I got a 2004 f150 heritage 147k miles 2w drive 4.6 v8 automatic with overdrive, i lost the drive, 1, and 2nd gears, i can only shift into park, neutral and reverse.

it starts in park and neutral, i changed the transmission range sensor and still the same, any clues on what i should look for next? im thinking it may be electrical related.

 

If something electronic has happened in the tranny an error code should be generated. Scan the system.

The symptoms you describe may be due to an open shift control solenoid in the tran or an open circuit to a solenoid due to a bad connector or an open harness wire.

 

has anyone heard it is worse to change the tran fluid?

 

I had something similar happen to me and it isnt good news. the transmission fluid overheated and burned up all the drive gears. the trans had to be completly rebuilt. YOu could do it yourself but you really need to know what you are doing. Or you could haul it to a shop. that cost me around 2k.