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.
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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

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