97 Explorer stuck in first

[ProNoob]

I have a 97 Explorer XLT 4.0 that will not shift out of first gear. I drove it last night and everything worked just fine, but when I drove it this morning, it would not shift at all. As I was driving it felt like it wanted to shift, so I tried raising the rpms and feathering the gas, anything I could think of as I was driving but it wouldn’t shift. This morning everything was frosted, maybe the cold did something to it? Any help would be appreciated. I’m 18 and this is my first vehicle and I am so not know much about it.

 

[Turdle]

You might check the throttle position sensor. High TPS output will prevent upshift.

Output should be <1v at idle and climb to 4.5v at wide open throttle, key on engine off.

How to: - Ford Explorer - Ranger TPS Test Procedure



Something else to try just because it might help
2nd gen issues? Try this first!

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

Also, make sure the transmission fluid is at the proper level.

 

[MrQ]

^ What he said, sounds like a low transmission fluid level issue.