2000 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4 5.4 Transmission Shifting Erratic With Tow Light Blinking On Shifter Kn

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Robb

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Hello
Hello to everyone here on this site. I'm having a problem with my 2000 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4 5.4. It has 165,000 miles and I had the transmission fluid and filter changed a year ago with about 158,000 miles on it at that time and never had a problem ever with the transmission until today. Of course I would be 1200 miles away from home and have no idea what to do next? I was driving along and when I started off from a traffic light it started shifting hard into second, third, and forth and over drive. It kinda jerks a little and then shifts. It is not slipping. The over drive light on the shifter knob has been blinking ever since I noticed the hard shifting. I pushed the over drive tow button several times to see if it would change anything and it did nothing at all except continue to blink. I stopped and checked the fluid and it was fine. Before I look for a garage that can diagnose it I wanted to get your expertise feedback first. I do have all my tools in the truck and I have access to a garage to do the repairs if it's something I can tackle. I was a certified mechanic in 1980, cars have changed so much since then it's hard to keep up with all the changes and especially when you only do it for yourself. I was never certified in transmissions, but back then they were pretty simple. Common problems were easy to diagnose back then but now with the computer run transmissions along with the shift solenoids and everything else I have no idea where to start. Being it just happened at random, I was thinking maybe I could have a bad connection at one of the plugs, But then again I am only guessing. Once It gets up to 55-65 mile per hour she runs along just fine. If I thought it wouldn't get any worse I would drive it home this way and have it fixed by my friend mechanic that rebuild these ford transmissions. Please does anyone have any good advice, or have you had similar experience with the same problem by any chance? When you answer this post I will respond quickly because it goes directly to my phone. Many Thanks in advance.
Robb
 

Plati

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I looked in the owners manual for my 2003 XLT 5.4 and here is what it says. I'm not even sure its the same light you have blinking but probably is. All I got, sorry.

O/D off
Illuminates when the overdrive function has been turned OFF using the Transmission Control Switch
(TCS) on the gearshift. If the light does not come on or the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, otherwise damage to the transmission could occur
 

1955moose

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I too have same vehicle. Biggest issue is if you have 4r100 trans like mine and put in mercon v synthetic which most shops do, and you had regular mercon in there, its what the owners book says, they don't mix. You might try flushing out all fluid, it may be too late. Synthetic mercon v and regular mercon are like trying to mix full synthetic oil and regular Dino oil, they fight each other. Other thing is that 150k trans service wasn't your first one I hope! These first and second edition expys need 30-40k service intervals. Run a dtc codes diagnostic and get back to us along with the aforementioned fluid type;

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk
 
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Robb

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I looked in the owners manual for my 2003 XLT 5.4 and here is what it says. I'm not even sure its the same light you have blinking but probably is. All I got, sorry.

O/D off
Illuminates when the overdrive function has been turned OFF using the Transmission Control Switch
(TCS) on the gearshift. If the light does not come on or the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, otherwise damage to the transmission could occur


MrSticker
Thanks for the reply. I have ordered a scan tool to scan the transmission codes. It'll be here today according to Amazon. Hopefully I'll have some more date by this evening to post with codes. Thanks to everyone reading my post and trying to help.
Sincerely Robb
 
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Robb

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I too have same vehicle. Biggest issue is if you have 4r100 trans like mine and put in mercon v synthetic which most shops do, and you had regular mercon in there, its what the owners book says, they don't mix. You might try flushing out all fluid, it may be too late. Synthetic mercon v and regular mercon are like trying to mix full synthetic oil and regular Dino oil, they fight each other. Other thing is that 150k trans service wasn't your first one I hope! These first and second edition expys need 30-40k service intervals. Run a dtc codes diagnostic and get back to us along with the aforementioned fluid type;

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

1955Moose
Thanks for the reply. I don't know the service records because I bought it repossessed in 2004 with 115,000 miles. When we did the transmission filter and fluid the mechanic I know did install the mercon V fluid without flushing completely. I have ordered a scan tool for the transmission that will be delivered today according to Amazon. I'll post any codes I find. Thanks to everyone trying to help figure out the problem. I am very grateful for all of you and this forum.
Sincerely Robb
 
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Robb

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My scantool arrived today and here are all the codes;

P0125-Insufficient Coolant Temperature
P0122-Throttle Pedal TP Circuit Low Input, TPS
P1783-Transmission Over Temp For Closed Loop Fuel Control
C1107-ABS,Replace (Gem) Generic Electronic Module, Front Or Rear Speed Sensor
B1450-Wiper Select Switch Circuit Failure, Replace (Gem)
B1352-Ignition Key In Circuit Fault, Replace (Gem)
C1284-Oil Pressure Switch Failure, Replace sending Switch
B1202-Fuel Sender Open, Replace (PCM) Powertrain Control Module

Okay that is the end of the codes, I know several do not belong to the problem that were stored previously when my engine light was on but disappeared in thin air. I don't think it repaired itself but the engine light did go off. Hopefully someone else can shed some ideas with all the information I provided. My thoughts are from what I read is the Acculumator spring is broken. But I am only guessing. Thank you to everyone
Robb
 

1997SCEBFEX

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my ole '97 did something similar, except I was pulling a brand new trailer w/ OD off.

Blue Oval replaced the torque converter [E4OD] (under warranty). I change the fluid and filter every 25K.

Report back your findings & good luck.
 
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