2000 F150 v6 4.2L, 2wd auto.

Hadn't used the truck in about 4 months. Had a flat tire in the garage so moved her outside to change the flat. Putting her in reverse, I felt a jerk when she engaged. After changing the flat, now she won't move and seems stuck in neutral. I can move the gear shifter through all gears but she doesn't seem to lock into any.

Is this a matter of resetting the ECU? Is the trans motor stuck?

I've had previous issues with shifting before e.g. my electrical harness was touching one of my a/c tubes near the battery causing the wires to get hot and short whenever the vehicle was placed in drive. Turned out the insulating wrap on the tube was worn so I had to rewrap with electrical tape.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

No, resetting the computer won't fix it. What is a trans motor? Not sure what you mean there.

First thing to do is check the trans fluid and make sure it is full.

 

Thanks, trans fluid level appears ok. Not all the way full but about two thirds up the dipstick markers. I will top it up in the morning. In the meantime, does anything else come to mind?

Is there any chance any wiring is burnt?

 

Ok, I went ahead and topped up the trans fluid. After pouring about half a bottle I noticed that fluid was pooling under the truck near the front of the trans pan. Is this from the excess because the fluid level is too high?

I started her again and still no luck with getting it in gear.

 

No, that sounds like you either broke the case, broke a planetary gear or your lost the front pump. You are looking at a transmission most likely

 

I agree, sounds like the pump to me. Does it whine?

 

Did you check the cable lol?

 

Thanks. When exactly would the whining occur? I do hear a screeching sound when I start her up but I presumed this was from a tight serpentine belt since i hadnt used the truck in months.

 

Pretty much all the time.... possibly changing sounds when gears are changed/applied - but since it's not engaging, probably just constant. However..... it could also make a chattering sound and be bad, or no sound at all and be bad. I've seen all 3 scenarios.

Do you have by chance have the "OD Off" light flashing on the shifter? That is throwing a code, telling you what is wrong, if so.

 

Thanks. The whining is there indeed once the engine is running. It doesnt go away. OD Off? Never seen that before. Do 2WD's have that?

So this means I need to replace the trans pump. What does that entail work and parts wise? Complete dropping of the trans pan to replace the pump?