2001 F250 Will not shift into reverse

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Dec 19, 2011 | 05:44 PM

RobertF250

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2001 F250 Will not shift into reverse

My 2001 F250 4X4 with V8 gas engine and automatic transmission will not shift into reverse gear. Actually it kills the engine after a few seconds in reverse. The forward gears seem fine. I checked the fluid and it is a little low and I also noticed a few small fluid spots on the ground, is that enough to keep it from going into reverse. I am also confused whether I can top it off with Mercon V and then drive it to my local garage even though the dipstick says Mercon. Where is the most likely place that the fluid will leak from. It looks like it is dripping from somewhere directly above the front axle bracket on the passanger side. It was 19 degrees so I didn't feel like climbing underneath the truck today, so any help would be appreciated.

I assume I add the ATF into the dip-stick tube? Thanks for your assistance.

Last edited by RobertF250; Dec 19, 2011 at 05:48 PM. Reason: additional question

Dec 19, 2011 | 06:00 PM

PA-Mark

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From: Mt. Holly Springs, PA

if its leaking from the front of the truck, its one of the transmission lines, fittings, or oil cooler. this is where they are and where the lines run.

trans coolers dont fail that often, but lines will tend to develop leaks over time, so i would check there.

DEPENDING ON!!! how far away your service shop is, you can drive it the way it is to the shop. If its only a bit low, no worries, but if a quart or more, then i would add some.

Now as far as stalling in reverse, this stumps me. I have heard of stalling in a forward gear caused by a problem with the converter lock up circut shorting, but I cant see this happening in reverse... Im not a trans guru, so i cant say that its not the problem, but it dosnt seem possible to me...

anyways hope this helped, Mark

BTW, keep us posted as to what it ends up being... im interested in this one.

Dec 19, 2011 | 08:22 PM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

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From: SE Florida

It's actually MORE likely to stall in reverse than drive when the torque converter clutch is on when it shouldn't be. Low fluid, loose/missing internal filter, worn pump, worn seals, stuck valve, a bad solenoid, or a bad torque converter can cause this.

Dec 21, 2011 | 04:22 PM

RobertF250

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Thanks, those darn steel lines!

Thanks guys! the problem was the steel transmission fluid lines, they had rusted through where there is a bracket beneath the radiator. The repair shop also had to replace the radiator as well. They said that the lines and connectors were so corroded that the radiator connection threads were damaged. I cant believe the tank is made out of plastic.

Mark you were correct the reverse gear problem was caused by the low fluid. It was scarry thinking that I might have damaged the transmission. I added a quart and was able to back the truck out of the driveway and get it to the shop. I appreciate this website for the members advice in helping me to keep my truck running. I