Apparently Common "O/D Off" Blinking

[WoodrowCall]

I searched the forum about this, but didn't see a resolved answer. I have an '04 Explorer with about 78,000 miles on it. I was driving back from the mountains today and the O/D Off signal started flashing on the dash. It has stayed on and off since then, but mostly on. I searched and got the basic "transmission problem," but does anyone know more specifically. I've never dealt with mechanics in my area, and I don't want to get taken advantage of with a problem that seems like it could be electrical, a sensor, the tranny/solenoid, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[swetrid]

You need the codes, also what symptoms are you having?

 

[WoodrowCall]

I'll stop somewhere to have them run the codes, but can they do it without the "Check Engine" light being on? I know a little about cars, but not a lot. As far as symptoms go, none really. I would 2-3 times in the past few months it has shifted a little rough while in cruise control, but otherwise I can't notice anything. It seems to shift fine in all gears, no matter the speed. I'm really worried from what I've read online that I'm looking at a transmission rebuild at less than 80,000 miles, which is going to be really disappointing...

 

[WoodrowCall]

Ok, I'm going to get the code read, but I'm not sure of the best method? Should I just go to AutoZone and buy a code reader or is it cheaper to get it done at a mechanics?

 

[my1zamboni]

I have always been able to get them done at Advanced Auto Parts.
They come right out and read the code for you then will give you a printout of it if you ask.

 

[ajthefishermen]

Yeah same in my area just go borrow it it's not worth paying $60 bucks or whatever for one good luck though hopefully it's nothing big.

 

[WoodrowCall]

Ok, I tried going by a couple auto parts places, but they said they couldn't read the codes unless the 'Check Engine' light is on. So, it looks like I'll be stopping by a transmission place to get it checked out. Does anyone have any advice on this, I haven't ever had to deal with transmission shops before. Man, I'm so loving the idea of a new transmission at 78,000 miles...

 

[WoodrowCall]

Just an update, I had my X checked out at a local Mr. Transmission and the news wasn't great, but not as bad as it could have been: a bad solenoid and a $650 bill. *sigh* I hope this isn't an indicator of what it will be like to maintain this car...

 

[imp]

Just an update, I had my X checked out at a local Mr. Transmission and the news wasn't great, but not as bad as it could have been: a bad solenoid and a $650 bill. *sigh* I hope this isn't an indicator of what it will be like to maintain this car...

A new solenoid module (contains 8 solenoids) in the Ford Parts box is around $300 for the part. So, drain fluid, remove oil pan, remove old solenoid module and install new, install oil pan, replace fluid with new oil (hopefully), $650 is not really out of line for this work. The fluid is almost 5 bucks a quart, so that alone may be over $50 or so.

It has been said these sol. modules are the weakest link in the 5R55S transmission; they quit often. Maybe it's because Bosch of Germany builds them....... imp