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O/D light blinking... again...

Deweydw said:
It only shifts hard when the o/d light is flashing. And I was in slow traffic.

Just got off the phone with the dealership. The CEL codes are P0420 and another code, which he didn't have, but said it had to do with the transmisson overheating. :shrug: He said they could put in a rebuild for $3,200. :nonono: I think I need to roll up my pants legs. It's getting deep... As for the p0420, it has a new O2 sensor, replaced last week. They haven't looked at the wheel yet. Probably won't find out until tomorrow. Thinking about just picking it up this afternoon. How does the o/d light flashing relate to the transmission over heating. And how or what would could cause the transmission to overheat? If in fact it is doing that.
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Yes, pick up the car and pay for the diagnosis after getting the tranny codes. Need to get it if you are paying for it. Then post exact codes here. There are many reasons for P0420. Most probably bad Bank 1 Pre-cat.
 
I'm going to pick it up this afternoon. I guess I'll check on the wheel noise myself. Maybe it's not too bad. Any ideas on the tranny over heat?

Edit: Oh, tranny codes.
 
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O.k., here are the codes...

p0420 - Catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank#1)
p0741 - Torque converter clutch (TCC) mechanical system performance.

Any ideas? Last week I had a new O2 sensor installed. Need a new cat?
 
I have posted this a bunch of times in the past 3 years, when the OD light flashes it is because of transmission fluid over temperature. Over temp is caused by internal slippage not bad sensors. The “bang shift is cause by the application of full line pressure during “limp home mode” The higher pressure is an attempt by the PCM to minimize slippage. The CD4E unit used in the Contour has a history of failed TC and Bypass valves that cause TC slippage. At this point your transmission is cooked. Code 741 is equivalent to code 1741 in the OBDII PCM. You could do a search on my post in the Transaxle section from June 03. It gives details on how to fix 1741 before you toast your tranny (before the ATF boils inside the TC). There is a difference between hard shifting and bang shifting, a bang shift will happen after a short highway drive and can be temporary cleared by cycling the ignition on and off (restarting). Hard shifting is more consistent (sometimes when the tranny is cold) and will not produce a blinking OD light.

As far as your 420 code, this too has been well discussed; some of the OBDII cars had a PCM flash that would clear the code (apparently due to an over sensitive test). The cat is expensive, I would suggest a search on MIL eliminators.

If it was a horse , I would shoot it it.

jeff
 
Deweydw said:
O.k., here are the codes...

p0420 - Catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank#1)
p0741 - Torque converter clutch (TCC) mechanical system performance.

Any ideas? Last week I had a new O2 sensor installed. Need a new cat?
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From Ford CD,
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741, P0743 indicates TCC electrical malfunction. DTC P1727, P1754 indicates CCS electrical malfunction. DTC P1788 indicates 3-2T/CCS circuit open. P1789 indicates 3-2 T/CCS circuit shorted. DTC P0746 indicates EPC solenoid malfunction. DTC P1746 indicates EPC circuit open. DTC P1747 indicates EPC circuit shorted. DTC P1749 indicates EPC solenoid failed low.

Possible causes:
-- Internal Transmission.
-- Damaged Solenoid.
-- Solenoid circuit open or shorted to VPWR or GND. VPWR circuit open or shorted.
-- Damaged PCM.

l Key off.
l Disconnect transmission vehicle harness connector. Inspect for damaged or pushed out pins, corrosion, loose wires, etc. Service as necessary.

The above are about the only things suggested for the DIYer without a lot of tools or testing equipment. There is a long drawn out procedure from Ford with their equipment. And read this thread from the old forums.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/s...ber=909853&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1

As for the P0420, read this thread.
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=1446&highlight=P0420
 
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vaguely_clear said:
You say it shifted very hard from first to second. Were you on the highway at the time? I am having the same issue, but it only shows up after driving for a matter of time (10 to 20 minutes) at higher speeds than in the city. In town I never notice, unless of course I just pulled off of the interstate. It is interesting to note that the problem goes away if I turn off the vehicle and start it up again. Is this the same in your case?

In August I noticed a very slight stutter and a flashing o/d light. The dealership replaced the Vehicle Speed Sensor and the DFPE (?) Sensor as a fix, and the problem went away. I was hoping that this would resolve the hard shift, but it did not. I have not experienced the wheel noise, unless I'm just def (very possible).
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You need to go over to the TRANSMISSION sub-forum. There are at least two threads there that dicrectly address your particular concern..

Steve
 
Well, this is a fine how do you do... Fork in the road, so to speak. Which way to go. Trade car in for something new. Or hope it's electrical and do the repairs. Wifes wants the first. Already has a car picked out. Car runs fine, smooth. Just when the o/d light comes on. I drive highway 95% of the time. Sometimes the light flashes, sometimes no. Pour a little more money into it? Hate the thought of letting it go... :cry:
 
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