shifting problems

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 8, 2010 | 04:35 PM

thekingdsm

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

shifting problems

Sorry if im posting in the wrong place this is my first post. i have a 98 expedition that i just bought from a family member. she had the usual problem with the shifter handle bolts being loose and paid a mechanic to fix it. but after that she couldnt get the trans in reverse. so after sitting a year i bought it and i cant get it in any gear but park and 2, and any other gear is drive. but when the car is off with the key turned i can put it in reverse and n and it will roll. so is it electrical? did the mechanic mess something up? any help would be apreciated.

Aug 8, 2010 | 07:43 PM

alloro

Fleet Owner

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 24,316

Likes: 5,127

From: 0,0,1

The mechanic might've knocked a wire loose at the brake light switch down at the pedal, or blew the brake light fuse. If the brake light don't work then it's not supposed to shift out of park when the ignition is on.

I believe the brake light switch is powered by fuse #13 (15A) under the dash.

Aug 8, 2010 | 11:49 PM

thekingdsm

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

I will check tomorrow for a loose wire, sorry but i meant that the trans will shift out of park but all the gears make me go forward no matter what the pointer is on, but when the car is off i can feel it go in R or N because i can push it.

Aug 10, 2010 | 10:30 AM

thekingdsm

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

Sorry for the late response, a storm knocked the power out. i checked the fuse and the brake switch and both are fine. someone suggested the digital transmission range sensor? does that sound right.

Aug 10, 2010 | 06:18 PM

madsonp

Moderator

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 2,811

Likes: 145

From: Billings, Montana

Did you test the brake light/shift interlock switch ? These have contacts in them that can burn out over time. See this post it might help you out. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...lairified.html

Aug 10, 2010 | 10:30 PM

thekingdsm

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

thanks for the reply. I read the post but it seems to have to do with not getting the car out of park and my problem is that its shifting out of park but every gear makes me go forward. so if i was to turn it on and put it in neutral i would still go forward but if i turn the car off with key in the on position i can feel it roll as though it is in neutral. it seems like the trans is going in gear but the computer is telling the car that it is in a different gear.

Aug 11, 2010 | 07:28 AM

Big Greenie

Temporarily Deactivated

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 969

Likes: 1

There isn't a computer involved. The linkage from the shift handle in the truck down to the side of the trans is a mechanical connection. The display on the dash is also connected to the shifter handle. Sounds to me like the linkage is out of adjustment, and there is possibly a loose bolt at the adjustment point still.