O/D Light Flashing

Hey everyone, new to explorer group but not new to forum. My wife has a 98 Explorer with a constant O/D flashing. I ran an OBD2 diag on it and pulled no codes. I may take the advice of some previous contributors of getting a tranny flush and a new filter. Should I look out for anything else?
Thanks ,
KC

Hey dude, I have the same prob with my 01 explorer sport, but the O/D light only flashes when the truck shifts hard from 2nd to 3rd, which ahppens every 20 minutes or so. Ive been doing some research, and from what I found these trucks have a problem with the transmission shift solenoid as well as the valve body assembly. Im not sure about what the cost is to replace the trans shift solenoid, but a few people said they paid about $800 to have the valve body assembly fixed. My truck only has 50,000 miles on it and already I am getting these sporadic problems. Actually, my problem only happens once in a while, but its still really annoying, so I guess I will pay the shot to have it fixed. Ill let you know if I find anything else out, but first off I am also getting a new trans oil filter and fluid before I go have a Ford dealer take a look. Good luck!

Hey Jonathan4465, I am glad that I am not the only one with this annoying flash. I believe my wife was told the same thing. Not sure, but $800 sounds about right. Please let me know what you find out. I refuse (for right now) to go to a Ford stealership.
Thanks,
KC

Usually the O/D lamp flashs because of a electrical malfunction, and the codes set specificly related to the transmission, ABS, and body related modules or networks may not be retrievable without high-dollar diagnostic scanners! If your useing a quickcode type scanner it may not be able to see the whole picture because the networks overlap, and have different protocols. Things like a lack of VSS (vehicle speed sensor) signal can cause the light to flash, but may only show a code from the ABS system. Some transmission codes will only show under the TCM scan mode. The last I heard Ammco was advertiseing free scans and exsternal diagnostics, but don't let them charge an arm & leg for repairs on your trans before you get some second opinions first!

I've been having the sam problem with my wife's car for about a year now. Sometimes it goes several months between O/D flashing. Went to a local transmission place and they said there was nothing wrong. Went to Ford dealer. Only code was "TC" and they wanted to replace transmission for $2500. The car has started to run really rough now. Have had it to 5 or 6 places including two Ford dealers and no one can tell me what is wrong or guarantee their work. One of the Ford dealers wanted to replace the transmission and cylinder 3 in the motor for >$6000. The car is a '97 and not worth that much. Sometimes you can crank the car and it is still in park and it shakes so bad you think you are on a ride at the fair. The check engine light is constantly on. Sometimes it goes for a week and runs perfect. Other threads talked about the intake air valve. I changed this for $60 but no difference.

Sorry, it was the IAC that was repalced. Car still runs REALLY rough and getting worse. The O/d light is intermittent. Could it be related or separate problems? Guess I'll push it until what is wrong breaks for good. Then maybe a mechanic can fix it.

You mean a TCC (torque converter clutch) code? If the TCC stays engaged it can cause stalling like a stick whenthe clutche is engaged with the brakes on! A faulty torque converter can also cause a nasty vibration and loss of drive torque! You may wan't to follow up on these issues, but you need to find a good shop or mechanic first! GOOD LUCK!

You mean a TCC (torque converter clutch) code? If the TCC stays engaged it can cause stalling like a stick whenthe clutche is engaged with the brakes on! A faulty torque converter can also cause a nasty vibration and loss of drive torque! You may wan't to follow up on these issues, but you need to find a good shop or mechanic first! GOOD LUCK!

This seems a likely possibility that this is my problem with my 95 explorer with a new transmission (1 yr old)......... ....The OD light
is flashing and truck runs ok other than what I think is a little hard shift
from 2nd to 3rd.....but when I stop...I get a hard thump....happens
only at a stop (every time) My daughter said on a hard stop she got a double thump but I never got that.... ......What do you think?

:confused: Thats a bit difficult to pin down without being able to take it for a testdrive in person, but I'll see what I can do for you. Is the speedometer working ok? Does the ABS, and/or Check Engine lights on? Just wondering because in some cases VSS signal issues can cause bad shifting. If not you may need to take it to a transmission shop for assessment :dunno: :sorry:

:confused: Thats a bit difficult to pin down without being able to take it for a testdrive in person, but I'll see what I can do for you. Is the speedometer working ok? Does the ABS, and/or Check Engine lights on? Just wondering because in some cases VSS signal issues can cause bad shifting. If not you may need to take it to a transmission shop for assessment :dunno: :sorry:

I have almost an identical problem with my 95 EB Explorer. I had the trany "rebuilt" for $1800, which seemed to make the problem go away for about year. But then the o/d started to in and out on slight upgrades and again and the o/d light began to flash. I understand the flashing indicates that the trany goes into some type of "safety" mode and causes hard shifting. I can disconnect the battery for a few minutes and the system resets. It will drive just fine for a day or two and then the light begins to flash. If I drive it for any lengthly trip when flashing, the trany will begin to leak fluid from the front. I am reluctant to take it to someone because I fear the costs and I already sunk a buch of money into it. Other than that, the Explorer is in great shape and I really do like it. I recently had the rearend rebuilt for $1100. Any help would be appreciated!

Ok I have a 95 sport and I was having the same problem. Flashing o/d light and very hard shifting. Since I have about 160k on it and could remember when the last time I changed the fluid and filter... so I did.... I just dropped the pan changed the filter and just added the fluid I lost by dropping the pan. Just pryer to doing the change I took off my (+) batt cable and when I was finished I replaced the cable. And so for about 15k miles still no problem. Hope this helps....

