hi! i just bought a 2001 F-150 4.6L screw XLT 4x2 with 116,000 kms on the odo and a missing o/d button, so i bought one.when i installed it, i saw that the o/d button was always blinking but it would intermittently be okay.i can still even turn it on or off.i have observed though that it blinks only while on lower speeds.i can also feel my shifting would reach 4th gear with no problems,no slipping, etc. even on WOT. i have searched on the forums for similar problems and from you guys for a possible diagnosis before i bring it to the dealer for service.
thank you

 

You need to connect a scanner that's capable of reading Ford-specific transmission codes to the OBD2 port and read out the codes. A blinking OD light indicates a transmission malfunction.

 

from what I have found at work either:
1. The wiring for the handle has worn out and is just pulsing/grounding out. Handle with harness is relatively cheap (less than 50bucks i think)

or

2. light means death for the tranny. Usually means a mechanical slippage or damage has or is occurring in the internals(band broke, selonoid died/jammed, etc.). Basically you are going to be investing in a transmission soon or a definite service/repair immediately. Sorry to say but it sounds like you may have got took on the deal.

If you have any more details please post back, if not good luck.

 

thanks for the replies.i invested in a scanner after posting this thread as i also own another ford vehicle. should be here in a week or so.ill update this thread by then.

 

Which scanner did you get?

The reason I ask is that a LOT of the general consumer type scanners don't do transmission codes because they are more manufacturer specific. If you know someone with an SCT Ford tuning device that is capable of reading the diagnostic codes then it will work for you.

Darrin

 

i got an actron,hope this is fine.im really new to this.thanks

 

Most domestic vehicles are generic for the code display with the OBDII system, what I mean is they all have the capability of passing the codes to the simplest of readers, the only thing is whether your scanner is strictly number based or an actual codes scanner with the ability to deep probe.

We use a Snap-On scanner with generic data link and vehicle specific key tags to probe the computer, but I also have a code puller that striclty pulls the PXXXX,CXXXX, and BXXXX codes with the descriptive values. Haven't scanned a vehicle yet that won't show me her dirty little secrets with it :P

 

That Snap On tool is good for this for sure, but it's well over a $1k tool. The reason it's so high priced to begin with is because it has the ability to read manufacturer specific codes for multiple platforms.

But, a lot of the DTC's are not "generic". For example, a P1756 is a shift solenoid 2 failure on a Ford whereas it is a governer pressure issue on a Chrysler. A low cost, general consumer type scanner isn't going to be able to know what vehicle it's plugged into. Thus, they just simply don't read the codes in question.

Actually, in the automotive repair field it is generally very common knowledge that there are manufacturer specific DTC codes and specifically that a lot of them are transmission related.

Doubt me, I am sure you can do a very simple google search on it or maybe even take a moment to call a company like Actron and ask them if their scanner is capable of reading Ford transmission codes.

Darrin

 

FYI

Just looked at the Snap On website just for fun and it uses the words "Coverage extends beyond engine to proprietary transmission, ABS, airbag, body and other vehicle systems." in the product feature description.

Here is the link.

http://diagnostics.snapon.com/ethos

Darrin

 

What model Actron did you purchase? The only ones that read the manufacturer specific codes are the CP9190, CP9185, CP9180, CP9150 and the CP9145 models.

The CP9175, CP9125 and the CP9410 are all the generic 'P0xx' type code readers that will not read manufacturer specific codes.

Darrin

 

I here ya there Darrin, was saying tho if you get the code, and know what vehicle you are scanning and what transmission and such your vehicle has you should be able to figure it out hopefully. But some cheaper scan tools actually don't/can't scan those specific codes, as they are programmed out or unable to scan that numeral limit.
This is the one we use at our trans shop:
http://diagnostics.snapon.com/soluspro
This is the mother we used at my old shop:
http://diagnostics.snapon.com/verus

We were a bit spoiled i must say.

 

Even if you have a chance to climb under and look at some of your connectors that plug in to the transmission housing, The blinking O/d light is electrical sensor related, either internal or external. Try that out, sometimes road debris can knock off the connector or damage the wires and cause bad things to happen