Looking for advise as to best way to diagnose my transmission problem. I have a 2003 F250 Super Duty with 190,000 miles. I have never changed the transmission fluid or filter. Recently I noticed when I park my truck on a slight incline the vehicle will drift forward or backward depending on orientation of vehicle on the slope. When I start the truck occasionally I need to pull up on the gear shift and make certain the truck is in park as I turn the key to start the truck. Also I noticed that gear shift indicator is slightly off center of R (reverse) or D (drive) when I put it in gear. I would appreciate any suggestions or advise as to how to trouble shoot the problem and best fix.

Thanks

 

first off 190K without a trnamssions fluid change or filter isn't always a good idea!
Once i get home ill look my 2001 F-250 and check and see what i can come up with!

 

Under the dash there is a bracket with two torx screws that come loose and cause this problem. If not you can readjust the shifter cable

iPhone from IB AutoGroup

 

yikes 200K on same trans fluid
As Scaler said your indicators loose. But why is it moving around when your in park? Your linkage may be worn to the point of needing adjustment/replacement as well. Do the parking brakes work? If so we'd recommend you use them on inclines.

 

The two #30 Torx screws referred to above are not to the indicator, but attach the shift cable to the shaft. Tighten those and all the problems should go away.

 

To All,

Many thanks. As a number of you replied my problem with the drift turned out to be the two little screws holding the bracket under the dash. When I first located the bracket as you suggested I could turn the screws with my fingers. I thought this suggested fix was too good to be true but I tightened the screws up and turned on the key. When I put it in gear the shifter was tight, it felt brand new. I headed for the closest hill, which is not hard to find around here. Stopped the truck, put her in park and she did not budge. Turned the vehicle around and checked if she would hold in reverse. Unbelievable. I have been dreading the worst with this problem but you guys nailed it.

Also to all that said I should be ashamed of myself for not changing the transmission fluid and filter before 190,000 miles. I got on line and found the procedure for flushing and changing the filter. Well I got everything together that I needed and last night after supper I got her done. The pan magnet was covered but the bottom of the pan was relativity sludge free.

Once again thanks to all. This is a great forum that I will visit every morning with my first coffee.

Thanks Guys

 

It's great that the fix was so simple! Thanks for letting us know.