Having shifting problems with a 1995 F150 with the AODE tranny. The other morning, backed out of my driveway and drove down my road. Got to a stop sign, went to leave it and had no forward gears. Was able to back up my road and back in my driveway. Got home later and started the truck again, still no forward gears. Pushed the 4x4 button, and my forward gears all returned. Put it back in 2wd and drove up and down my road. Punched the gas and it peeled out all the way down the street. Got back to driveway, came to a stop, lost all forward gears again.

So by process of elimination, if it moves and drives I would think I could rule out mechanical breakage in tranny. I would say the pump, torque converter, and clutches are fine because when it does work it shifts good and there is no slippage. I'm thinking something is sticking or plugged in the valve body. And yes, I checked the fluid level first.

Any input from the tranny gurus before I pull the valve body out?

 

When you lose your forward gears will it hold or roll when in park?

 

Park holds normally. Thanks for the quick reply, I was hoping you would chime in

 

If park works when you don't have forward gears that rules out the transfer case.

There is nothing in the valve body that could cause the loss of all forward gears. I suspect a major pressure leak inside the trans. The next step in the diagnosis is to put a pressure gauge in the test port and see what the pressure is when you don't have forward gears.

 

Hmm... any ideas what could leak pressure, but then work again temporarily like that?
And at this point, if it's going to be an internal pressure leak, the trans is coming out anyway, correct?

 

A worn clutch seal.
That's correct.