Figured I'd ask. I just changed my shifter lever to a chrome crown vic lever. Removed my old lever and put the new one in. Pushed the overdrive button and it didn't illuminate on the dash. Thought that was odd.

Tested my old lever, that didn't work either. Turned the truck on/off and noticed the light on the cluster wasn't turning on like the others do. Took the cluster out to find out I forgot to put the bulb in ...opps. I put the bulb in and still doesn't turn on. I tested both lever switches for continuity and they both work so I know the buttons are good.

I have zero check engine lights and no issues with driving/going into gears.

I checked all the fuses and they are all good. The last time I pushed the OD button was probably over a year ago and it did work.

I honestly don't drive ever using OD but now it bothers me knowing something isn't working right...

Not sure what else to look at or check.

I will have to take it on the road and push the button to see if the RPM's change and perhaps something just isn't illuminating on the cluster. But as it sits now it doesn't seem to be working?

-Nigel

 

Year of Ranger?

TCS(transmission control switch), AKA OD Button, lol, has its own fuse in cab fuse box, usually 10amp, you may have shorted out the wire during swap out

The "Bulb test" with key on should light up OD light, so may be an issue in that cluster

 

Ranger is a 2001 XLT 2wd.

I checked all fuses and all were OK. The truck is apart at the moment but I should be able to drive it in a couple days once I get my new turn signal stalk. Then I can put it together and see what's going on.

Very possible it might be the cluster. Just seems odd that the bulb doesn't light up when I turn the key.

I'll update in a few days.

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

Yes Bulb test has nothing to do with OverDrive button.

Pretty much every light, except back lights, get 12volts with key on, they are all Grounded momentarily for the Bulb Test, then Grounds are removed so they can be activated as needed by grounding

2001 Ranger replace Fuse 2 in cab fuse box, 10amp, thats the 12volt source for transmission control switch

 

Welp ordered a new/used cluster on ebay. So I should have that on Monday to test out as far as what might be going on.

I changed the fuse even though it checked out fine and still have the no light on. I tested the old shifter lever/button and the new one. Both have continuity when the button is pressed so I know both levers are working.

Still haven't taken the truck out of the garage to drive to see when I push the button if the rpm's drop/change but I will be doing that shortly.

Makes me wonder about the cluster only because when I was messing with it the seat belt warning light didn't come on until I reset the bulb base then it was on. So it could very well be a cluster that is shorting out. Hopefully the new cluster will show this. If not, then I don't know what else to check..lol

-Nigel

 

2001 instrument cluster wiring below

C220A 1, white/green wire, controls the OD bulb, from computer pin 79, the Ground for the bulb

C220A 5, orange/black wire, is the 12v for the OD bulb, comes via the Head Light switch from fuse 2.11 in cab fuse box, 7.5 amp
But this fuse powers most of the other gauges and lights as well

 

AHHH!!!

I have both the headlight switch AND the dimmer unplugged... That's probably freaking why!! you are a god send! Seriously I would have never put the two together as being related but I had the entire dash apart while I am installing the lincoln shift lever and turn signal stalk. It was just easier to remove the entire upper dash trim so that's why I disconnected both of the switches..

I'm going to connect them now and then report back.

-Nigel

 

Welp Ron, plugged both the headlight and dimmer switch on. Turned the truck on and pushed the O/D button. Light right up...lol

I'm an idiot. I should have plugged them in sooner. Oh well. I really appreciate the help! At least I'm not pulling my hair out anymore over it. Who would have thought the headlight switch had anything to do with that because I would have never guessed it.

:-)

-Nigel

 

Good work

Yes, head light switch was not on my radar at all in the wiring of the OD light