00 Scab 5.4. the Off/on OD light on the end of the column shift arm is flashing, the trans seems unaffected, no engine light is on. Any clues on why?
Thanks
Craig

 

When that light flashes there is something wrong with the transmission. A code is stored in the computer to tell you what's wrong. You need someone with a Ford specific code reader to get the code.

 

UPDATE:
I took the truck to the mech who had a code reader, and wouldnt you know it, the light wasnt flashing. The mech said that it could be that a solenoid was getting a low pressure reading and the light could be going off and back on. So as soon as it comes back on I will take it back in. I will post the pob here when i get the results.
Craig

 

I have a posting that talks about a similar problem in my 2001 F-150 Supercrew. My O/D light flashed. It also had the speedometer needle jumping and the cruise did not work. It turned out to bewthe VSS sensor in the differential. I do not know if it is related to your problem though. Good luck.

 

Find a better mechanic. The code will stay in the computer's memory for about a month after the light stops flashing.

 

The comp store the codes? where did you read this? could you provide us a link?
Thanks
Craig

>Find a better mechanic. The code will stay in the computer's memory for about a month after the light stops flashing.

 

No, I can't, but I can read it in my paper shop manual.

 

I had the same problem. Turned out the trans fluid was low.
did you check the fluid?

 

I took my daughters truck in yesterday for the same thing. She has 2 cylinoids that are sticking. They said it is probably because the truck is a 99 with 6,000 miles on it. It was given to her by her grandad as a bday present but was stored since practially new in his garage waiting on her to get her license. They have the replacements in today and I will be taking it shortly. They said to expect about $60 parts and 2 hours labor charge. Not bad.

 

I have a similar problem in my 99 Expedition, the light is flashing and it also seems to be affecting the transmission because it makes clunky shifts from time to time like it can't decide whether to be in O/D or not. Sounds like a lot of people have this problem with the light, but anyone know what my mechanical problem might be?

 

offroad expo,
check you trans fluid.

 

No, but if you had the code read that's stored in the computer we might know what the problem is.

 

I've had the same problem for about a year now ( '97 F150 Supercab 4WD ) -- flashing light and hard shifting while light is on -- I took it in and had them check for the code. They are telling me that my problem is a FORD problem in that the pump/ torque converter combination is weak . The problem starts showing up at about 100k. I've had a lot of people tell me that they having the same problem with thier FORDS. To fix the problem they say its going to cost aout $1100.00 and thats over half a rebuild so I;m going to run it until it won't run no more and then do the whole thing.

 

To keep your 4R70W automatic alive you need to change fluid and filter every 30-50k miles. Waiting till 100k miles is way to late, damage is done. Tranny fluid coolers on these trucks (unless you have the trailer tow option) is pretty inadequate. These trannies cook the fluid and that leads to shifting problems and eventually other damage.

In 98 Ford upgraded some of the shift solenoids and shift accumulators to better parts.

For more info and interesting reading have a look at the tech articles here: http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny/index.html# and the Jerry Mod which I did.