Overdrive warning light

[kevin p]

Overdrive warning light [problem solved]

Hi, I'm new to this so here goes. I,ve got a 97 Explorer with 106,000 miles. Had a problem for a while now with the o/d light starts flashing when going above what used to be 90mph but now happens at about 70mph. Whilst the light is flashing the down gear changes are rough. If the car is left over night the light still flashes for about a mile the next day,then goes out and gear changes are smooth again. Could it be a slipping brake band on the O/D?
Thanks, Kevin.

 

[Howard]

It could just be dirty speed sensors in the transfer box. There is one for the rear drive shaft and one for the front. But there is a way to read the code that is being set. You do need a good code reader to get at them.

 

[kevin p]

Thanks for the reply Howard. Will try and check them today and let you know.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Make sure that the code scanner is capable of reading manufacturer specific codes.

 

[kevin p]

Problem solved. Tightened the O/D brakeband by a 1/4 turn. Does not slip at all now. Back to 2200rpm at 70mph instead of 2700rpm. No more flashing O/D light. hopefully mpg will be better now!

 

[Lefy]

I have the same symptoms as you and was wondering how I could tighten this Brakeband??
and where is it located and do I have to tear into the transmission to do it. thanks for any info..

 

[kevin p]

Hi Lefy, remember mine is a UK model, Right hand drive, but I would imagine the gearbox is the same. If you get underneath, on your drivers side

, look at the gearbox about half way up and you should see 2 square nuts with a 19mm locknut on each about 6 inches apart. The one I tightened is nearer the engine and is the overdrive brakeband adjuster.
From what I have read on this forum you should loosen the the locknut and tighten the bolt to, I think, 10ft/lbs and then undo 2 turns and then retighten locknut. On mine the bolt was quite stiff to turn so I couldn't use the torque wrench. So I thought, what the heck, and left it screwed in 1/4 turn more than it was. I did make a mark on the adjuster nut before making any adjustments so I could put it back in the same position incase it made things worse!
My light still hasn't come back on and I reacon I'm getting about 50 miles more per tankful. Hope this helps.​

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is a link to my thread on adjusting the bands: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158160