I'm a newbie here. I just purchased a 2003 F 150 truck with some issues. The shift tube is broken and I have a new one to replace it. My question is the overdrive. The button lights up as if it works. If you don't press the button when you start off, the transmission shifts smoothly but when you get to overdrive nothing happens. If you press the button to overdrive off, the light comes on and the truck continues in 3rd. Thanks for any help.

 

What do you mean nothing happens when get to overdrive

 

. I'm sorry I didn't explain. When you are driving the truck shifts well but when you get to the point where it should shift to overdrive it's like you are in neutral. If I press the overdrive button if goei to
3 gear and drives fine. The previous owner told me to to press the overdrive button after starting the truck to avoid this happening. The shift tube is broken and I will replace it when I am off work again.
Thanks

 

What if you take no action with the button at startup?

Get in, start truck and drive.
Will it shift in to overdrive above 40 mph?


Or are you telling us that if you start truck and drive (never have touched the button) it will shift from 1, 2, 3, neutral?

 

If you don't press the button it goes through the three gears and when it should go to overdrive it's like it is in neutral.

 

If the transmission is in known working condition, perhaps the stalk was improperly connected?
I am not sure how the switch installation could disable 4th gear and/or torque converter lockup.

I'm rereading what you wrote in your 2nd post. It sounds like the seller had a transmission problem and his solution was "press this before you go" and transmission works perfectly for the first 3 gears.
If this is true, seller sold you a truck with a shot transmission?

Am I on to something or does this not sound accurate?

 

Thanks for your response. You may be correct. But I bought the truck cheap enough that I can afford to make some repairs. It's a one owner truck that does have some issues.

 

So let me get this straight.... it never goes in to overdrive at all, correct? When it tries to go into overdrive, all you get is a neutral condition?

 

That is correct

 

If White has got this right the first thing in the manual (after wiring\connection problems) for this is damaged or improperly adjusted transmission range sensor (TR). Run the self test routine. You do have a scan tool right? It's not a luxury.

This one's up your ally White.