Overdrive Not Working

[explorlyon]

I have a 98 Exlporer XLT, V8. I was towing my boat with overdrive off and everything worked fine. After unhooking the boat, I went to turn overdrive back on and nothing happened. I turned the motor off and back on which turned overdrive back on. However, I cannot get overdrive back off. I can push the overdrive off button and nothing happens.

Any ideas?

 

[Alec]

I'd guess it's just the button or a relay or wiring problem. Or maybe the bulb is out. Even if the tranny loses overdrive, the button and dash light should still work.

Are you trying the button with the truck stationary, or did you try it on the highway to see if the RPMs change?

 

[explorlyon]

I have tried the button both stationary and while moving. No change to RPM while moving. When I had overdrive off while towing, the dash light was on. I pushed the button and could not get the light out. After turning the car off, the light went out and presumably turned overdrive back on. As I drive it now, it drives like overdrive is on. I cannot get overdrive off.

 

[Alec]

Then it's an electrical problem. Hopefully it's something easy like the switch, I've heard of them failing a few times.

I dunno if there could be a loose wiring harness or a relay or fuse that's bad.

Good news is that it's not an actual tranny problem and not an urgent problem.