Overdrive switch short

Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50 MILES
The overdrive button broke. Scanner says it’s not working and transmission keeps reverting to neutral.
Sunday, May 1st, 2022 AT 7:24 PM

40 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Ariana,

Welcome back. As far as the OD, if I recall, wasn't the torque converter rebuilt? Also, did you get codes specific to the switch or OD?

Also, please read through pic 1 below. I think you may find it of interest. Additionally, pic 2 shows the pressure regulating solenoids' location in the transmission. Since we know the fluid is clean and full and the filter is new, there shouldn't be any restrictions.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, May 1st, 2022 AT 9:43 PM
Tiny
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Aamco told me the other day that my entire transmission was rebuilt with a new torque converter installed. And yes, the code was p1780, I’ll attach a pic.
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 5:57 AM
Tiny
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Hi Ariana,

The code is for the overdrive switch, as you know. Have you checked the fuse for the OD switch? It is fuse 13 in the central junction box.

If you have already done that and it is good and has power, move to the switch itself and check for power in and out.

I attached the wiring schematic below for you to reference. I highlighted the fuse and wiring to and from the switch, and then the wiring from the PCM to the control solenoids.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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Would that cause the shifting problem?
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Monday, May 2nd, 2022 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
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No, that would affect the overdrive only. It is very unlikely it would prevent the transmission from engaging.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 AT 3:50 PM
Tiny
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I think I may just have to do it myself. What’s the best manual to get?
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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To rebuild the transmission I mean.
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
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Ariana,

Don't worry about a manual. I can get you the directions for removal/replacement, disassembly, and reassembly. However, it is an extensive job, and I would feel really bad to have you do it when it's a pressure-related issue. But it's your call. I wish we could check the pressure before you take it apart. Also, you may want to see if you can find a good used one with a warranty because you are going to be putting some money into parts. I just don't want to mislead you.

Let me know which direction you want to go. I'm here either way.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
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Well, that transmission shop told me when I asked if my warranty was good “technically no because of the work you’ve done to your car and because the guy fried your PCM, but if you want to bring the car here we will let you use the lift and teach you how to rebuild it yourself but you pay for parts and you do the work” so from that I figured that meant I need a rebuild.
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
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That is a great idea, Ariana. Are you going to do it? Are you confident they won't leave you in the middle of the project?

I just spent an hour copying everything for the disassembly and reassembly of the transmission. I wanted you to have them. They are very extensive but relax. One step at a time and you'll be fine.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, May 5th, 2022 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
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Wow, thank you. I don’t think I should have to pay for parts or do it myself honestly. I don’t see how the warranty is void. I have never touched my transmission. They just rebuilt it and it cost me 3200. I can’t afford that again. I can’t even afford the parts I’ll need. They should do it in my opinion.
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Friday, May 6th, 2022 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
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Ariana,

I feel the person that crossed the battery terminals should pay for it. I really feel there is nothing wrong with the transmission other than a pressure issue related to the pressure solenoid. But I can't confirm without the pressure test.

If they rebuilt the transmission, the parts they used never would have worn out to this degree as fast. As a result, replacing all the parts in the above directions seems over the top.

Have you tried pricing a rebuild kit? Is there any way you could get a different pressure tester?

I'm here to help, so let me know.

Joe

PS: Have a good weekend.
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Friday, May 6th, 2022 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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What about the pressure switch? How would I test that?
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Saturday, May 7th, 2022 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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Or is that what doing the pressure test would tell me?
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Saturday, May 7th, 2022 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
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Also, does it matter that I was using an engine compression tester? That’s the only thing that any store had in stock. It has the right size fitting and a gauge that goes up to 300.
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Saturday, May 7th, 2022 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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You know what? To be honest, I trust your judgement more than anyone else that’s “helped” me with my car. Even if it’s not a line pressure issue, you have to start somewhere. I think you’re right, so I am going to just buy the part and replace it. Like I said, you have to start somewhere so even if this ends up being a lengthy process of elimination, at least I’m not just sitting here wondering what’s wrong. So, would you happen to know the part number? I’ll get it and start from there and if that doesn’t fix it then on to the next idea, lol.
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Saturday, May 7th, 2022 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I look forward to hearing from you. LOL A compression gauge won't work. That is likely why it is leaking. Did you ask around at parts stores to see if they would lend one to you? Also, the shop that offered to help you, would they lend one to you?

I attached the part number from the manual and found one online for you. I would feel really bad if you made the effort to find it didn't work. Ugh! I feel like I'm driving you crazy. LOL

Regardless, see if they will lend you a pressure tester. The part isn't really cheap, but you can likely find it for less than what I found.

Let me know and I hope you are enjoying the weekend.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, May 7th, 2022 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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Not driving me crazy at all. Lol, but I meant the part number for the solenoid. I am just going to buy the part without doing the test because I’m pretty sure you’re right.
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Sunday, May 8th, 2022 AT 8:01 AM
Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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Oh, I didn’t look at the picture before I sent thatm lol.
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Sunday, May 8th, 2022 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
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There’s a 2009 Ford Explorer XLT that belongs to an old roommate that’s sitting in my driveway. She said I could take parts off of it because she is going to buy everything brand new, so I used some of her parts for my engine. Do you think her solenoid will work in my car if her transmission was fine or is this something I’d have to get brand new? I’m pretty sure it’s the same transmission.
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Sunday, May 8th, 2022 AT 4:17 PM

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