T-case or Tranny?

[ThaCleanMan]

Hello everybody!! Great forum! This thread might be a lil long...well first off i have a 97'explorer sport 4x4. It has just over 160k miles on it and runs like its new. But recently i had my shift linkage to become misaligned and on top of that, it won't go into park but it will go into reverse but it makes this loud grinding noise. Also that grinding noise appears when im driving, when i get off the gas its really loud then when im on it, it goes right away. any suggestions..

 

[Wrench]

Could be that you shift cable is stretched or out of adjustment. Doubt it thou. Most likely the noise you hear could very well be an issue in the transfer case. Is your transfer case a Control Trac or a 1354 BW?

 

[ThaCleanMan]

It has the Control Trac...and it doesn't go into 1st..so its R, N, D, and 2nd

 

[Wrench]

To be clear, you have no 1st gear when gearshift selector put in D position or 1. How did the shift linkage become misaligned? You have a DTR sensor on the trans which is controlled by your shift cable. Do you have reverse lights when R is selected. DTR sensor could be defective or out alignment.
Any lights flashing in the instrument panel? Are you sure that the PCM commanded 1st gear?
When you say that there is a grinding noise upon deceleration and none on acceleration it sure sounds like the T-case chain is jumping (loose). Have you check the condition of the fluid in the T-case?

 

[ThaCleanMan]

Thats correct..the gearshifter wont let me go into 1st. I know about the thumbwheel underneathe the steering wheel..it was completely broken..i just went to the Ford dealership and got the unit for it but still no difference! Yes i do have reverse light while in reverse...theres no flashing lights on the instrument panel...no i haven't checked the T-case fluid and im not sure what you mean by PCM COMMAND...

Im giving you an early Thank You for even replying to me!!