Quick ? regarding OD, codes

[headrush]

So I've read dozens of threads about the dreaded blinking O/D off light, and I'm a victim of it as well...it usually happens with my Ex on long trips down the interstate at higher speeds (which doesn't surprise me, I don't usually go into 5th gear on a city street) My question is this, however....my engine is the 4.0 v6 sohc...I took it to a mechanic and asked him if he could get readout of the codes on my cars computer. He came up with nothing, no error codes, past, present, future, nada. My question is this...

1) Do you think resetting the computer will help? (I've heard equal amounts of yes's and no's out there among all the posts I've read)

and 2) Is this error code only diagnosable when the light is blinking? In other words, will it only show up in the computer if its blinking at the moment that the codes are being read or what?

May seem like silly questions, but I'm just curious. There's a good bit I don't know, that's why I'm here...to learn and be informed.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

-Cliff

 

[xFatcatx]

What kind of scanner was used? If it is like the ones used at Autozone for Engine Codes then it will not work for your Flashing O/D-Transmission Codes. I would call a Transmission shop, they will usually pull them for free, and then give you a $2500 estimate. Make sure you watch them do it and right it down.....

 

[Glacier991]

The code is stored for about 60 drive cycles once it is first detected, assuming it is not a constant problem. Otherwise it will stay with a blinking light. So, no it will be there for some time after the light had gone off.

There are generic OBD-II codes (in the hundreds - like P076 or P760 - where P stands for powertrain) and then there are manufacturer specific codes - proprietary codes as they are called, these are in the thousands, like P1760. A lot of scanners cannot read proprietary codes. Many transmissions codes are proprietary.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I was hoping that future cars will have an onboard computer which shows you codes with explainations so that you don't have to waste time scanning the system. Knowing the automotive industry, I'm sure that they could have incorporated this technology years ago but the dealerships would lose money because people wouldn't have to make an appointment to have their vehicle's scanned.