No Manual Third

[gavingray350]

Hi all! I have a 2003 Explorer XLT 4wd 4.0 with the 5r55s. I replaced the transmission with a reman little over a year ago due to the common solenoid problem. When I replaced the transmission, I had to replace the neutral safety switch as the factory one was damaged by the removal. Ever since replacing the transmission and switch, there is no manual third gear. It has third gear in drive, but when you pop the shifter down to third it drops down into second gear. While looking on the live data, it says the transmission range is 2nd in 3rd but correct everywhere else. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Is it related to the neutral safety switch?
Any help is appreciated,
Gavin

 

[Mr Mumbles]

I've got the same problem in my '02 Ex with the 5R55S. It shifts fine up and down thru the gears while in Drive but as soon as I select third manually, it goes straight into second. This is kind of a bugger as I live in hilly country and like to use third to hold the vehicle back while going down hills and also while towing.

This all started after I fully rebuilt the tranny and transfer case and installed a TransGo shift kit while it was out of the vehicle. The shift kit is meant more for torque converter lockup than performance so I thought it might be the neutral switch to as the original was so-so and I've replaced it three times with no affect. Solenoids and wiring from the computer all check out so I'm not really sure. I called the tech at TransGo and we spent an hour going over it and he pointed out which valve in the kit relates to the three gear shift but didn't think it should affect the shifting at all. Now I'm starting to wonder if it's not the aftermarket (Dorman) parts I used.

 

[gavingray350]

Update: I called the company I bought the transmission from about the issue and was told I have the issue of the month. We are trying to fix the issue with an oem motorcraft nuetral switch. If it doesn’t fix it, the ETE is going to help out with some suggestions. I’ll keep you posted.

 

[Mr Mumbles]

We are trying to fix the issue with an oem motorcraft nuetral switch.

That's what I've been wondering to, if maybe the aftermarket switch isn't compatible. My '02 Ex is actually a late build, '02 1/2 and I've had to call it an '03 when buying certain parts at the auto supply. I should go to my Ford dealer and see if there was any change in the switches between the years.

And please let me know how the OEM switch works, whether it solves the third gear problem or not.

 

[gavingray350]

That's what I've been wondering to, if maybe the aftermarket switch isn't compatible. My '02 Ex is actually a late build, '02 1/2 and I've had to call it an '03 when buying certain parts at the auto supply. I should go to my Ford dealer and see if there was any change in the switches between the years.

And please let me know how the OEM switch works, whether it solves the third gear problem or not.

I have fixed the issue. It was the aftermarket park/neutral safety switch. I got an oem motorcraft sensor and it now works like intended.

 

[Mr Mumbles]

I got an oem motorcraft sensor and it now works like intended.

So it was the aftermarket switch all along?

Thank you so much for clarifying that! Monday morning I'll be straight off to the Ford dealer to order one.

This problem has been so puzzling and I was getting ready to drop the valve body and replace some of the valves from the shift kit with the original ones to see if that would work. Replacing the switch will be a much easier and cleaner job! Thanks again!

 

[Mr Mumbles]

I have fixed the issue. It was the aftermarket park/neutral safety switch. I got an oem motorcraft sensor and it now works like intended.

Yup, same here. Installed a Motorcraft switch this morning and third gear came back on demand. It feels good to have the tranny working like it should again.

Two Dormans and one from my auto supply weren't compatible even though they were supposed to be. Just goes to show that cheaper aftermarket parts aren't always the way to go. Kind of wish I'd bought the Ford part in the first place. P/N 5L2Z-7F293-AA if anyone else has this problem.

(Photos wont attach for some reason but it was August '22 when I installed the last Dorman)