Overdrive stoped working / Flashing O/D off light

[netwrkgod]

Originally Posted by wiswind

I looked the Vehicle speed sensor up for the 2002 windstar on AutoZone's website.....Under "Engine Management" Duralast # SU1283
I compare it to the one shown on AdvanceAutoparts website ...Under "Replacement parts.....Sensors" ..and the one on advance has a lead that goes from the sensor to the connector .
On RockAuto's website, they list 2 speed sensors.....Under "Electrical.....Sensors.....Speed sensor".....1 is "input" and the other is "output".
Output side is the one with the lead, input side does not have a lead.....but the connector on the "input side" sensor is at a right angle, vs the autozone one being straight.
Maybe you could look at the sensor that is located near the output shaft on the driver's side and see which one it looks like.
The one that is known as the "Vehicle Speed Sensor" is the one that is NOT next to the output shaft on the driver's side......it is located on the back side of the transmission......above a catalytic converter.
Neither one look like the one that I had on my '96 windstar.....I just looked this part up for the 1996 windstar, and the part that I get on all the listed websites is much different.....has a shaft with a gear on it......so I am guessing they changed the design between '96 and your model year.
On Rockauto's website, the OUTPUT SIDE one is the one that matches my VSS, that my mechanical speedometer cable connects to.
The Input side looks much different.

Yes, it seems to be very confusing. The Hayes manual shows a picture of the sensor with the gear on it and says to save the old gear and put it on the new sensor - but the instructions don't say for which year that procedure is for.

I hate to take it out just so that I can bring it in to the store because I believe the O-ring will have to be replaced and if they don't have one in stock, I'm out of a van for a few days. Maybe the dealer will know better - but I doubt it.

[tomj76]

Flashing O/D light indicates that a transmission error occured, and a code has been stored. I think most code readers will be able to retrieve any transmission codes, so it can be read at no charge at a auto parts store that offers the service.

My transmission does a shutter, itermittently due to the torque converter cluth. It's been an on going problem that no professional mechanic has been able to resolve. I am currently considering a Ford remanufactured transmission, but in the mean time it works well enough.

However, when driving through mountainous terrian for long periods at high speeds, the TCC engages/disengages often enough that eventually I'll get the flash. Usually the code stored is P0741 (torque converter clutch circuit performance or stuck off).

I would try to have the codes read at a parts store that does this at no charge.