Overdrive light flashing

17695 Views 23 Replies 15 Participants Last post by pattapit, Nov 29, 2007

scottmcwms

Discussion Starter · Nov 18, 2007

I know this has been covered before because I read a bunch of other threads. But my situation is a little different.

I just test drove a '96 Bronco with 87k miles on it. The guy just put on a 4" lift and 33" tires to sell it. He bought it from a guy, put the lift on, and is now trying to resell it.

During the test drive everything worked fine. The tranny shifted smoothly and the engine runs very smooth. I was very impressed. It ran like it was brand new.

But...the check engine light was on and the overdrive button was blinking. I asked him what that meant and he didn't know. He said it was doing that when he picked it up to drive it home. He said after about 10 miles the button would stop flashing. Sure enough it stopped flashing about 3 minutes into the test drive. The check engine light remained on. I asked him about that and he said he pulled the codes but he couldn't remember what it said.

I read in other threads that the overdrive light will start flashing if the tranny is overheating or it is about to die. Anybody know why it would flash at startup and stop flashing after a few minutes of driving.

I asked him to run the codes again and report back to me what he found. He is going to do that on Monday when he gets back to his shop (He owns a car restoration shop).

I know...I know run the codes. Please don't tell me that because we are already doing that. I am looking for information on whether or not this is really a problem and whether or not I should buy this Bronco. It is in absolutely mint condition other than the blinking light and the check engine light.

Scott

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1 - 20 of 24 Posts

djsk8r33

· #2 · Nov 18, 2007

where are you located? how much were you buying it for?

Bronco4Life

· #3 · Nov 18, 2007

scottmcwms said:
I know...I know run the codes. Please don't tell me that because we are already doing that. I am looking for information on whether or not this is really a problem and whether or not I should buy this Bronco. It is in absolutely mint condition other than the blinking light and the check engine light.

Scott

:doh0715:

We won't know until you pull codes. How bad do you really want the truck? There are other broncos out there, for probably cheaper then he's selling it to you, that don't have flashing problem lights.

stangmata50l said:
Looks like you already have the right idea. Just be careful. The E4OD is prone to dying and can really add onto the cost of that pretty new Bronco.

:stupid

Depending on how wild you go with the rebuild of an E4OD, it can range you anywhere from about 1600 bucks (that being the lowest average I've seen) to upwards of 2300 bucks (highest average). Depends on whether or not you get an aftermarket cooler/filter setup (which is a really good idea) and a shift kit/better TC/etc.

scottmcwms

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 19, 2007

djsk8r33 said:
where are you located? how much were you buying it for?

Houston.

$10,500 and it is probably worth that if the tranny isn't crapo. The interior is perfect and the paint is smooth. The engine runs smooth as silk. I think it was garage kept. No rust in any of the usual places.

Scott

TechMike

· #5 · Nov 19, 2007

Holy crap......that's one steep price. Most Bronco's in North Texas are going for $3k - $4k in good condition.

dan76

· #6 · Nov 19, 2007

TechMike said:
Holy crap......that's one steep price. Most Bronco's in North Texas are going for $3k - $4k in good condition.

He's right.......run away from this one.

scottmcwms

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 19, 2007

TechMike said:
Holy crap......that's one steep price. Most Bronco's in North Texas are going for $3k - $4k in good condition.

I disagree. I haven't found a '96 with less than 100k miles in this good of condition for less than $8000. I don't think y'all understand the condition of the interior and exterior. I'm not saying it is worth $10k, but I haven't found anything worth driving that had a price tag of $3-4k. If you find one please post it. I would like to see it.

Keep in mind I am looking for a reliable daily driver. Not a trail basher. The only concern I had was the flashing light on the overdrive switch. Otherwise I would have purchased it on the spot.

I appreciate everyone's input. Please keep it coming.

dan76

· #8 · Nov 19, 2007

I looked for a couple of years (only in the local area) for a straight/rust free Bronco. I found one and bought it...but it was way less than 10K. With a code for the trans, I say you're in a position for serious negotiation. Price the cost of a rebuilt trans and bid accordingly. I paid 2300 for a quality rebuilt EAOD in my company F150 after the original self-terminated @ 140K miles.

TechMike

· #9 · Nov 19, 2007

Not trying to be a dick, but shoping around will do you good.

This guy is asking $4900.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/482710868.html

scottmcwms

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 19, 2007

TechMike said:
Not trying to be a dick, but shoping around will do you good.

This guy is asking $4900.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/482710868.html

Is that a '96?

