96 F-350 Automatic Transmission Problems

inflames11 · 10-18-2006, 08:14 PM

I bought a 96 F-350XLT a few months ago. It is a 4x4, 4-door, 1ton, with a 7.3. I have no modifacations added on to the drivetrain, if that info is needed. I Drove all day the other day w/o any problems. Then, the next day, as I started it up, it idled for about 20 seconds, then my overdrive light started blinking. shut it off, started it, and it continued. it's still doing it. i no longer have overdrive, and if i push the button, I lose another gear. we checked the transmission fluid, it was fine, we dropped the pan, no bad wear or anything, it was clean. I have had some professional opinions, but were different, with no clear answer, just offers to put in a new transmission for $3000. Is this a common problem after 200,000 miles, or just bad luck, is there a cheap cure? any help would be really great.

goon · 10-19-2006, 03:04 PM

yes get the code, when the overdrive light is flashing there is a code, could be a sensor, the wiring in the steering column at the gearshift, wiring to the range sensor or the sensor itself, this is just a few, you need to know the code.

inflames11 · 10-19-2006, 07:39 PM

if you don't mind me asking, what do mean "code"?

goon · 10-20-2006, 03:18 PM

that means the computer has seen something and has stored the problem in the computer (codes) so you can diagnos and find out what is wrong, so don't think its the trans.

inflames11 · 10-20-2006, 07:23 PM

So where can I go to get these codes "read", Ford Automotive Dept. wont do it, they just hassle me.

goon · 10-20-2006, 10:42 PM

try a garge that has a scan tool, auto parts central, or buy yourself a code reader.(any place that sells veh. parts)

35465br · 11-21-2006, 08:52 PM

Is there a sensor on the trans itself for this overdrive switch?
On my 99 f-250 I lost my overdrive button.It will not turn my overdrive off.
I have not seen my overdrive light flash at all.It just will not come on.Any ideas.

goon · 11-21-2006, 09:13 PM

check fuses, also sometimes the button on the end of the gearshift fails and you have to replace it. Also the wiring in the steering column right at the end of the gearshift are known to break off.