O/D light, passenger side window,

[headrush]

Ok I've noticed plenty of posts while doing a search regarding this problem, but none seemed to relate specifically to the problems I've had lately, so here goes.

I shouldn't really call them problems, but they're more along the lines of annoyances. It all started a couple of weeks ago right after someone knocked off my passenger's side mirror. It took me about a week, but I replaced it soon afterwards. Ever since then, the passenger's side window wouldn't go up (but the power mirror worked fine). So this weekend I traveled about 3.5 hours away with some friends to go camping in the Smoky Mountains. During our trip, the window starts working again, but I start having other problems.

On my way up there, my "O/D off" light starts blinking around when I know I'm at least above 60 mph, I try to switch it back on with no such luck. The next day, I'm just driving around town in the mountains, and the light stops flashing, and everything seems okay. So I drive back home today from the trip, and sure enough the light starts blinking again. And it seems to be slipping a tad, but it's done the flashing thing before (way back in April), but later on just went away, and hasn't come about again since now. So my questions are first if it's just some sort of electrical problem...I know it's prob. more along the lines of tranny problems...which scares me, because, let's face it...big bucks. One more tiny problem I had while driving in the mountains is the fact that my 'brake' light would come on every once in a while as well. The brakes were replaced not too long ago and seem okay, so I don't know what it could be. And no, I wasn't driving with the E-brake on.

If anyone can help me diagnose the problem or can help me find my way as to what I should do next (I know I should take it to a shop, that's number one)...please let me know. You guys always pull through for me, and your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks again guys.

 

[marragtop]

For the brake light, check your brake fluid level in the master cylinder. For the OD problem, usually when the light starts blinking, the trans goes into 'cripple/limp' mode which causes hard shifting. If this is happening, you need to get it checked out as it's not good for the trans.

 

[headrush]

The "brake" light comes on every once in a while, and just for a quick second when I'm driving, and sometimes not at all. I've had the light come on and stay on when I needed new brakes, and of course when the e-brake is on, but that's about it. I'll still look into the master cylinder for the level of brake fluid. As far as the O/D light goes, it hasn't come on again, however I haven't done any interstate driving since it did happen (which is where I was when it first occurred, at high speed). I guess it would still be wise for me to get it looked at, just to be safe?

 

[chillione69]

I just went throught the O/D light issue. When it starts blinking it is sending an error code to the engine. Even thought it stops blinking the error code is still there. It sounds like something is triggering the light and then starts working again. The codes are ford specific so not all shops will be able to read them. I had to replace the tourque converter solinoid. Cost 190 bucks plus 2 hours labour. This also cleared 2 other erroer codes. Hope this helps.

 

[ma96782]

Ever since then, the passenger's side window wouldn't go up (but the power mirror worked fine). So this weekend I traveled about 3.5 hours away with some friends to go camping in the Smoky Mountains. During our trip, the window starts working again, but I start having other problems.

You can test the window motor by a direct 12v connection.........IF it works w/ the direct 12v connection then it will be in the wires or switch.

Easy huh??

Not so fast.........is the problem in one switch? Master (driver's door) or at the passenger door only?

Aloha, Mark

 

[headrush]

Not so fast.........is the problem in one switch? Master (driver's door) or at the passenger door only?

Aloha, Mark

Mark, the problem is in both switches. Or was, at least. I don't doubt that it will happen again.

Thanks for all the help so far guys, I appreciate it.

 

[budwich]

its probably not a switch problem. Although its the passenger side... everything passes thru the master control... but ... on its way to the passenger side switch, it goes thru the door column on the drivers side where fatiguing (from opening and closing the door) causes the wiring to break "selectively"... in this case your passenger side. Your problem lies with T/LB (at least on 96 drawings hopefully the same in 97).

 

[slpdave]

its probably not a switch problem. Although its the passenger side... everything passes thru the master control... but ... on its way to the passenger side switch, it goes thru the door column on the drivers side where fatiguing (from opening and closing the door) causes the wiring to break "selectively"... in this case your passenger side. Your problem lies with T/LB (at least on 96 drawings hopefully the same in 97).

What he said, mine did this exact thing 2 months ago. had to run a new wire to fix the wire that was broken. (I only replaced about 3 feet from the master switch to the harness under the foot trim beside the drive seat.

David

 

[headrush]

Going back to my more serious issue, does anyone else know more about this OD light flashing and or Torque Converter Solenoid issue? Thanks.

 

[stang99x]

Disconnect your battery, wait a couple minutes and reconnect it. THis will clear all codes and memory. If the light comes back, then you're gonna have tranny issues and need to have them checked out. If you used 4x4 on the street, sometimes this can cause that problem too.

 

[slpdave]

If the O/D light is flashing get the code read at a shop (most will do this for free). my O/D light flash is for 2nd gear out of sync. but I suspect the error is actually a selonoid. Turn the engine off and restart and the tranny leaves "saftey mode" and works fine for 5 minutes to a month before it errors out again.

David