So I had my HG done at the local dealership. After I got it back, the OD Off light flashes but only intermittently and typically after driving for a while- like 15 minutes or more. The rig seems to run and shift fine, although I haven't been on the highway with it. I took it back and they adjusted the throttle cable and it now SEEMS to take a little longer, but then it still happens. I have no codes as I have read about in other threads. Any ideas?
OD OFF Light flashing
- Thread starter LCWannabe
- Start date
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Maybe the speed sensor. Mine did the same thing, but my speedometer was also bouncing all over the place as well.
Sent from phone
Sent from phone
That flashing light is a transmission trouble code. There's a way to read it, but I don't remember how off hand. You may have to search for that info, unless some one else here can help out.
- Thread starter
- #7
Is it possibly a low fluid signal?? I have a small drip that I thought was PS fluid. Maybe it is Tranny fluid. I will check the level and too off if necessary and see if it recurs. Any other helpful hints?
Page 60 of the 1996 owner's manual:
"(h) If the “O/D OFF” indicator light
flashes
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. There may be trouble in the
transmission system."
A flashing O/D OFF light is basically a "Check Transmission" light. I'm not sure that your average consumer code reader tool will give you any info on the transmission. The one I have at my garage will, though. You may have to take it to a professional shop to scan the TCU.
"(h) If the “O/D OFF” indicator light
flashes
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. There may be trouble in the
transmission system."
A flashing O/D OFF light is basically a "Check Transmission" light. I'm not sure that your average consumer code reader tool will give you any info on the transmission. The one I have at my garage will, though. You may have to take it to a professional shop to scan the TCU.
Hmm...I thought there was on OBD test for this.
Maybe I was thinking of the flashing ABS light issue.
Maybe I was thinking of the flashing ABS light issue.
- Thread starter
- #10
Well, the light came on much sooner after starting than usual. I finally checked the trans fluid level. It was down. I added about 2/3 of a quart and the light was still there. I turned off the rig and started it up again and the light is gone. Crossing my fingers that it stays off. Apparently, my PS fluid leak is actually a ATF leak. NOw to try to track that down and fix it. Thanks for all the replies.
Dan.
Dan.
- Thread starter
- #12
Update- I have had the rig back to the dealership 3 times. The first two they called and said that the problem was fixed- it was not. All they were doing was readjusting the accelerator cable. I copied some of the replies to this thread and a few PMs I received on the subject and put it all in a Word Doc for them after the first time. They actually read it, apparently, and called me the next morning to ask what site the info came from. I told them. They called me back at the end of the day and said it was fixed. I asked what they did and was told that they REALLY readjusted the accelerator cable this time. I was skeptical to say the least, but I got a ride from my wife, drove it for 11 miles and the light was back on. Took it right back and left it over night again. I called in the morning and left a voice mail asking them to check the TCU code and the connectors- stuff that was in the Word Doc I sent. They called me back again this afternoon and said they pulled the code and it is (0710- not positive I remember the correct code number) that says- Transmission temperature sensor malfunction or something to that affect. So, bottom line- all they had to do was pull the code. Now, I need a new Trans Temp Sensor. They charge $200 installed. Is this an easy install (it's COOOOLD outside right now)? Anyone have a ballpark cost for the part? And- can this code only be read when the OD Off light is blinking? The service manager alluded to that being the case as they were not able to make the light blink before today. Overall, I'm glad to (hopefully) know what the issue is and know that it's a relatively easy fix. Thanks for ALL the replies and PMs!! 
The 80 is just too old school... That is bad they couldn't figure it out the first time. I would be pissed about all your wasted time
- Thread starter
- #14
Update II- they replaced the ATF Temp Sensor and that did not fix it. They were stumped for another several days. They called the toyota tech line and had someone there working on it. The mechanic tested the wiring from the temp sensor to the ECM and said it was good. FINALLY the Toyo Tech line called them back and said to check for a ground between the engine and the body/frame. That was installed and the problem was solved. I asked if it was possible that the mechanic forgot to install it after the HG, and was told that it had never been there 
Funny how the rig just started doing this after the HG install but it had nothing to do with their work. Oh well, problem solved and I am back in the Cruiser just in time for the snow 
Here's a pic of the ground they installed.
Funny how the rig just started doing this after the HG install but it had nothing to do with their work. Oh well, problem solved and I am back in the Cruiser just in time for the snow Here's a pic of the ground they installed.
Thank you very much for posting this. My "o/d off" light started flashing just like yours, and I had no idea where to start. I already had a ground wire going from the engine lifting hook to the coil mounting bolt. Cleaned up the contacts on that and installed a second ground wire to the body where the battery is grounded. Have not seen the "o/d off" light again, and my speedometer is now working consistently enough that the 80 was able to pass safety check and be legal for another year. Really appreciate being able to benefit from all of the stuff that you had to go through.
guh. i'd be pretty upset after all that and just for a ground cable.
I would be more lenient on the dealership than some others. My rational is that there are not likely a lot of these 15-20 year old trucks still getting serviced at dealers. I don't think many get the experience with them at this age/mileage that many of the specialty shops get to see. There are some exceptions for sure with many supporting dealers, but I think they are the exception rather than the rule.
A few years back I took my '84 Westfalia to a VW dealer to have the a/c system repaired. It took them 3 weeks to get it figured out and then realized parts support was aftermarket and had to do some goofy things to get it working. The regretted taking my van in for certain.
Thanks for bringing this up!
I was trouble shooting code P0773 (and searching for "P0773", not the "O/D blinking") with the transmission after reinstalling the rebuilt engine 2 weeks ago. Drove me nuts trying to check all wirings, solonoids , grounds (3 of them).
After seeing this bump today, I installed the left over ground cable that I didn't know where it suppose to be- it goes on the cylinder head to firewall- like in the pics that the dealer did. Woalla, check engine light code P0773 and blinking O/D went a way.
I guess there's never enough grounds on these Toyota- 5 total that I can remember. I am sure lots of folks will be doing head gasket and will run into this problem so HTH future folks.
Well, my "o/d off" light started flashing again, and the speedometer quit completely. Already replaced the VSS on the transfer case last year. Got a new speedometer from CDan, and all is good now. Light is gone, speedo works, cruise control works again, shifts like it is supposed to. And, the 80 went from 239,000+ on the odometer to 0.
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I have this exact issue. Everything works fine and the rig drives well. After being on the freeway for 15 minutes or so the O/D Off starts flashing. I will try and add another ground.