I just bought a 2002 F150 xlt and nothing happens when I hit the overdrive button on the shift column. I got a manuel and found one fuse blown under the hood (Spot 5-20A), replaced, nothing. Tried a new switch, nothing. Dealer tried to sell me a whole new stem and said the wire gets chaffed under the dash leading from the switch. Help!!! Is ther any other fuses I should look for and is the dealer right about that three wire plug in the shifter column being a cause of no overdrive light or tranny response. Thanks for any help guys!!

 

Yes the dealer is most likely right. I have the same problem and i have a buddy who owns one of the leading shops around town and the wires chaffing and shorting out is a very common problem with these trucks. I don't think you have to buy a whole new unit. From what i have read here and there you should be able to dismantle the steering column and fix the wires. I'm not sure what to do or i would have done it myself already. I also haven't researched into the problem all that much. I'm hoping to come across a how to article for it.

 

Thanks, the dealer actually showed me the part, it was the entire shifter with boot and it had three thin wires coming out the end with a connector. He told me I had to take the panel off under the steering column to access where the wire plugs in. That part complete is $60.00 from the dealer, but I have been known to splice telephone wire, so I will get under there with some solder and heat shrink and keep you updated on what I find. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't more than one fuse.

 

Well let me know what you did and how it turns out. Depending on your results i just might tackle mine this weekend.

 

Maybe THIS is my problem! I had a lot of smoke pour out of my steering column a few days ago and heard some sizzling and popping sounds. Removed the multifunction switch but found no signs of burning. (Did find wire terminals backing out of a connector which caused intermittent turn signals when I put back together. Hot glue in the terminal holes solved that.)

I did not remove the bottom cover to look around. After the smoke I now see that my overdrive OFF light is always on and the switch does not work. From previous experience I know the same fuse controls the automatic headlamps and those are working. I suspect a wire burned open after the insulation was rubbed off as described in this thread. But, considering the amount of smoke, I may have a real mess to repair....

Looks like I get to tear into it again.

 

YIKES! That would freak me out. I would defiantly get in there and make damn sure what caused that. If that much smoke and noise poured outa there then there should be some visible damage. When mine went out there was no smoke or noise. It just started acting up then the light would always flash and now there is no light at all. This problem hasn't really bothered me to much because i never tow anything. Only thing i haul is dirtbikes.