Another O/D OFF Flashing question

[lowdog212]

Just bought a 1995 Explorer from private owner - I don't know much about the history of the vehicle. First noticed the temp gauge barley rises above "C", now O/D OFF light is flashing. Are the two related?

 

[lowdog212]

Just bought a 1995 Explorer from private owner - I don't know much about the history of the vehicle. First noticed the temp gauge barley rises above "C", now O/D OFF light is flashing. Are the two related?

Additional info - Overdrive does work. At 55 mph, I notice about a 500 rpm difference depending on whether OD is on or off, but the light flashes all the time.

 

[IZwack]

I believe the two issues are related - the transmission is kept out of over drive in order to warm up the fluid. Check the thermostat.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I would suggest that you check your codes. There is no connection to the temperature gauge, and the OD light flashing. If your gauge never rises, it could be a faulty temperature sending unit.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for telling me about that IZ. I wasn't aware of that fact. If this is the case, why would it cause the OD light to flash? I'm sure that it must be throwing a code.

 

[dogfriend]

Flashing OD light is definitely telling you that a transmission code is set.

It is possible that the water temp could be related, or just a coincidence. You will know more when you have the code read.

 

[lowdog212]

I read it on the Internet, so it must be true. . . I did what someone else said - I disconnected the negative battery cable for a few seconds, then reconnected it. O/D OFF light does not flash, OD seems to function properly, and tranny downshifts (when stopping vehicle) smoother - time will tell. Temp gauge still doesn't work, but I never thought disconnecting the battery would cure that.

 

[dogfriend]

Some codes are only "set" after the PCM (computer) sees the problem for a certain number of drive cycles. You cleared the code by disconnecting the battery. So, if you actually have a problem, the flashing light may return eventually when the code is set again.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It is best to read the code first, then only disconnect the battery cable after you fix the problem (unless you clear the code with a scanner).

 

[lowdog212]

I've never used a scanner - I've done the flashing "Check Engine" light on GM's, but never used a scanner.

I know the local Checker Auto will let me use theirs free of charge, but where does it connect to the vehicle, or do I just have to wave it near the vehicle like "Bones" from Star Trek did with his scanner and patients - ha ha.

So the scanner displays some codes and then I have to find a "Rosetta Stone" to decipher the codes?

 

[dogfriend]

You connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector which is located under the steering column at the lowest edge of the dash. There is a plastic cover which removes by snapping it out.

If you go to Checker to read the codes, make sure to write down the exact number (e.g. P1150). If you post them here, we can look them up for you and tell you what they mean. The parts people may try to sell you whatever sensor is giving the reading, but this is not always the most effective way to fix the problem.