Hi guys, I just replaced my 1995 F-150 gasser with a 2001 Ford F-250 Superduty 7.3 Diesel, Auto Trans. 4X4 Supercab 8' bed. I found it owned by a lady who only had driven it 38,500. The bed looks like new. Not a scratch. The truck is mint. It also has a matching Leer canopy. All works fine and it drives like a new one. I do notice the small overdrive indicator light on the shifter is not lit at any time. The overdrive shifts fine and works ok. There are no other issues I can find on this truck. Any tips on that light? Also any tips on what I should be checked on the engine or running gear at this point? It isn't chipped, has the stock air intake and exhaust. The oil was just done.

 

Take the plastic cover off of the steering column. There are screws under the column. Inspect the wires where they enter the shift handle. It's common for the wires to wear through or break right there. You can either repair the wires or get a new shift handle for about $65 at a Ford dealer.

 

Thanks Mark. I'll go look right now and get back to you!

 

I took the screws out but all I see below is a bundle of wires that look to be for the steering wheel controls for the cruise control. I can't remove the top of the cover as the key switch won't allow it to pass over. I don't know how to remove the key switch so I can't see the top of the column...any ideas?

 

Just to be sure that I understand what you are saying, when you push the button on the end of the shift column, the "overdrive off" indicator does not come on?

 

That is correct. It does not illuminate when the OD is off.

 

Not sure if you have tried this yet or not...however...

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Swapping auto collum shifter arm - PowerStrokeNation : Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

It is for replacing the shifter but the steps are exactly the same in that you need to get the top cover of your steering column and find the OD wire. Over time the wire becomes chaffed. This was the problem in my Father in Law's F-150. I have seen this problem in Excursions as well.

Once you get the top off...look real hard for the wire and I'm betting its chaffed. You will also note that the wire is tight...like a couple more centimeters would kill Ford. That's what she said.

 

Does the OD off indicator light up momentarily when you turn the truck on when the dash does a bulb check?

S

 

I saw this thread and this is the same reason I have joined this forum. I also have a dead "overdrive" light. Is there a bulb in the shiftier?

 

Yes, there is. It's fine. Don't change it, a new bulb will not fix this. The fix is above.

 

i don't think we are actually clear on what the problem is.

usually the wires break and you lose the ability to cancel overdrive. if that is the case, then the fix is above, as mark said.

when going down the road at highway speed and you press the OD button, does the truck shift to 3rd? or does it do nothing?

also, check to see if the fuse for the OD cancel button is blown (fuse 19). had that happen in a t-bird once too. OD button quit and the fuse was the only problem.

 

I just got through printing out the fuse blocks and was going to try that first but it is raining right now.

 

Sorry, I thought he said dash light.

 

Yes the OD shifts properly. Just the light doesn't illuminate when the OD is off. Thanks for all the tips. I'll report back as soon as I can.

 

I can push the button when I am going down the hi-way and nothing happens. I never feel the 4th shift either. I had thought it was just the light, but 19 was good and I tested it out on the hi-way. I guess I am driving around in third. Don't know if this makes any difference, but the cruise is not working either.