First off, hello! I'm new here, friend of mine told me to join after I bought my first car, a Ford Mondeo Ghia X!

The car I just bought got a flashing overdrive light after driving it for 5 miles from the dealer I bought it from. The manual states that this indicates a transmission problem. I'm told that this could either be that the transmission is low on oil or has a real problem in which case it would be best to replace it (relative easy as it's an automatic).

Also the pedometer is stuck. Either genuine stuck or messed with by a previous owner. Is this something that is easy to be repaired? Obviously it means missing miles but it would be a good start to begin counting again.

Before anyone states the obvious, trying the dealer to take it back but he's not being helpful so thinking of plan b, resolve any issues and enjoy the car as it is a good nick (apart from transmission flickering light).

 

The O/D light flashing is a VERY bad sign, it could be any number of things, as they have several well known faults.
It will NOT illuminate however due to low fluid, you will just lose drive, is it jumping gears yet, has it locked in thrid at all(refused to change from third), have you lost lock up in
3rd or 4th.
One of the most common things is the turbine speed sensor, located on the "drum" looking part accessible behind nearside wheel with a two pin connector going to it, about £20 but a bitch to change if stuck!!
Another is the valve selector as it is fully electronic, like ferraris etc are(tip tronic) automatics!!, these are around £35.
Most of the box is rebuildable without taking out of the car, but if it has a damaged clutch basket for example it will need a full rebuild.
Sniff the fluid which should be cherry red in colour, if dark or smells burnt get your money back, or shell out £600-£800 soon for a new box.
Taste the fluid, if it is acid tasting give it back as well.
My best advice would be go to your nearest decent autobox repairers and get a free evaluation, where they will drive it and tell you what is what, as it is a lot easier than by desciptions.
One major problem is these boxes desperately need even if standard a far better oil cooler, the boxes overheat all the time, tha US cars that use these boxes all have ducted air cooling around the gearbox.
tabetha

 

Hi Tabetha, thanks for the very detailed reply. Bit scary news.

As said I'm new to this. Seriously pissed off that this light started flashing 5 miles after driving home. None of the lights came on during the test drive and driving felt fine. Still feels fine, there is none of the jumping or getting stuck you talked about.

Dealer refused to refund even though we called him 10 min after buying the car. I will be contacting trading standards and the citizens advise bureau first thing on Monday.

Having said that, cosmetically the car is in very nice condition so if I can get it sorted without breaking the bank it will be fine.

Btw, with autobox repairers do you mean a specialist? I was thinking of going to a Ford dealer that does service so they can hook up the diagnostic computer and check the car out. Bad idea?