Overdrive light
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Overdrive light
Hey all,
The overdrive off light flashes every once in awhile on my 97 F-150 4x4 with the E4OD and 4.6L. I looked it up, and the manual says transmission malfunction. It doesnt do it at any specific times. My tranny shifts just fine, and the dealer told me that they have seen that happen from the wire's insulation rubbing off and shorting out. Has anyone else heard this?
Thanks!
The overdrive off light flashes every once in awhile on my 97 F-150 4x4 with the E4OD and 4.6L. I looked it up, and the manual says transmission malfunction. It doesnt do it at any specific times. My tranny shifts just fine, and the dealer told me that they have seen that happen from the wire's insulation rubbing off and shorting out. Has anyone else heard this?
Thanks!
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From: SE Florida, USA
When it flashes is it a steady on/off, or is it a random flashing? If it is a steady on/off it means there is a problem and a code is set. If it is random it probably is a wire damaged inside the steering column.
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It is steady once it starts, but is random when it decides to come on. I can pass 10 cars on the way into town one day, and it doesnt come on, but the next day I could just take it easy, and it comes on. There isnt any one thing that I do when it comes on....
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"Random" refers to the blinking rate of the OD light.
If it is a steady, periodic rate, then it is an indication of a valid fault.
If it is an irregular flashing or flickering, then it's a wiring fault in the column.
If a valid fault, you need to have your system scanned to see what the computer has found. The cheap (<$200) scan tools won't usually find any fault codes, you will need one that supports manufacturer's fault codes.
Doublecheck your tranny. The E4OD ususally was mated to the 5.4, not the 4.6.
Steve
If it is a steady, periodic rate, then it is an indication of a valid fault.
If it is an irregular flashing or flickering, then it's a wiring fault in the column.
If a valid fault, you need to have your system scanned to see what the computer has found. The cheap (<$200) scan tools won't usually find any fault codes, you will need one that supports manufacturer's fault codes.
Doublecheck your tranny. The E4OD ususally was mated to the 5.4, not the 4.6.
Steve
Last edited by projectSHO89; Oct 1, 2007 at 07:34 AM.
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From: SE Florida, USA
Originally Posted by projectSHO89
The E4OD ususally was mated to the 5.4, not the 4.6
The E4OD was NEVER mated to the 4.6L. All '97 4.6L had 4R70W transmissions.
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Is the 4r70w known for going out, or is it one of the better trannies?
The light is a constant flash, and when it comes on, it stays on until I shut the truck off. As far as the random part, it comes on when it wants to...so it seems.
The light is a constant flash, and when it comes on, it stays on until I shut the truck off. As far as the random part, it comes on when it wants to...so it seems.
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From: Indianapolis, IN
The computer is sensing some issue that it doesn't like and it uses the OD light as a 'check transmission' light. So, there is a code that goes with the flashing light and you should find a place that has a good enough scanner to read it. There probably isn't a serious problem if everything seems to be normal otherwise, but if there is a real problem then letting it go could cost you a lot more than addressing it as soon as possible.
Darrin
Darrin
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From: St. Louis (Out in the woods)
If a valid fault, you need to have your system scanned to see what the computer has found. The cheap (<$200) scan tools won't usually find any fault codes, you will need one that supports manufacturer's fault codes.
Regardless of whether you have any driving symptoms, the "ostrich" approach to the warning light is ill-advised.
Steve