Transmission not shifting properly

WSLINK

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
201,000 MILES

I bought this a year ago and the overdrive light came on. So, I had the transmission serviced and a faulty position sensor replaced on it. Then it was fine no problems except just recently will not go from drive to reverse without putting in park first. It feels like it won't find the gear or something won't allow it to engage but no lights are coming on this time and as long as I go from drive to park to reverse it works fine.

Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 12:42 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

That sounds like an issue with the shift linkage. Here is what I need you to check: On the side of the transmission is the shift linkage. It mounts in one location to prevent the cable from moving. At the end of the cable is also a connector that attaches to a shift rod.

Check to make sure the mount is tight and not coming apart. If it is in good condition, check to make sure at the end of the cable, where it attaches to the shift lever, it is tight and there isn't any excessive play in the connection.

I attached a pic below showing the cable and circled the two locations I'm referring to.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)