I have a 1999 F-250 diesel 6 speed manual. I have had it several years and when I bought it, the seller showed me how to shift into reverse. You have to slap the shifter towards the steering wheel and there is a slight click. Then you can shift it into reverse and first gear. I was told this was to keep you from accidentally shifting into these gears, as the placement is different from most manual transmissions.

Why am I posting? Well I take it to the dealer to get serviced. The first time I went there, there was someone who knew how to shift it. Apparently he left, because they can not get it into reverse now. Today I watched a bunch of techs push the truck out the bay. They barely stopped short of telling me I have serious transmission problems.

So- Is this transmission just an oddball, or is there something wrong with it? I searched the internet and this forum and have not found any info on it. I have not had any problems with it.

 

I have a 2001 7.3 with a six speed. I have never had to "slap" it or heard any kind of click. It does move a little different going into reverse, nothing that unusual. I've driven common 4-speeds that act like that. With that being said, can you still drive it O.K.? If you can and it's not making weird noises or something I wouldn't worry about it. Another thing to remember is most people can't drive a stick any more.

 

There may be something wrong with your X/MIS but I doubt it.The shift lever needs to be pushed a bit harder to overcome the pressure of the Lo/Reverse "lockout"(thats a poor name for it).Years ago that Saranac Lake dealership was an excellent dealership! Was owned by the Gladd family.Long time ago! Maybe things have changed.I live in Malone,deal with Bailey's and NO complaints.I also have a 6 spd. handshaker in an '06 250.

 

Mark Kovalsky would really be a good person to ask.

I once had a car (VW Bug) with the lockout plate in wrong.
Reverse was easy it was 3 & 4 that were the problem.
Easy fix flip the plate.

Sean

 

Mine cant be pushed in reverse either. I found instead of a slap you can "double tap" push it over let the pressure off a bit then push again and it goes in

 

I had a '65 Bug and remember the push-down while pulling left and back to get to reverse. I was at a tire shop in my area a few months ago and was LMAO at the kid trying to get an old Bug into reverse with no clue!

 

This is one of those funny automatics that you have to move the shift lever and push a strange pedal every time it shifts. I don't know much at all about these mutant transmissions. I know A LOT more about the ones that you put in OD and just go.

 

pull to the left for the 1-2 branch...

Then keep pulling to the left for the R-L branch.

These aren't weird transmissions for pickups. They are weird for cars. Someone somewhere decided cars R should be right and down... Right and down is the natural shift after right and up overdrive. It's not likely that you can drop the transmission into a 5.x:1 reverse while going 50+ in a .7ish:1 overdrive, but if you do... parts go everywhere!

 

Also, Mark.

This week I shall attempt to stall the engine driving one of your "I think it's time to shift...NOW! oops, maybe not" manual transmissions by starting in 6th from a standstill...

if it stalls, I might just look at purchasing a new pickup. If not, manual/manual/manual 4x4 conversion it is.

 

Tex im sure it can take off in 6 if on flat ground. Just going to take a bit of clutch to do it

 

I think you misunderstood the auto/manual banter.