Explorer gear shift wont go into 1st.

[Exploder for 2000]

Hello All,

I have an automatic 2000 Ford Explorer Sport with 98k miles. I just got done replacing every fluid in the car and it runs beautifully. My problem is when I was going through all the gears, the shifter will not let me shift into first. 2nd gear works fine and when i put it into drive there is no issue whatsoever. I physically cannot get it into first with the shifter. I don't know of any other problems with the vehicle and i was just wondering if there is some preventive maintenance I should do so that this does not become a bigger issue.

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Hello All,

I have an automatic 2000 Ford Explorer Sport with 98k miles. I just got done replacing every fluid in the car and it runs beautifully. My problem is when I was going through all the gears, the shifter will not let me shift into first. 2nd gear works fine and when i put it into drive there is no issue whatsoever. I physically cannot get it into first with the shifter. I don't know of any other problems with the vehicle and i was just wondering if there is some preventive maintenance I should do so that this does not become a bigger issue.

There are 2 torx bolts under the dash that become loose overtime and cause the shifter to become loose and sometimes prevents you from shifting in to first manually

 

[Exploder for 2000]

There are 2 torx bolts under the dash that become loose overtime and cause the shifter to become loose and sometimes prevents you from shifting in to first manually

Thank you! I will take a look at this tonight!

 

[Turdle]

Loose gear shifter... and what is this bolt?

Quick story: I was driving home last night with my stereo up loud (it shakes the dash a lot) and a bolt fell from under the dash onto my foot. Today the shift lever for the transmission has a lot of free play and doesn't want to go all the way into "Park" and the needle doesn't line up with any...

www.explorerforum.com

This may help

 

[Pete Deering]

Hello All,

I have an automatic 2000 Ford Explorer Sport with 98k miles. I just got done replacing every fluid in the car and it runs beautifully. My problem is when I was going through all the gears, the shifter will not let me shift into first. 2nd gear works fine and when i put it into drive there is no issue whatsoever. I physically cannot get it into first with the shifter. I don't know of any other problems with the vehicle and i was just wondering if there is some preventive maintenance I should do so that this does not become a bigger issue.

Did you remove the transmission pan and filter? What engine do you have?

 

[Exploder for 2000]

Did you remove the transmission pan and filter? What engine do you have?

Yea I did. I have the 4.0 ohv.

 

[Pete Deering]

Yea I did. I have the 4.0 ohv.

Did you do something too the linkage inside the trans pan area?
Right filter installed? filter Spacer? Long screw, no spacer.

I uses a 1/2 concrete tub ( home depot $15) put it in a trash bag, no clean up and you can reuse the trans fluid.
After you remove the pan. See if goes into 1st gear( do not start engine) do it with the engine not running.
You did work before fluid change