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Two problems: Overdrive and Blowing Fuses

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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 09:05 AM
  #1  
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Two problems: Overdrive and Blowing Fuses

I have a '97 Explorer XLT Limited Edition, 4L V6, auto, 4 wheel drive (not all wheel drive).

My first problem is that the #10 fuse keeps blowing pretty much as soon as I get a new one put in. This fuse powers all the center console stuff, the 4x4 switch, and the overhead information cluster.

The second problem is with the overdrive. It sometimes kicks off (as indicated by the idiot light in the instrument cluster). This usually clears itself after the vehicle has sat parked for a while.

I'm at a loss of where to start troubleshooting these issues and wonder if you all might have some pointers to get me started.

Thanks!
 

Last edited by dethomson; Nov 26, 2009 at 09:06 AM. Reason: added engine and trans info
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 09:52 AM
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Are you are saying that it kicks out of OD and the OD light on the dash stays lit (not blinking)? If so,the OD button on the trans lever might be bad.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 11:55 AM
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A simple start on the blowing fuse would be to open the connector in the gray/yellow stripe wire under the hood drivers side rear corner.

This connects fuse 10 to the cruise control pressure switch on the brake master cylinder & the cruise control servo.

Does the fuse still blow?

And now i am out of here for my 200 mile turkey day drive.

Good luck with it.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 07:25 PM
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The OD idiot light stays blinking.
After taking note about that wire (gray w/yellow stripe) going into the brake M/C sensor (that is leaking), I'm going to get the sensor replaced to see if that's the cause of the fuse blowing.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by dethomson
The OD idiot light stays blinking.
After taking note about that wire (gray w/yellow stripe) going into the brake M/C sensor (that is leaking), I'm going to get the sensor replaced to see if that's the cause of the fuse blowing.



The leaking cruise switch is what the recall is all about, you know the one where your truck, house and everything BURNS UP! Go now and disconnect the switch BEFORE something tragic happens!!!

http://www.ford.com/dynamic/metatags...h-recall-09s09

SAFETY RECALL 09S09

Ford Motor Company
Ford Customer Service Division
P. O. Box 1904
Dearborn, Michigan 48121
October 2009
Safety Recall 09S09
Mr. dethomson
123 Main Street
Kent Island, MD
Your Vehicle Identification Number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in your
vehicle, with the Vehicle Identification Number shown above.
We apologize for this situation and want to assure you that, with your assistance, we will correct this
condition. Our commitment, together with your dealer, is to provide you with the highest level of service
and support.
What is the issue? Ford cannot be confident that over many years in service, a speed control
deactivation switch installed on your vehicle will not leak brake fluid,
posing the risk of a fire. This condition may occur either when the vehicle
is parked or when it is being operated.

This risk exists on vehicles equipped with or without speed control.
What will Ford and
your dealer do?
Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to perform the repairs
under this program on your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor).
How long will it take? Your dealer may be able to perform this repair while you wait; however,
due to scheduling requirements, your dealer may need your vehicle for a
longer period of time.
What should you do? Please call your dealer without delay and request a service date for
Recall 09S09. Provide the dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) of your vehicle. The VIN is printed near your name at the beginning
of this letter.
Until you have the recall service performed, park your vehicle outdoors
away from structures to prevent a potential fire from spreading.
If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access
Owner Log On Page for dealer addresses, maps, and driving
instructions.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 09:13 AM
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The blinking OD light puts the trans in 'limp' mode which causes hard shifting. Not good to drive it for long periods like that. Reset the codes by disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes and see if the light comes back on.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 02:34 PM
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Yea. I would definately call it limp mode. It seems to never really go into OD (RPMs stay up slightly), but turning OD off using the button on the gear selector does cause a downshift. I'll see about getting it in for the recall service call next week.

Thanks all.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2009 | 05:53 AM
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I had the SUV in for service yesterday. The work required by the recall fixed the blowing fuse problem and the transmission problem.

Now I need to figure out how to get my driver's side rear door open (the door latch is stuck). I'm guessing I need to sacrifice my interior panel or the door.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2009 | 09:52 PM
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Hm, I would sure try to slide one of those door jimmy tools in there first befroe destroying the door panel. maybe visit a wrecker and see if one of the wrecks already has the door panel off, so you can see where the door latch rod is positioned? Just an idea...
 
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 08:24 PM
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What is involved with changing this part out myself? I know it's free since it's a recall, but I'm pressed for time on the matter, and would like to get it fixed tomorrow instead of next week.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2011 | 06:48 AM
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Bump...does anyone know what is involved with changing this sensor?
 
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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 07:41 AM
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From: buffalo
hope i get this...

ok, i found the wires broke on overdrive in steering.. 2001 ford explorer sport..is there a special way to wire them? the wires are both grey under the black sheath....if i try to hook them up one way... i get a spark, then blow a fuse.. if i hook them up the other way i get no spark and dont blow a fuse, but do not see the overdrive light turn on on dash....please help?.....
 
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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 12:15 PM
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These should just go to a switch. There shouldn't be any polarity involved. It sounds like you should check the wires to see if any of the four ends are shorted to ground.

I will try to pull the wiring diagram this evening to confirm the wires go all the way to a control module and are not intentionally tied to ground somewhere.

-Rod
 
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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 12:17 PM
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From: buffalo
its a 2 wire .. it looks like this, this is not mine...but only 2 wires
 
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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 08:37 PM
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Recall

Originally Posted by jplinville
Bump...does anyone know what is involved with changing this sensor?
As a rule it takes the dealer about 15 minuets to complete this recall.
 
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