My transmission will not drive but it will reverse?

Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 313,000 MILES
What can be wrong with it I got to a store I went into the store. Then when I came out, I tried to leave, and my car reversed but it won't go in drive it went in drive, but it won't leave the store. What is the problem?
Monday, April 17th, 2023 AT 11:15 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

There are several internal components that may have failed. By chance, is this the original transmission in the vehicle?

Next, when you place the transmission into drive, does the gear indicator show it is in drive? Is the check engine light on while the engine is running? If it is, I recommend scanning the computer for diagnostic trouble codes.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

Let me know if that is something you can have done.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 AT 4:40 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
No code. Yes, I think it the original one yes it indicator it's in drive.
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

If there are no codes, chances are it isn't an electrical issue. It does have a lot of miles, so the problem could be internal.

Is the fluid clean and full? You could have a partially plugged transmission filter. If you haven't already, check the fluid level and condition.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

When you check the fluid, it should be a pinkish-red color. If it is brown or black, it needs to be serviced. Also, take note if it has a burnt smell.

If that checks good, then we need to check the transmission line pressure. We can cross that bridge when we get to it if needed.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Yes, the fluid smell burnt, and it was black and brown color. I just drained it.
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

If it is black/brown and smells burnt, the next thing to do would be the removal of the transmission pan to inspect if there are indications of metal shavings, excessive clutch material, and so on. Also, you will be able to see the filter for inspections as well.

I attached the directions below to access the filter. If you remove the pan and see debris, take a few pictures of it and upload them for me to see before cleaning.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, April 21st, 2023 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
This some.
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 1:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

By chance, do you have a pic of the pan itself especially where the magnet sits in it? Did you notice any metal shavings in the pan? Also, looking at your pic, I see places where it appears to be dark color dirt build up. Am I correct? If so, I have a feeling that is clutch material.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
It had no metal pieces it just like metal shavings.
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
But it looks normal.
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
It kind of look like this.
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

Is that from your vehicle? That is a mess. If that is clutch material, I feel it likely needs to be rebuilt.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
No, that is not my car.
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
When I start my car it sounds like a little bad.
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I'm glad to know that pic wasn't from your vehicle. LOL When you say something sounds bad when started, how would you best describe it? Also, is it loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Here one vehicle I have three.
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Thursday, April 27th, 2023 AT 1:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Patrick,

I did hear the noise. It sounds like something has come apart internally. At this point, the transmission would need removed and taken apart for inspection.

Is that something you are comfortable doing?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, April 27th, 2023 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Yes.
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 3:16 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
But the sound is not coming from the transmission it's coming from the engine area.
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
PATRICK ATKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
But the sound is not coming from the transmission it's coming from the engine area in the vehicle. Does the car sound good?
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

Take notice if the sound is louder at the rear of the engine when the transmission is bolted to the engine. Also, see if it is louder under the vehicle or above. You can even go as far as checking it between left and right.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 6:41 PM

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