O/D Light Flashing after 10 miles - 20ish min run time

[ADrum707]

I drive a 95' XLT 4WD 3.0L V6 - Trans code: 4R44E

Noticed a few weeks, maybe a month or two ago that my O/D light comes on about 20 minutes into a drive or after driving about 10 miles. It's very consistent and it takes HOURS off non-run time to not be flashing again when I start it up. When the light is flashing it's sluggish to start, and shifts harder than normal, ESPECIALLY when shifting into reverse. My gas mileage blows. I gotta get this thing fixed before I take it on a 1500 round trip.

I'm really hoping for anything but having to get a new transmission here...

I've seen possible solutions being the speed sensor in the rear diff, a sensor inside the tranny pan, other sensors on the outside of the transmission, etc.

What's going to be my best option here? What is the most likely cause?

 

[Transman304]

Going to be a TCC issue. The computer is sensing a slip and upping line pressure to try and preserve itself. And then canceling lock up. How many miles, fluid level and condition?

 

[ADrum707]

Getting close to 190,000 miles - will have to check the fluid levels. Haven't had a chance to get under it since before my vacation last month.

What's TCC? Sorry I'm kind of a noob....

 

[Transman304]

Torque converter clutch.

 

[ADrum707]

Time to do some investigation, thanks so much Brad!

 

[ADrum707]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Doh1quHo8

Do you think that ^^ this ^^ could very well be the problem I'm dealing with? Or could low fluid cause the issue as well?

Low fluid would indicate a leak right? I'm not seeing any fluid marks where I park it...

Thanks again in advance for your help!

 

[kimcrwbr1]

It probably has alot to do with foot feed or throttle position in relation to rpm? Have you checked the codes lately. A complete tuneup and diagnostic is where I would start it sounds like a compressin test would be in order as well the engine may just be getting old?

 

[ADrum707]

kimcrwbr1 - compression tested fine - this definitely seems to be a sensor issue, related to the transmission. Just didn't know which sensor to start with. TCC is a pain in the ass to change, but looks like it's the most likely culprit. It'll be getting a new engine within the next year - thought about getting a new transmission too.

 

[ADrum707]

Just checked the tranny fluid. Level was okay, color and smell.... not so much.