Tellico40 Posted September 25, 2021 Share Posted September 25, 2021 My tranny will not shift unless I column shift from 1 to 2. It will not go to 3rd. I will go into reverse. I have checked fuses. Cleaned up ground connects. I have a working speedometer which should rule the vss. The screws are tight at the column shifter and shift cable connection. The shift lever seats in each detent for each gear. Cable does not appear to need adjustment. Column shift indicator lines up with selected gears. I have purchased but not broken the packaging on a new neutral safety switch....hoping to be able to return it. I have verified the truck will not start in any gear but park. What have I missed? I replaced body mount bushings. Prior to that the tranny was great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tellico40 Posted September 25, 2021 Author Share Posted September 25, 2021 Forgot to mention it is a 93 f150 4x4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Moses Ludel Posted September 26, 2021 Administrators Share Posted September 26, 2021 Tellico40...So the transmission does shift into reverse? When in an actual gear, there is no slippage or indication of disengagement? I'll share a troubleshooting strategy in the morning... Moses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tellico40 Posted September 26, 2021 Author Share Posted September 26, 2021 The truck does go into reverse...noticed the reverse lights are not lit...and there is no slippage in drive or reverse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Moses Ludel Posted September 26, 2021 Administrators Share Posted September 26, 2021 Tellico40...What you describe is generally an electrical problem. The factory troubleshooting steps involve two scan tools that Ford recommends in its PC/ED Manual. One possibility is that the PCM could be defective, but I do not recommend replacing the PCM just yet. You could get a scan, which might pinpoint an electrical trouble source. I would start, however, by checking connectors from the PCM/ECM to the transmission's controls. The fact that this occurred suddenly points to either a wiring/connector problem or a shift control issue at the transmission. The alignment of the Manual Lever Position Sensor and the manual shift linkage would be my first point to check. There is a manual lever position Gear Position Sensor Adjuster Tool that Ford recommends for this adjustment. Also, and easy to check, the MLP Sensor's retaining bolts should be secure at 55-75 in-lb torque. Check the MLP sensor and its retaining bolts and the alignment between the shift lever and the sensor. The Neutral start issue suggests a linkage or sensor misalignment. Consider the MLP sensor at the transmission, it could be defective. We all want a simple, inexpensive fix. Without the use of a scan tool to pinpoint transmission trouble codes, I can only suggest mechanical/electrical connector and linkage/sensor alignment issues. Ford makes it clear that everything related to electrical signals or the PCM requires troubleshooting with the scan tools. You can troubleshoot the relationship between the mechanical shift linkage and MLP Sensor—and even replace the MLP Sensor if you suspect that the sensor is defective. You can check all connections, grounds, continuity (with an ohmmeter) and the solenoid wiring within the transmission. If none of this turns up an obvious issue, a scan tool would be required for troubleshooting other electrical or PCM/ECM related issues. The good news is that this is likely an electrical issue and not clutches, a loss of pressure or other internal hydraulic issues. If you have those kinds of problems, they show up with a hydraulic pressure check at the transmission test ports. Moses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tellico40 Posted September 26, 2021 Author Share Posted September 26, 2021 Thank you for the insight. I will get busy. Feedback to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tellico40 Posted September 26, 2021 Author Share Posted September 26, 2021 I went straight to the MLPS as you suggested. I checked out good, but alignment was in question next according to your feedback. Not having a tool to set the MLPS, I used Kentucky windage. I angled the sensor a small bit toward the out put shaft. It is ALIVE!!! It shifts!!! May need a small bit more adjustment having back up lights that blink when going to reverse.... it I had NO BLINK before following your instructions. I am ecstatic. Thank you, Moses for your help. You are the man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Moses Ludel Posted September 27, 2021 Administrators Share Posted September 27, 2021 Tellico40...You're very welcome...My gut pointed to the MLPS, as you had no trouble then a sudden change related to electronic/electrical shifting. You could still shift manually, a good sign. There was no hint of hydraulic or major internal/mechanical trouble. We're both pleased with the "simpler" fix...Yea! Moses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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