O/D Light Flashing

[kcorry]

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

[jonathan4465]

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!

[kcorry]

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

[asemstr]

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!

[treecutter]

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.

[treecutter]

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.

[asemstr]

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!

[hughw]

Originally Posted by asemstr

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?

[asemstr]

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

[Giusep]

Originally Posted by asemstr

: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!

[diddydogg]

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....

[diddydogg]

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....

[ddg5006]

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.

[geoffeley]

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

[MADMECHANIX1]

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