I noticed for the first time that the orange "O/D Off" light was blinking on and off.

The automatic O/D was definitely working but the "O/D Off" light just flashed on and off regardless of the actual O/D setting.

This was minorly concerning but when I stopped the car and restarted the engine, the problem was gone.

Not sure why it was doing that or what it was trying to tell me - if anything. very strange.

 

That means the computer has detected a fault in the transmission, or the sensors/electronics related to it. Time for a trip to the dealer.

 

Well, the flashing O/D light is gone so may be it was a fluke.

 

I thought I read a post on here some time ago that had the same problem. I think the outcome was a new tranny.

 

I'll have to keep an eye on this one. The tranny feels OK from what I can tell.

 

I'd take it in no matter what really. What do you have to lose?

 

computer resets fault on power cycle. problem will most likely recur with increasing frequency. push the issue if it starts happening more often in order to collect under warranty.

I agree with the other assessments: 'trip to dealer' and 'someone else's outcome was to replace tranny'.

Topical sad story: My 2002 Explorer is currently at the dealer for tranny replacement. 102,000 miles. OD off light flashed and they replaced solenoid pack which lasted a year, then light started coming on again with increasing frequency, delayed shifting and then CEL came on. Tranny fried...

Ford has serious issues with 'engineered components'. I am convinced that their CAD software has a bug in it that throws their calculations off. Or they subtract from their reliability margins instead of adding. blah,blah,blah...