Fishallot

· #11 · Nov 19, 2007

I too say keep looking, there are some nice Broncos out there. 2 years ago I paid 6K for a 96 XLT in mint condition with 78K on it. Keep looking, you'll know the right deal when you find it.

rightofway

· #12 · Nov 19, 2007

last time i saw the O/D light flashing on an E4OD it had just blown a fuse and puked all the fluid

TechMike

· #13 · Nov 19, 2007

scottmcwms said:
Is that a '96?

No idea, but this is - http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/475607028.html

$5500 and a new transmission.

TXBronc

· #14 · Nov 19, 2007

There's a dealer here in OKC with a '95 XLT thats got a 6" lift, BRAND NEW 35" BFG KM's and only 95K miles. Looks new inside and out (CLEAN!) asking $5995. I'd buy it but just can't get rid of ol faithful! Plus its hard for me to justify wheelin' one that nice. Keep looking, IMO.

miesk5

· #15 · Nov 19, 2007

Could be as simple as:
E4OD Transmission Control Indicator Lamp (TCIL) Malfunction due to a faulty O/D cancel LED Part #F58Z-7G550-A
Source: by ATC-Distribution Group Inc. atcdg.com via web.archive.org

E4OD Overdrive Cancel Light & Switch Replacement; It is easy to replace & under $12.00 from local Ford dealer or a FSB Sponsor; Jeff's; be ready to catch the switch/LED assy when prying it off; it is spring loaded..not much force.
Source: by miesk5 (Al M) at FSB
and; I need to look for my notes on what fuse blew due to a harness short under strg column that affected the OD Cancel Light (it blinked randomly, no Trouble Codes or tranny malfunctions though); think it was 6 or 7

or some other rel <$ probs (MLPS, etc.)
or more $ stuff; many are listed in my site

10k is high imo; dealers here can sell a 96 like that in one day for up to $8k

Have been offered $7200.00 for our 96 XL; 92k miles with no rust inspect, & all operational & state inspected

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imlikeojnow

· #16 · Nov 19, 2007

For 10,500 i think you need to look on ebay and be willing to travel. iw ouldnt p[ay that much for a bronco. i dont care if it has a mile on it.

scottmcwms

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 19, 2007

Yeah, I read about the LED problems. It is definitely a rhythmic steady blinking of the light not a random flickering. Hopefully he will get me the codes today.

ryan97

· #18 · Nov 19, 2007

I have a '96 and the OD light recently started flashing on it. Same conditions, within 5 minutes it would quit and truck ran fine. I removed my B&M electronic shifter thinking that was the problem. Within a day or two light was flashing again and CHK ENG light was on. Codes showed Bank 1 lean and Temp Sensor error in Tranny. I took it to Ford, who replaced Temp Sensor, but light was still flahing. Eventually they traced it back to open circuits in the PCM. They installed new PCM and OD light and Check Engine problem solved. Good luck

SigEpBlue

· #19 · Nov 19, 2007

Best of luck. :beer If it ends up being a real transmission problem, see if he'll drop the cost of a rebuild off the truck price. I hope it's something simple, as in he somehow pinched or cut a transmission control wire when he did the lift (shit happens!).

scottmcwms

Discussion Starter · #20 · Nov 19, 2007

imlikeojnow said:
For 10,500 i think you need to look on ebay and be willing to travel. iw ouldnt p[ay that much for a bronco. i dont care if it has a mile on it.

I guess that is partly my issue. I don't travel to pick up cars. I have had to many bad experiences traveling 30 miles around town to find a car was misrepresented in their ad. I would hate to purchase something on Ebay 500 miles away and get stuck with a POS when I got there. Then you pay $$$ for an airline ticket and have to drive a rust bucket back home. What a prize!!! Too many liars out there. Fortunately this one is 15 miles from my house.

I have noticed that there are a lot of Broncos in the North Texas and OK area. I guess Houston wasn't a market for the Bronco. That is why the prices are higher. Everyone down here needs a smoke belching F-150 with 15 illegals in the back. More the style in Houston!

Also I am being picky because I want to find something to drive for a long time. So therefore I would be willing to pay a little more for the right Bronco. 1996; engine must run smooth; tranny must upshift and downshift smooth; Eddie Bauer - or the interior must be in absolutely perfect condition, no stink (non-smoker), no rips, no stains; ps; pl; cruise control; no rust at all; relatively scratch and dent free body; < 100,000 miles; towing package; no white Broncos (OJ style). Whew, that's a lot of stuff.

Now, if someone comes across one of those in the greater Houston area (or if you have one) for less than $8,000 please let me know. Of course this guy's has a brand new 4" SL, brand new 33" mud grips and 16" aluminum wheels. If this OD light thing doesn't end up being a problem I still think it is worth $9000. If it is serious then that is a different story.

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