Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting O/D light flashing

I seems to have multiple problems but perhaps unrealted.

My CEL has been on and off (See my other post 'Chronic intermitten Engine light on and off on Nov 7'). For this problem, I am waiting for the dealer to order the part to replace the IMRC. (cost is C$500)

Now I have an additional problem. My O/D light is flashing intermittenly and the dealer picked up code P0731. He said I may need a transmission job which will cost about C$1,500. He returned the car to me this weekend. I took it on a long trip, not flashing O/D and car ran really well. Yesterday, in City driving, the O/D started to flash and the car started to 'gallop' - It felt like the it has problem shifting.

Any comments?

Flashing OD light is usually bad news for the ATX. There is a position sensor on top of the tranny under the battery that I've heard causes some similar problems. Might want to check the level and condition of the tranny fluid just to be sure. You could try Lucas AT fluid conditioner to see if it helps at all. $1500C seams cheap for any serious transmission work as it usually means pulling the tranny. I wonder what they are including in the 'transmision job' ??

my od light started flashing the day my torque converter went out. AAMCO replaced that & rebuilt my tranny for $3000..... that's also with a 3 yr/50,000miles warr.

How long have you had this car and have you changed the ATX fluid?

Why such a high price for the IMRC?

P0731 : Gear 1 Incorrect ratio
IIRC the ATX fluid should be changed at 40k, 70k, 100k, 120k...
Depending on exactly what's wrong, changing it now plus some conditioner may actually mitigate the problem.

The following is from the Ford TSP (Technical Service Publication):

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0731/P0781 indicates gear #1 incorrect ratio. DTC P0732/P0782 indicates gear #2 incorrect ratio. DTC P0733/P0783 indicates gear #3 incorrect ratio. DTC P0734/P0784 indicates gear #4 incorrect ratio.

DTC P0750/P0751, P1751 indicates SS1 electrical malfunction. DTC P0755/P0756/P1756 indicates SS2 electrical malfunction. DTC P0760/P0761/P1761 indicates SS3 electrical malfunction.

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

* Key off.

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

* Connect DVOM between the VPWR pin and the suspect solenoid pin at the transmission vehicle harness connector.

* Perform KOEO Self-Test.

I had CEL problem with my '96 Contour as well as a flashing O/D light. They never could find a good CEL code, however. Related problems were engine rpm's increasing and decreasing on its own while at idle. Also had intermittent problem where engine would completely die and not restart till I let it rest for 10 minutes. After LONG time with mechanic and dealer problem turned out to be wiring harness - fixed under factory recall or campaign.