Hi everyone. I have a 04 Explorer 4.0 4x4 with 130,000 mi. It all started about 3 months ago. The truck would neutral out while driving. After changing tranny fluid and filter, along with rear speed sensor the problem returned after driving 3-4 miles. After digging deeper I found the transfer case was bone dry and fried inside. Replaced the TC and check fluid level again. Back out of garage and drove the vehicle approx. 2 miles. Stopped to grab a coffee and left truck running. Returned to find I had no reverse or drive. This is after driving it to where I was. Towed truck back home. I noticed the vehicle would start in gear. Replaced neutral safety switch ( grooves properly aligned ). Started truck, reverse lights come on when in reverse.. The problem now is when I put vehicle into R,N,D,3,2,1, the truck does one thing... REVERSE. All gears put truck into reverse, no forward movement at all. I attempted to replace safety switch a couple of weeks ago but was unable to remove the nut holding the lever on. 2 days I spent on that nut. Now I'm wondering if I did something inside the tranny when I was wrenching on that nut for 2 days? Can someone please help. My son really needs his truck back.

 

I would pull the pan again and check the manual valve on the valve body, it is operated by the linkage. You might have damaged that connection during your attempts at removing the shift lever nut.

 

Thanks James... I was thinking I had to look inside again, just really hate to...but it's gotta be done. Won't be able to look into it till Tuesday pm. Keep you posted. Also James could you help with your transmission expertise... When I drop the pan what should I be looking for? Would disconnecting the shift cable from the neutral safety switch and manually putting into drive at the tranny, while someone attempts to drive forward tell me anything? Would that tell me the shift linkage needs adjusting if the vehicle does move forward?

 

This is a pic of the internal linkage, the pin that is on the side indexes the manual valve, I bet this is broken off of yours.

I wouldn't worry about any of the tests with the linkage, just remove the pan the problem will be in there.

 

Thanks a bunch James... I plan on taken Thursday off and working on it. Looks easy enough to replace.. as long as the part is available at a parts store. Where would my best bet to find this internal linkage? Again THANKS a lot...

 

You will have to go to the dealer or rob one from a spare case. A transmission shop may have a case laying around or a transmission parts supplier could get it.

I think the Ford part# is 1L2P-7C494-BA or XW4P-7C494-AC, I found it listed in my parts book. Conform with your dealer that it is for your vehicle before ordering.

Part 991-3

 

This information was very helpful. This is what was wrong with my vehicle. 2003 Ford Explorer.
However, what if the rod connected to the top of the rooster tail is pulled too far forward. Can I slide that back into the transmission, or is this going to cause me further issues.

 

That rod is for park, you can test that before you put it all back together too make sure it works.

 

I had a hard time getting the rod back in. Had to turn the drive shaft a little.
Transmission is back together and works proper.
Thank you.😀