Overdrive Button Stuck in Off on 2003 Ford 450 Class C

Question

First I had a button that wouldn't turn the overdrive on or off nor would the light go on. So after some research about bad wires, I replaced the shifter that the overdrive button is connected to. Now the overdrive is off all the time and the button doesn't work, but the light comes on and stays on. I have had a mechanic look at it, but so far he was puzzled, maybe a short. When he hooked up the old shift lever, it began to work ok.

Before I get back into the ignition and replace shift levers back to the old one, has anybody had similar experiences? Suggestions? If it is a ground, where might I find that?

Transmission seems to work well and shifts smoothly. Has 56,000 miles.

Thanks!

klutchdust · Answer

When you say that you replaced the "shifter" I am assuming you mean the shift lever. Now when you replaced the shift lever did you keep and install the original shift button?
If the button works in the old shifter but sticks in the new shifter it sounds like they are not compatible.
I assume that the wiring is all the same, unplug from button, install new shifter then plug back into button?
Is the button gummed up, electronic cleaner not brakekleen, works wonders sometimes.

Any photos?

bobndot · Answer

If there are no codes showing then its probably mechanical.
Did you buy the new shift lever from Ford ? If its not a Ford dealer part , that might be the problem. I have found this to be true with some Ford parts.

there are many ford posts regarding overdrive/shift lever problems.
read the jbnilsen post in this link, see if that applies to your model: if not scroll through other Ford posts on this site to find one that applies.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1088682-shift-lever-and-overdrive-switch-problems.html

sullivanclan · Answer

Correct, it's the shift lever which has the overdrive on/off switch attached to the end of it. I purchased it at Autozone. I did do a search for the overdrive posts, but there were so many and they only had to do with when to turn it off and on. I will try the post suggested next and maybe this weekend, swap in the old lever after some cleaning. The transmission, in general, seems to run and move through the gears well. Both levers seem to work somewhat erratically, which makes me wonder if something is dirty or a loose ground of some type.

drewe · Answer

When you say the lever works erratically, do you mean specifically the button and light, or the shifting between Drive, Park, Reverse, etc?

The shifting (other than the overdrive off button) is just a mechanical connection through a control cable, I think, for the 4R100, even though I think the transmission itself is electronically controlled. If it's erratic, then the cable needs cleaning or adjustment or replacement. If I remember properly, there is an adjustment at the transmission end of the cable to make sure the lever is in sync with the transmission. I don't know the precise procedure to get it set correctly; I've just seen the adjustment on my motorhome.

sullivanclan · Answer

The erratic is in the button and corresponding light,(and transmission) meaning, sometimes it seems to work one way, but not the other. (from off on overdrive, to back on without turning the engine off.)

I appreciate the information about the control cable and cleaning issues. It just seems odd, with such low mileage, and the intermittent condition. Of course, my main concerns is a transmission issue; plus just keeping the overdrive on so that I can make might next trip South.

I will plan on putting the old lever/button back on this weekend, next step after than maybe taking it to a transmission shop that has experience with the lever/button.

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Overdrive Button Stuck in Off on 2003 Ford 450 Class C

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