1996 Mercury Sable O/D Off Light

160,000 MILES
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MLAMBIE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Today, my O/D Off light started flashing. My owner's manual says that it's a "trans-axle electronic system malfunction." I assume that means it is an issue with the computer? I tried pressing my O/D button and it doesn't do anything. The car still runs, but I noticed that it doesn't seem to have as much power. It just doesn't have the get up and go that it had before this light came on.

I have recently had issues with the car stalling when I come to a stop, maybe 30-50% of the time. A mechanic thought it was an issue with the idle air control valve, but I wonder if it has to do with the O/D issue I'm now having because I never got it taken care of.

Am I okay to drive with the light flashing? What should I do to fix it? Any information and advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
If the OD light is flashing, that means there are trouble codes stored in the computer. Have the computer scanned to identify what codes are there, and they will identify where the problem is coming from.

As far as the idle issue, it could have something to do with the torque converter; however, chances are it deals with a vacuum leak or the idle air control.
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:13 PM
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