It was really cold outside, and my Explorer hadn’t warmed up yet. When I pulled out quickly, the vehicle felt like it stumbled, and a flashing light came on. I’ve already made an appointment with my transmission shop, but I’m hoping it’s nothing serious. This has been such a great vehicle so far—fingers crossed!
Are you sure it wasn’t the traction control light flashing? Were you driving on snow or ice?
Keir said:
Are you sure it wasn’t the traction control light flashing? Were you driving on snow or ice?
No snow, just cold weather—probably around the high 30s and sunny. I think I should’ve let it warm up a bit before driving.
Wait, these vehicles have a transmission warning light? I didn’t know that.
Flynt said:
Wait, these vehicles have a transmission warning light? I didn’t know that.
Yeah, many newer cars do. It’s not what you want to see, though.
Flynt said:
Wait, these vehicles have a transmission warning light? I didn’t know that.
Yeah, many newer cars do. It’s not what you want to see, though.
Can you share what the light looks like? That might help us figure out what’s going on.
@Flynt
In the US, it’s usually a cogwheel or gear icon—yellow for a warning and red for serious issues. Elsewhere, it might say PTI or PTU.
@Flynt
It turns out it was the yellow check engine light, not a specific transmission light. I assumed it was transmission-related because of how the car was acting. The light stopped blinking after about two minutes, and it’s been fine since. No idea what triggered it.
@Jaden
This was the light that was blinking. It’s the first time I’ve seen it happen. My Explorer has 133k miles, and I’ve owned it since it was new.
Did you just drive it while it was cold and not warmed up? I’m not saying you need to idle for 15 minutes, but I always let mine run for about 5 minutes before driving.
Haru said:
Did you just drive it while it was cold and not warmed up? I’m not saying you need to idle for 15 minutes, but I always let mine run for about 5 minutes before driving.
Yeah, I need to start doing that. I’m bad about just hopping in and driving off without letting it warm up a bit.
It might not be the transmission at all. Make sure to check if it’s just a bad ignition coil.