one part of So. Calif., and where I have taken it for work in other portions of So. Calif AND Arizona, is that a bill for any given repair MAY be about 20% higher than a non-factory authorized garage. Often LESS !

My own experience is that you get what you pay for-the additional cost that MAY be incurred at a Ford dealer is WORTH it both in getting the job done right, AND, if there are problems "no arguments" back-up.

WARNING - some folks in this forum have reported problems with Ford dealer garages. Apparently, in the east. I dont know what steps they took to take their grievences up thru the "chain of command". I would HOPE it is the case that if you did not get satisfaction at the dealer/regional level, at some level, you'd get your problem taken care of.

Bottom line - we are in a new era what with the technical complexities of modern computer-control systems. You need to be as INFORMED as you can be, and take your vehicle to a shop that KNOWS YOUR VEHICLE ! I personally do not see how a NON Ford dealer could handle "warning code" issues as well, as fast, or as cost efficient as a (competent) FORD Dealer can.

 

6686L - Some real interesting things come out on this forum as a result of you having access to a keyboard....wow. Best bang for the buck? Really? I think the dealer is typically my last choice unless I'm under warranty.

I just sent a customer of mine to the dealer near me because his 6.0L was hard starting - symptoms of which are well known and in this case sounded like the plastic connector on the HPOP (lack of proper oil pressure). So - he goes to the dealer and they didn't even know what an HPOP was! He even spelled it out for them to the owner and to the 'lead' mechanic.... The guy escalated to Ford and then ended up giving up and just driving an hour to a real dealer who performed the repairs.

 

= = = = = =

As I noted, I have seen other "horror stories" like yours. I would BET you that there are "horror stories" with NON Ford dealers.

If I understand what I have read in the mass media correctly, FORD is the one company that seems to be surviving the current economci troubles better than anyone else. If that is correct, they must be doing SOMETHING right to get and keep customer loyalty.

One big advantage in dealing with a FORD dealer, as opposed to dealing with the corner garage, is if things go into the toilet, you have a "chain of command" to complain to. Of COURSE there are "corner garages" where people have gone to technical schools, and can fix your FORD product right the first time. So what ? I believe my conclusion is valid; you stand the BEST chance of getting the BEST job on a complex vehicle, at a manufacturer's franchised dealer.

 

Hi guys,

I agree with both of you. Since I've had this same issue about a year ago and took it to Ford and got charged 3 hours' worth of time only to replace a $3 part and only to happen again - I'll go to my trusted mechanic this time. After all, I've had my 02 Explorer's tranny rebuilt twice, my 99 Expedition's tranny rebuilt at 120,000 miles and now my 02 Excursion with only 70,000 miles and my 92 dually with tranny replaced at 110,000 miles - see the pattern here. No need to flame anyone guys. I love and believe in supporting american cars and I've always loved Ford!

If I need a new/rebuilt tranny, I'd probably go with a better-built tranny.

Thanks again for all your input. It's really much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Dan