1996 Ford Taurus OD override light flashing in stop and go

MLUSICH1

MEMBER
1996 FORD TAURUS

Transmission problem
1996 Ford Taurus Front Wheel Drive Automatic 169000 miles

during a 300 trip my wife experienced the OD off light flashing and it would not stop. Next morning it was not shifting right and would not go in drive. That was a month ago.I removed the battery for the month and put one in last weekend. It drives fine with no hesitation or slippage. The fluid is a little smoked smelling but still clear.I recently did a full plugs, wires, valve cover gasket and spark plug seal job before he trip. The DOHC engine now runs very very smooth and starts perfectly.I drove the care 10 miles on the flat and some minor hills. I gunned it and the trans did not slip. The engine was fully warmed up too. What caused the trans to not engage after he trip and it runs fine now? I have had the OD light flash several mmonths ago but it did quit flashing after a couple of miles. This car is a wagon.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

The computer was picking up on an electrical malfunction from the transmission. Since you disconnected the battery, it must have reset itself. However, that doesn't mean the problem is gone. What to do is this. If the light starts flashing again, take the vehicle to a trans tech and have the computer scanned for trouble codes. That way you will know what is causing the problem. Without the light flashing now, everything becomes a guessing game. Also keep in mind, you may not have trouble again for a long time or never.