I replaced my spark plugs today and "reset the ECU" which I assumed was just unhook the battery for 5-10 minutes. Started up and ran great and about 10 minutes into driving the O/D off light started flashing. I pulled over and turned the truck on and off and the light didn't return, overdrive worked. I read a bit and it seems it's transmission related? My truck does shift pretty hard from 2 to 3. Is this some kinda sensor/electrical problem or should I start thinking about trans work in my future??? THANKS!!

2003 Ranger XLT, 4WD, Transmission 5-Automatic, 4.0L, 145,000 miles

 

my truck did that and while the key was in the on position but not running I hit the overdrive button on the end of the shift **** and the flashing went out. the truck shifted very rough while the light was flashing then when it went off the shift was back to normal. check your fluid level

 

IMHO - catch it while it's flashing and get it scanned -- you'll prolly discover a pressure management issue...

Hopefully you've been a good ranger owner and have been servicing your tranny fo all 145K miles... What did the pan look like on the last fiter change (what kind of material did you find)?

 

I had my shifter o/d sensor replaced recently cuz it did this
I don't have the part number now but it costs about $14 dealer only
It fixed the flashing. O/D light

 

Don't assume anything specific when you see a flashing O/D OFF light. It is the transmission's equivalent of the Check Engine Light and is telling you that SOMETHING has been flagged by the PCM diagnostics. Since it could be flashing for dozens of different reasons, it will do you no good to guess or rely on specific problems that others have experienced.

Have the transmission code(s) pulled ASAP for more information.

 

My 2001 Ranger w/ 130,000 miles started having O/D flashing. No codes can be pulled.
After pulling off shutting down and re starting the trans works great for another 10 - 15 minutes, then it starts flashing. Going into reverse takes few seconds lag.
If not driven for couple of days the O/D does not flash for 10 to 15 miles on street and shifts great.
Do you think re flashing ECU is needed ? or are there any Ford update since 2001 ?
Thanks

 

Why are you saying no codes can be pulled? Are you saying that you tried to pull the codes but none came up?

If your O/D off light is flashing, you have a problem code in the PCM. Like it was said before in the thread, the O/D off light is essentially a "Check Engine" light for your transmission.

 

Yes that is correct. I have tried to read the code 3 times but no codes are there.


very strange ? Does anyone else have same / similar situation w/o code ?


Thanks,

 

I have the same problem. No issues with transmission except for hard shift from 1st to 2nd that is constant. The O/D light will flash after reaching 40mph, but no change in shifting or transmission performance.
I have tried to read the codes, but none come up.
If I clear the codes, the O/D light will disappear for awhile then reappear shortly after. IE the problem was again detected.

Have you found a way to read the transmission codes?
Read on another thread that reading the transmission codes requires a special device/communication through the ODB connector.
I have tried the cheap ODB readers, but have not found one that works.

Thanks

 

at 80k, on cold morning, OD light flashes, won't shift up. turn off restart - ok. Ford cked, said 3 gear is out. they suggested when it happens again, stop turn off, wait a minute restart. new trans is 3k, so drive it tell it drops. I now have 321,000 miles. it still does it once in a while, but correct the same way. Good Luck ,

 

Disregard.