Ford Explorer will not shift into drive.

Asked by 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.

2 Answers
96,685

answered about a year ago

It could be TCM, gear selector switch or shift solenoid problem, your best bet is to take it to a tranny shop, they can plug in and override the onboard controls and see if the trans and other components respond to what they tell it too do, then they can tell you what it is going to take to fix it. It doesn't sound like it needs overhauled as the gears will work if shifted manually.

2 of 2 people found this helpful.

answered about a year ago

Thanks! Better than the dealership's answer ;-)

Your Answer

Add photo

Related Questions

  • Ford Explorer will not shift into drive. 2 answers

    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...

    2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 99 Ford Explorer all wheel drive will not go 1 answer

    I am having a problem you will not go in gear at all I put it in drive or reverse I will not going to work I put it in park and it rolls like it's in neutral can not seem to find the problem

    1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT AWD SUV

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 00 ford explorer goes into gear but will not move 1 answer

    Hi, so my son used my 00 Ford Explorer v6 4x4 & from what I've been told he drove it heavy footed about 20mtrs & slammed it into park, then put it into drive reversed fast & slammed it into drive ...

    2000 Ford Explorer

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • My 2005 Ford Explorer will not drive in reverse, does that means my transmission is going? 2 answers

    I have over 200,000 miles on my 2005 Ford Explorer XLS and have kept it service, but I have never serviced the transmission. Have anyone experience this on your vehicle.

    2005 Ford Explorer XLS V6

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2013 ford explorer key will not turn 2 answers

    Key will not turn. Tried moving steering wheel.

    2013 Ford Explorer XLT

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Ford Explorer Questions

Ford Explorer Experts

#1 OJ
OJ
Reputation 10,510
#2 Tom Demyan
Tom Demyan
Reputation 4,220
#3 tennisshoes
tennisshoes
Reputation 2,430
View All

Related Models For Sale

Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
1,071 Great Deals out of 73,681 listings starting at $1,200
Used Ford Expedition
415 Great Deals out of 24,089 listings starting at $1,500
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
597 Great Deals out of 32,881 listings starting at $1,500
Used Ford F-150
2,174 Great Deals out of 195,110 listings starting at $290
Used Ford Escape
1,374 Great Deals out of 84,720 listings starting at $995
Used Dodge Durango
281 Great Deals out of 21,230 listings starting at $1,500
Used Toyota Highlander
376 Great Deals out of 26,278 listings starting at $2,500
Used Toyota 4Runner
227 Great Deals out of 19,106 listings starting at $1,500
Used Nissan Pathfinder
335 Great Deals out of 22,224 listings starting at $1,500
Used GMC Yukon
423 Great Deals out of 20,393 listings starting at $1,495
Used Ford Explorer Sport Trac
66 Great Deals out of 1,799 listings starting at $1,800

Used Cars For Sale

2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD For Sale
68 Great Deals out of 1,226 listings starting at $21,753
2015 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD For Sale
77 Great Deals out of 1,786 listings starting at $17,690
2014 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD For Sale
98 Great Deals out of 1,987 listings starting at $13,430
2013 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD For Sale
14 Great Deals out of 794 listings starting at $11,995

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.