2007 Explorer Eddie Bauer OD/Off Switch Sticking

[PhilzCamp]

Anyone had this issue....Intermittently, the O/D off button will not turn the OD either on or off. The button just does not work. Sometimes, if I come to a stop, or now before I leave the driveway, I will put the gear shift back into P from D or in N, then try the button. Sometimes that works. But if I forget to check it, then sometimes after I am on the road, the button will not switch to OD or back...

[shorod]

There have been posts in the past re: the wires in the column for the OD switch breaking. I'm not sure I've ever heard of issues with something as new as a 2007 though. Do you use the switch that often, and if so, why?

-Rod

[PhilzCamp]

Why do I use the switch? Why is it there? So that the transmission doesn't shift back and forth from OD when you are towing, just running around town or are in hilly terrain, as the Owners Manual says. I use it every day.

If Ford puts a switch there to prevent the Trans from going into OD, it must be for a reason. And so it should work. Otherwise, dont put a switch there.

[shorod]

Gotcha. It seems most drivers don't use these vehicles for towing or hilly driving very often, so most people never use the OD off switch. If you were turning it off everytime you got in to the truck because you weren't driving on the highway or something I was going to point you to the owner's manual and suggest you might be using the switch unnecessarily. Since you are using it so often, the switch may be worn or the wires in the column could be broken, which was pretty common on some of the older Explorers.

-Rod

[PhilzCamp]

Well, the vehicle comes standard with a hitch, whether people are using them for towing or not is irrelevant, they are made to tow, or go up and down hills(for crying out loud). What I cant use the switch b/c I live in hilly terrain....!

I bought the vehicle used w/38,000 miles on it in July. It now has 45k. Doesn't get driven daily, so its just another gremlin/defect. Cant see wires wearing thru that fast, and even if they did, would be a design defect to me. I will just live with it until it plain doesnt work anymore, but it is very disappointing on this level of vehicle. Crap the dealer will charge me an arm and half a leg just to look at it.

I have a '96 XLT I bought new, now has 316k+ on it. ....Never happened on that vehicle....never !

[rait63]

I seldom use the OD Off switch on my 2004 ST, but did notice that it stuck in the off position after I drove through some fairly deep water recently. I drove without OD the next day (about 30 miles) before it returned to normal. Have had no recurrence.

Steve