My o/d light on my 2002 Ford Explorer XLT flashes and the gear shifts hard to 3rd gear. Could this just be a solenoid or a new transmission?
8 Answers
My 2003 experienced the same thing a couple of years ago. Turned out to be a servo. Wasn't an expensive fix. Find a mom and pop shop that has been around for a long time. I recommend you stay away from national chains.
Took it to mom and pop shop. He said I needed a new transmission because third and fifth gear were gone. I don't have $2,000. Should I just the servo first? I don't drive more than 40 miles a week. I have a fuel economy car I use too. I appreciate the advice.
I wouldn't. I went to H.S. with my tranny mechanic over 40 years ago. He took over the business from his dad when he graduated. I've owned four explorers between 1996 and 2003. Only one tranny problem and asked if I should replace the entire transmission since he had 100K miles on it. He said NO. In 40+ years he has never seen a transmission completely torn up in a passenger vehicle where it requires a different transmission.----- If your transmission mechanic cannot rebuild/repair the transmission in the vehicle I believe you;re at the wrong shop.
I'll start with the servo. Is it expensive? I'm on my own with teenagers. Cheap May not be best buts that's all I have.
I would not start with anything. Mine happened to be a servo. Your's could be a solenoid. Transmissions are not my thing, I just happen to know someone who has been doing it for over forty years. You have to find someone who can rebuild/repairs transmissions in house, not go purchase another one and stick it in. I can do that and I am 64 years old. A FLASHING OD LIGHT DOES NOT NECESSITATE A NEW TRANSMISSION. The reason it blinks is because the computer in the vehicle senses a failure needing attention. My recommendation. Find someone who repairs transmissions in house. Keep looking until someone tells you do not need a rebuilt transmission.
I'm sorry to say, but I have the exact same truck, and it did the same thing. It was the transmission. I've had mine "rebuilt" four times and it died again last Friday! I just got it back, thankfully it was still under warranty from the last time this same thing happened and they actually replaced the whole unit with a "remanufactured" (new) transmission, at no cost. Unfortunately, I'm afraid you're looking at at least $2500 :( I hope I'm wrong, but I've experienced the stupid O/D blink four times now so I know the feeling. Time to pray!
You don't need to replace the transmission. Change the servo on the transmission and the problem solved
