I own a 1990 ford f-150, 4.9 liter, straight 6 engine, E40D transmission, 2 wheel drive. I have been having problems with it not going into overdrive. It will run fine in 1st and 2nd gear but when it tries to go into 3rd, it just revs the engine (no overdrive).

But the weird part is that every once in a while it DOES go into 3rd (& higher). Every once in a while it just kicks into overdrive and goes.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Also, what kind of problems would you see if the neutral safety switch was broken/damaged if the transmission was otherwise OK?

 

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When your neutral safety switch goes bad, you don't start. At least not easily--you may have to play with the shifter lever just to get the truck to turn over. Once started, it has zero effect.

I'd check your tranny fluid condition and level for starters. Is it properly filled? What color?

Jason

 

I do have to mess with the gear shift to start, I forgot to mention that, but like I said it runs OK after I get it to start, but won't shift past 2nd gear (most of the time). Could it still be that sensor?

Have checked the transmission fluid, it's the right color and doesn't leak.

I've changed the fuel filter, fuel pump, tightened the linkages from the manual shifter to the transmission, checked all the connections, changed the spark plugs and wires.
Am I missing something???

PS Thanks so much for your response!

 

did you change trans filter and also drain convertor?

 

Have changed filter, have NOT drained converter. Will try that right now and get back to you ASAP. Thanks a million!

 

Do you have a Haynes or Chilton's manual? If so, check out the procedure in there for adjusting the shift linkage, that could be the problem with the tough-to-turn-over condition. The NSS shouldn't cause any running or shifting issues, but an out-of-adjustment linkage could cause some shifting problems. You'll want to have a helper to do the adjustment, it's much easier that way.

Jason