Hard shifting, O/D off flashing.

[NickOD98XLT]

Okay, so I've tried and tried to find someone describing the same issues I'm dealing with and I'm giving up on that and reaching out directly. I have a 98 explorer XLT 4.0 automatic. It started off with the o/d off light flashing once in a great while, then it gradually made an appearance more and more to the point where it's consistently on and won't turn off. My mpg has dropped and my rpms sit higher than normal. As i accelerate, shifting out of first is bogged down and clunks. The faster I drive, the smoother the shift. Once I slow down to a turn or stop sign/light, going from 3rd to 2nd SLAMS into gear and engages my abs to kick back on my brake pedal. I've tried resetting the pcm and it goes away for maybe 2 miles then turns back on. I plugged in my OBDll and came back with no codes whatsoever. This explorer is currently sitting at 220k and it's my baby and I don't want to sell it or junk it or whatever. Also winter is right around the corner and I don't want to have to worry about this making my situation any worse, therefore I'm turning to the trusty forum for some insight on this. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[GingeRed11]

Bump me too

 

[BrooklynBay]

Some scanners aren't capable of reading these type of codes since they are manufacturer specific transmission codes.

 

[drdoom]

Brooklyn is right, you need to read the code with a scantool that will access Ford's "proprietary" codes.

Likely at this point it is the torque converter failing.

 

[Spudhut]

any update on this thread?