I just had the transmission out of my 01, v6 4Wd escape to fix an axle seal problem. While I had it out I changed the filter as well now it's all back in and when I go to take off the engine revs up and then a second or so later the transmission engages. It then drives perfect untill I stop again. It also does this going into reverse. any help with this would be great. I don't want to create any extra problems.

 

did you check to make sure the trans is full of fluid? almost sounds like its low on fluid

 

Fluid level is fine I checked it warm and in Park. I'm at a loss .

 

I hate to say it, but if the filter/screen is installed incorrectly, it may not be 'submerged' in fluid, and may be picking up air at first. I have not had one of these apart, but the symptoms are the same as if the filter was dropped out of position on other automatics.
Are you sure you put O-ring in the proper place? Could the old one be left behind? That was something that frequently happened with the AXOD because of the design of the O-ring retainer.
A quick way to test for an out of place filter pickup is to add an extra quart or so of ATF. That would raise the level of the fluid high enough that a dropped filter and thus higher fluid level required for the pickup to be submerged would be compensated for. Do not leave the fluid level overfilled except as a confirmation test as you could get foaming, overflow, and later on, slippage.
tom

 

Hey there Tom tried your idea last night and it didn't help thanks anyway. could one of the sensors on the outside of the trans. cause this maybe i bumped one. none look broken.

 

Ray, 'warm and in Park...' ... with the engine running, right? The engine should be at idle, and the transmission warmed up when checking fluid level. Some dipsticks have a 'cold' marking [again taken with the engine idling] so you can check the level without waiting for it to be fully warmed up.
tom