2000 F150 4.6 Triton 2wd

Overdrive light started flashing randomly today on my way home from work with no noticeable changes in shifting (Slipping, Hard shift, or erratic shifting ect.) it just flashed the whole way 8-10 miles. Also I had to replace a fuse to the overdrive a few days ago. Ive read on here and a few other forums that it could be anything from sensors to slipping clutches or solenoids. But none seemed to match my exact symptoms and no one mentioned the fuse blowing prior to the flashing light. The fuse leads me to believe its an electrical issue like a wire grounding somewhere but I wanted to get a second opinion before I jump to conclusions and start replacing parts or worst case take it to a dealership or shop. Thanks in advance.

 

You need to take it to a shop that has an OBD2 code scanner that can read Ford transmission codes, or buy your own scanner. That's the ONLY way to troubleshoot this. When the OD light flashes, it's setting a code.

 

I would be good if you tell what fuse blew and get the codes read for the transmission.
Good luck.

 

The fuse that blew was the #29 5amp fuse under the dash, that goes to the overdrive switch. I'll have the codes read as soon as I get the chance. Thanks for the reply.

 

The readers the parts stores use for free don't read Ford trans codes.

 

So I'm going to have to go to a dealership.... awesome. They're gonna charge me just to read my codes aren't they. Any ideas on what that is going to cost?

 

Well, you have a short that blows the fuse.
Wire in the shifter to the light and OD switch gets rubbed through the insulation from the shifter movement over time.
That may be all there is to the trouble but you have to fix it first to see.
This is why you need to give all the info, not just blowing a fuse with out telling which one, in the first post..
Good luck..

 

Well that's easy.

Your wiring has chafed where it enters the shift lever tube and has shorted out.

Remove the column shrouds and repair, pretty easy.

 

You don't have to go to the dealer. Most decent shops have a capable scanner, but yes, they will usually charge you.

Like I linked, a scanner is only $150, it's not a high end item.

 

I thought by saying that the overdrive fuse was the one I replaced would be enough information. I didn't know there was more than one fuse to the overdrive. I guess I still don't know because I haven't checked. Very new to Fords and how they are set up electronically.

Will check to see if the wiring has worn a hole tomorrow. If that's not the case I guess its off to a shop.

Thanks for the feedback. Will post what I find out.

 

The chafed wiring harness can cause an intermittent, random, flickering TCIL or a blown fuse, or a failure of the switch to work, all depending on which wire's insulation in the harness wears through first.

If that description of the light as "intermittent, random, flickering" matches what you observed, you do not have a transmission problem nor do you need a scanner to resolve the problem.

 

No it was a consistent flash like it was giving a code. Unfortunately. Im guessing ive got two problems here. Ill know for sure once i tear it appart. Whenever i can find the time for that.