Ford Explorer will not shift into drive.
50

Asked by hokiefiedheel Jun 20, 2016 at 12:58 PM about the 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2001 Explorer XLT 4WD Automatic, 235k miles.

Will not shift into drive. Shift lever moves to "D" position but gears do not
engage, acts as if in neutral. If I shift into "2" the transmission engages and
it will drive. I can then shift from "2" to "D" and it will drive normally with all
gears unless/until I come to a stop or very slow for turn, then reverts to the
neutral type behavior.

Problem surfaced when car was stopped pointing up steep slope and
shifted from R into D. No apparent noise, per the driver.

Is this likely repairable shy of complete transmission overhaul or
replacement?  I can tolerate this "semi-automatic" transmission for a while,
my wife not so much.

3 Answers
150

GuruWNY77 answered 6 years ago

I have a 1995 Ford explorer it will go into reverse but it won't go into no other gear

15 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

GuruBNY43 answered about a year ago

2008 ford explorer sport trac doesn't shift into drive - I have to shift in lower gear then drive for it to work. I have had this transmission rebuilt 2 months ago $3800. Took back to the shop and guy tells me this is NORMAL, that I have to shift to lower gear first - I do not accept this - any ideas

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Explorer

Looking for a Used Explorer in your area?

CarGurus has 2,065 nationwide Explorer listings starting at $2,999.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Ford Explorer Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    31,070
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,890
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,340
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Expedition
23 Great Deals out of 821 listings starting at $7,888
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
24 Great Deals out of 911 listings starting at $11,900
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
109 Great Deals out of 3,238 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Durango
46 Great Deals out of 2,266 listings starting at $5,500
Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 738 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota 4Runner
10 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $9,700
Used GMC Yukon
16 Great Deals out of 929 listings starting at $1,225
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975
Used Nissan Pathfinder
35 Great Deals out of 1,373 listings starting at $4,333

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.