Help!! "O/D off" light flashing on dash, shifting weird

[shanks ford]

I have a 95 explorer xlt. My O/D off light started flashing on the dash the other day and the vehicle was shifting weird (hard in some gears, soft in others, and too early sometimes) I unplugged the battery + terminal and plugged it back in. The flashing stopped and the vehicle started shifting right again. 3 days later it started doing it again. Once again I unplugged the battery and it fixed the problem. Obviously I have a problem, I called the dealer and they said they would have to plug it in to get a code and it could cost $100+ just to find out what the problem is. Anyone had this happen to them? I read a brief explaination in the transmission Q&A but Im still puzzled. should I fork over the cash and have it looked at, or is there a part that it most likely is that I can just purchase and install without donateing to my dealers vacation fund... any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[410Fortune]

Yuo can buy a cheap code reader for way less then $100 and pull the codes yourself

Do not continue to drive the vehicle with a flashing OD light, the trans is currently in default mode which will run the trans at full line pressure (not good)

Pukk the codes and it will tell you what the problem is

Actron Pocketscan is like $35

 

[shanks ford]

Yuo can buy a cheap code reader for way less then $100 and pull the codes yourself

Do not continue to drive the vehicle with a flashing OD light, the trans is currently in default mode which will run the trans at full line pressure (not good)

Pukk the codes and it will tell you what the problem is

Actron Pocketscan is like $35

were do I get one? is it ok to drive if I reset it by unhooking the battery. When I do that it seams to drive normal and the flashing goes away.

 

[410Fortune]

yes but the fact that its coming back every time indicates there is a problem.
Continuing to drive it can lead to needing a new transmission.

Any good auto parts store will carry the Actron pocket scan..
Most of them (including auto zone) will scan your codes for free

 

[shanks ford]

Thanks for the help. Will they get a code if the light is off or do I have to wait for it to come back on and start again before scanning it?

 

[410Fortune]

the code(s) is likely in memory, but I would scan it when its flashing to ensure you get all of them

 

[IZwack]

I think disconnecting the battery will clear the memory - you have to wait till the vehicle starts flashing its O/D light again, and then read the memory.

I had the same issue on a rebuilt transmission -- turned out to be something with the valve body. But every situation is different, yours will probably something else -- so get the code read

 

[410Fortune]

Since its a 95 with EEC-IV and OBD-I I think IZwack is correct, 95 is an odd year so be careful when you get your code reader...

 

[shanks ford]

Since its a 95 with EEC-IV and OBD-I I think IZwack is correct, 95 is an odd year so be careful when you get your code reader...

I think I will try to find a place like autozone that will read the code for me for free rather than taking it to a dealer and paying top $$ to have them do it. Thanks for all the help guys!!!

 

[410Fortune]

You may find, since its a 95, they do not have the correct scanner to read your codes for free.

You see 95 is an odd year because it has the OBD-II style port under the dash, but the computer is still OBD-I......so call ahead.

I saw an add, if you have a Harbor Freight in your town you may check them out, they list a "universal code reader" for $30, a code reader is a very handy tool to have, I leave mine in my truck!

 

[shanks ford]

I called a local shop and they told me to go to a ford dealer. I dont have much around me I kinda live in the middle of nowhere. The nearest autozone (or anything like it) is about 50 miles away. I will probly end up taking it to the dealer and forking over the cash. In the mean time Im looking for a decent code reader that I can buy. I have never even used one I suppose its probly self explanatory?

 

[410Fortune]

they come with instructions.
They are discussed quite often on this site you may try a search.

You can also try Actrons webiste, I am sure its Actron.com or something similar.
The Actron pocket scan is a great cheap and easy to use scanner, just make sure its for your 95 truck.

the dealer will charge you $100 just to read the codes, then they will want to repair everything and its going to cost you $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
you are better off shopping on line, having it shipped overnight and checking the codes yourself.
An informed consumer is a consumer that does not get ripped off at the stealership.