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        General >> Problems >> Autobox problems O/D light flashing
        
(Message started by: Technology2005 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 1:29pm)

Title: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 1:29pm

Whilst doing the school run yesterday morning in the '96 2.0 16V Auto I came to park up and struggled to get the car to move in reverse. All revs and very little movement. Same situation when pulling forward. Up to then it had been driving fine, no clunks, hesitation changing gears, just as it should be.

Took the kids into school and came to try driving home. Started the engine and lo and behold the O/D light was flashing. Set off for home and the drive was most "interesting" Couldn't get much above 20mph and felt like I was driving a car with a slipping clutch. Certainly wasn't able to change up at all.

I have run an OBD scan just now and have 2 codes, one of which is Gearbox related.

The codes I got were:

P0708 TRSACHI - Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit High Input
P0402 EGRFED - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected

This is the first OBD2 scan I have run so these could be old uncleared codes, but given this car was one of Highlander's "fleet" ..... :D

I'll check for a detached/split pipe at the EGR valve if I can find exactly where to look, otherwise I can assume that the EGR poppet valve is stuck open to give P0402?

Anyway, I am going to let the car idle up to operating temperature for a while and check the ATF level (don't want to drive the car around in case it won't drive back!) but does anyone have any suggestions as to what the cause (and fix) will likely be?

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Mike H on Oct 5^th, 2010, 3:11pm

Sounds like LOS (Limited Operation Strategy? aka 'limp home mode')

There's something happening the computer's not at all happy about so it won't let the car drive properly, only 'just about'

Transmission range switch = PRNGL switch, wiring gone open circuit? Or as it's really a potentiometer, resistive track has broken? Can anyone corroborate?

That would fit with difficulty engaging the right gears.

EGR could well be clagged up and may need soaking in something to get rid of the sooty dross

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Highlander on Oct 5^th, 2010, 3:28pm

on 10/05/10 at 13:29:10, Technology2005 wrote:

This is the first OBD2 scan I have run so these could be old uncleared codes, but given this car was one of Highlander's "fleet" ..... :D

The old Loden green one? I would have sworn that was a manual! ;D

Fluid level maybe...

Was it raining when you were out? I had a similar thing once with a 24v gearbox loom, the rain stopped it from getting drive ;)

Possibly the range switch on the box itself

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 3:54pm

That's the one Stuart, it's definitely always been an Auto, well until yesterday when it became single speed!

It was very damp and foggy yesterday morning and it had rained heavily Sunday evening so it's quite possible damp has been an issue.

I checked the fluid level and...well lets just say I couldn't read the dipstick as the fluid didn't register on it :O

I've topped up and will be going for a test drive later. It does beg the question as to where the fluid has gone....best check for leaks!

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Highlander on Oct 5^th, 2010, 4:02pm

autobox cooling pipes/radiator are prone to corrosion and leaks below the coolant radiator.

Also check the coolant condition, the autobox pipes route through the nearside of the coolant radiator for additional cooling, they can leak internally

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/coolerpipes.htm

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Dave2302 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 6:10pm

Also the range switches have a habit of playing up in the wet before total failure.

Once you've solved the fluid issue I'd put a range switch on it.

HTH Dave

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 6:19pm

How accessible are the range switches to get at for replacement? Are they internal to the box or bolted on externally?

Can they be refurbished or are they a sealed unit?

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 6:39pm

Just had a look at the gearbox section and found the TR switch....looks a right pain to change and also needs a special tool!

Wonder if I could get some contact cleaner spray into it rather than replace it ;)

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by gozz on Oct 5^th, 2010, 7:16pm

Once those range switches give trouble they are usually worn out,it is not impossible to get them off,but to ease the job you can drop the back of the box a little.The special tool is a simple setting gauge,if you put the two bolts back in the same position in the new switch by marking with a felt pen you will most likely be OK,if not,just ease the bolts and turn it very slightly.
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 7:37pm

Sounds like a job for the mechanic then as I've nowhere safe here to work on anything under the car.

I have to agree I think the TR switch not liking damp/wearing out is the issue though. The car drove fine today after topping up the gearbox fluid, but just to be masochistic (for testing purposes ;D) I took the car to a car wash and had the full works including the underbody wash! Needless to say the problem is back, albeit not as bad as on Monday.

O/D light flashes when Neutral, Reverse or Park selected. Driving in 2 felt like driving in D so the switch is definitely not happy when it gets near moisture!

I'd best be ringing the local Ford dealership to see how much one of these is going to set me back, plus an hour or two of the mechanics time.

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Dave2302 on Oct 5^th, 2010, 9:32pm

David,

Take it to a decent auto box specialist, Fords will rob you ;D

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 6^th, 2010, 9:09am

Yes agreed, I only meant to get the switch from Ford and then go see the bloke I usually get to sort the car...he'll look forward to this one as he's only just changed the steering rack on this car and I think he was hoping from a break from the underside of the Scorpio!

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Mike H on Oct 6^th, 2010, 1:06pm

on 10/05/10 at 19:37:48, Technology2005 wrote:

just to be masochistic (for testing purposes ;D) I took the car to a car wash and had the full works including the underbody wash! Needless to say the problem is back, albeit not as bad as on Monday.

O/D light flashes when Neutral, Reverse or Park selected. Driving in 2 felt like driving in D so the switch is definitely not happy when it gets near moisture!

I'd best be ringing the local Ford dealership to see how much one of these is going to set me back, plus an hour or two of the mechanics time.

David

Proof through experimentation! I like it ;D

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by gozz on Oct 6^th, 2010, 8:23pm

The range switch number is 1009313 if you want to ask Henry for a price,I seem to think the last one I had was about £70 mark.
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 7^th, 2010, 8:15am

Ahhh thanks for that Gozz, will make it easier to search for.

Whats the betting that Mr Ford will have raised his prices since the last price ? ::)

Are secondhand ones worth a punt given the time (and in my case mechanic charges) to swap them over? If the switches just get surface corrosion the might be salvageble (I love a challenge!)

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by gozz on Oct 7^th, 2010, 9:10am

You may well drop on a good one,on the other hand you might wish you had bought a new one :(
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Technology2005 on Oct 7^th, 2010, 9:43am

Indeed , I'm always in the latter camp as a rule :(

Got a quote back from Mr Ford of £70.20 plus £3 postage plus VAT total of £86.01 for 1009313 MLPS Lever Position Sensor

David

Title: Re: Autobox problems O/D light flashing
Post by Mike H on Oct 7^th, 2010, 7:05pm

on 10/06/10 at 09:09:32, Technology2005 wrote:

then go see the bloke I usually get to sort the car...he'll look forward to this one as he's only just changed the steering rack on this car and I think he was hoping from a break from the underside of the Scorpio!

LOL http://livinginthepast-audioweb.co.uk/images/misc/thlaugh.gif