Ok I have a 95 sport and I was having the same problem. Flashing o/d light and very hard shifting. Since I have about 160k on it and could remember when the last time I changed the fluid and filter... so I did.... I just dropped the pan changed the filter and just added the fluid I lost by dropping the pan. Just pryer to doing the change I took off my (+) batt cable and when I was finished I replaced the cable. And so for about 15k miles still no problem. Hope this helps....

I recently had some problems in my explorer fixed, such as an abs module which may or may not have solved other problems which include the speedometer not working (fixed), cruise control (fixed), but now after fixing these problems, the o/d light and 4wd and 2wd lights flash on and off, the car will also not shift up from 3rd to 4th gear, after I reach about 40 to 50 mph the car will not shift up anymore. I don't know if this could be involved but the blinkers have also stopped working, I have taken it to a transmission specialist and am waiting to hear back, i just wanted to know what others thought on the matter, if you could offer any input it would certianly help, thanks in advance.

I had a problem with my 1997 explorer and after taking it to ford and they cleared the codes and it would return I took things into my own hands and did a filter and oil change and haven't had a problem since and thats with towing a caravan.
Good luck

I Have A 99 With The Tcc Code I Replaced The Filter And Selenoids And No More Peroblems.

it may need a new overdrive switch put in or check the overdrive curcuit. i have a 95 which is the but year of problems and i had that happen to me and the switch when bad on it.

Your O/D light flashing is basically your check engine light for your transmission. Normal scanners cannot read transmission codes, like ones at Autozone. You can take it to any transmission shop (call around first) and they will almost always read the codes for free. Just dont sign anything or give them your truck.......For you guys that are having the hard shifting from 2-3 its called a Flare. I had the same problem in my 99 Sport, 4.0SOHC, 4WD, 72000miles. This is a common problem in these transmissions, the 5R55E. Long story short, you have a blown Main Control Gasket (Valve Body Gasket). There are most likely pieces of gaskets stuck through out the bores in your VB. I pulled my VB about 3 different times to no avail. I finally put in a remanned Valve Body and the problem was solved, along with a new gasket and an upgraded Blow Off Valve from Ford (it replaces the old valve in the valve body). This job is not like changing oil but if you are even somewhat mechanically inclined you could do it. Total fix around $300. Hope this helps. PM me if you have any more questions in depth.

I have a 2002 Explorer. For the past few months, I've been having the same problems. There's delayed shifting btwn the 2nd and 3rd. My O/D light came on about a month ago so I stopped driving it long distances. Now the O/D light has gone off but the "Service Engine Soon" light is on. AND if that isn't bad enough, on Monday the shifter handle ( I guess that's what you call the handle to shift from park to drive, etc.) broke. My husband had the truck towed to the shop today. Waiting to hear what the problem is.

[quote=clackeyarmour1]I have a 2002 Explorer. For the past few months, I've been having the same problems. There's delayed shifting btwn the 2nd and 3rd. My O/D light came on about a month ago so I stopped driving it long distances. Now the O/D light has gone off but the "Service Engine Soon" light is on. AND if that isn't bad enough, on Monday the shifter handle ( I guess that's what you call the handle to shift from park to drive, etc.) broke. My husband had the truck towed to the shop today. Waiting to hear what the problem is. Hope it doesn't break the bank.

They are going to tell you you need a "soft" parts tranny rebuild. Or if they are real jerkoffs they will tell you you need a complete soft and hard part rebuild. Expect a quote from $1800-$3000.

I purchased the solenoid pack from ford for my 1997 with an E40D trans. At that time I paid around $60.00> I changed the trans fluid and filter at this time. I used a torx and 1/4 inch socket set to change it out. I also purchased a paper and rubber gasket set as I cleaned the valve body. A friend let me use a lift in the evening. The solenoid pack is easy to replace. Don't try the valve body if this is your first time. I'm not a transmission man but had cleaned a valve body on an AOD trans. I also had a shop manual.

This problem is common as you see,what my 97 ford explorer xlt was doing the o/d light started blinking,speedometer was working on and off ,abs light went on,check engine light went on brake peddle started freezing up and hard or went to floor as the engine overheated hit a bump all went back to normal for a few min. After a complete look over what fixed all of this was unbeliveable. The neg battery cable wire has a second smaller wire with it.
Its a ground to the frame about ten inches long,Take the short ground off from the frame clean rust and green film off the surface of the frame and screw you just took out and clean the connecting end of the ground to the metal surface,put back tightendown and thats all it took for me. saved me hundreds of $$$$$$$ hope it works for you.:rofl:

The fix I got on that problem was removing the battery cable and then replacing it....That "reset" the transmission electronics and have no more trouble

This post is 5yrs old

Just taking off neg battery cable does not fix problem it resets computor thats all .
got to disconnect grounding wire thats also connected to neg battery cable and clean contact surface on wire and frame.

just saying that disconnecting the battery cable to reset the computer is all it took to correct my problem, thanks for your input though... may be needed in case of another occurance

I have a 2001 sport trac and sometimes it will start a "bucking" type motion. The O/D light start flashing. When i run the codes all i get is rev limitor sensor reached. I am having so much hell with this stupid thing im about ready to sell it and move on. Does anybody know what could be causing this???? Please help..

how high are the rpm's going to before it shifts?

The rpm's are somewhere around 3000 when it shifts. Also got the fluid changed in the trans about 3 weeks ago. Sometimes you can smell like a burnt fluid smell when it gets hot and i think it has something to do with the trans.